Oversized Skimmers, who runs them.

[X-37B]

I am curious how many people run skimmers that are rated oversized for their systems.
I run a Tunze 9430dc on my 120.
Its rated for a 900 gal system. Actually if you use the Tunze calculations its rated for a fully stocked sps system of 270 gal.

It works very well in my system.
I do feed my 14 fish around 8-10 cubes a day, so heavy in heavy out.

Here is a pick of mine on day 3 after a cleaning.

Show us a pic of your over sized skimmer if you run one.

 

[chaostactics]

I did for a long time but getting it tuned in was a PITA. I think BRS is on to something with the statement of erring on the side of slightly undersized vs oversized especially if you're using filter socks and have other nutrient export systems as well.

 

[X-37B]

I did for a long time but getting it tuned in was a PITA. I think BRS is on to something with the statement of erring on the side of slightly undersized vs oversized especially if you're using filter socks and have other nutrient export systems as well.

I have heard that plenty of times.
I think it has to do with the brand of skimmer.
I ran those prior and was always adjusting it.
I have run Tunze dc skimmers for over 5 years now and they are very underrated, imo.
They require no tuning as people say.
Plug it in turn it on and it skims.
Their is nothing to adjust but the pump.

I ran a 9410dc prior and the 9430 pulls quite a bit more skim.

I also run filter socks and a skimmer and thats it.
I could understand if you were running a fuge though.

As long as the skimmer pulls skim you cant overskim a system.

 

[desagon]

I have the Bashsea 6-24 skimmer for my 150 gallon. It was the smallest skimmer they offered and I feel like it was under rated quite a bit when you compare it to others.
This is a pic of it a few days after cleaning it. For the most part, it’s my only nutrient export. I run filter socks for a few days once per month and my nitrates stay around 1 or so. 17 fish and lots of feedings.

in my opinion, it’s a little oversized for the tank given that If I run anything else with it, my nitrates hit 0.

 

[X-37B]

I have the Bashsea 6-24 skimmer for my 150 gallon. It was the smallest skimmer they offered and I feel like it was under rated quite a bit when you compare it to others.
This is a pic of it a few days after cleaning it. For the most part, it’s my only nutrient export. I run filter socks for a few days once per month and my nitrates stay around 1 or so. 17 fish and lots of feedings.

in my opinion, it’s a little oversized for the tank given that If I run anything else with it, my nitrates hit 0.

Nice. My no3 levels stay around 3ish since upgrading. They ran around 10-15 with the smaller skimmer so it had a decent effect on the no3 levels without changing anything else.

 

[CMMorgan]

I'm running a Red Sea RSK-600 on about 120 gallons in the DT. It is rated for 150-400 gallons. I was going to get a RSK-300 before I came across this one used. It requires very little dialing in, slims like a beast and I love the neck cleaner and drain hose. I'm glad I got the 600. Looking at how much this pulls, I'd think the 300 would have been undersized in spite of the rating.

 

[X-37B]

Update: I have been running a 30g remote fuge now for over 4 months. No3 is 1-2 and po4 .05.
I still run a 7" filter sock changed every 3 days and the 9430dc.
The fuge has allowed me to stop running po4 reducing media.
9430 still removes 300ml of dark skim a day.

 

[MillennialReefer]

I run the Reef Octopus 6" Classic 150INT on my 65G system the only reason I run it is because it was included with the purchase. I also run a ATS. I do think that If I chose a skimmer it would have been from Tunze and something rated for up to 100G. Personally I do prefer to get an oversized skimmer for a system but not by a lot. I prefer to have fewer methods of filtration just for east of maintenance.

 

[jda]

Multiple oversized skimmers on all of my tanks. Usually three of them.

 

[shakacuz]

Update: I have been running a 30g remote fuge now for over 4 months. No3 is 1-2 and po4 .05.
I still run a 7" filter sock changed every 3 days and the 9430dc.
The fuge has allowed me to stop running po4 reducing media.
9430 still removes 300ml of dark skim a day.

what do you use to hold your filter sock? i'm trying to build my own sump but want to make the drain/skimmer into 1 chamber to have more room for a fuge.

 

[BrandonS]

I always question the ratings on skimmers. where do they get the numbers?

 

[BrandonS]

what do you use to hold your filter sock? i'm trying to build my own sump but want to make the drain/skimmer into 1 chamber to have more room for a fuge.

they are not cheap but the acrylic baffle kits people sell on ebay are awesome. Otherwise you can use a piece of acrylic to drill holes in it to hold the socks. or a hook or hanger to the side of the tank. I have even seen a piece of string to hold the sock on the end of the pipe. or some of the frag rack light diffuser stuff. dealers choice.

 

[X-37B]

what do you use to hold your filter sock? i'm trying to build my own sump but want to make the drain/skimmer into 1 chamber to have more room for a fuge.

I use a bungee cord. 7" filter sock holders take up to much space.

 

[afrokobe]

I use a bungee cord. 7" filter sock holders take up to much space.

lol I love this

 

[X-37B]

I always question the ratings on skimmers. where do they get the numbers?

Thats one thing I do like about Tunze. They give ratings based on types of systems.

 

[Devaji]

well if I ever get to set up a large 240+ gal FOWLR I plan to over size the skimmer. thinking life reef or a reef octo.