Protein Skimmer tips and advice

BigG10905 · Mar 1, 2013

hey all setting up my first tank and looking for some tips from the experts. my setup is a 220 DT with a 125 sump. It will be a FOWLR tank. What size skimmer do I need? Ask my LFS and he told me I only need a skimmer rated up to 220 even though my total water volume is over 300. We are deciding between a Vertex Alpha 200 and a Reef Octopus Diablo 225 because that is what the lfs carries. Are these good or not and what size? Thanks for the help

kschweer · Mar 1, 2013

I would recommend getting a skimmer that is rated for at the very least your total water volume. In my opinion the filtration is not something to skimp on. Both brands of skimmers you listed are very good choices. I would just get the bigger size. I would also look into the super reef octopus and the new POV skimmer from reef octopus as well.

Reefing Madness · Mar 1, 2013

kschweer said:
I would recommend getting a skimmer that is rated for at the very least your total water volume. In my opinion the filtration is not something to skimp on. Both brands of skimmers you listed are very good choices. I would just get the bigger size. I would also look into the super reef octopus and the new POV skimmer from reef octopus as well.

Agreed. Good skimmer choices, but I'd opt for the 300g or bigger one. Only because most don't go with 1.5-2lbs LR per gallon, which comprises most of your biological filtering. If you do go with only a 220 skimmer, I'd throw an Algae Turf Scubber in the sump.

chefb_5 · Mar 1, 2013

I would go with the Supper reef octopus also! The Pump is way better than the diablo and I heard that the supper reed octopus out skimms the vertex alpha. I got that info from a very trusted lfs that is well k own for there products.

BigG10905 · Mar 2, 2013

There is going to be a turf scrubber in the sump as well has a mangroves and rubble. I would like to go with 1.5 lbs per gallon but idk if thats going to be to much. So go with a skimmer that is for 300 gallons sounds like the consented pick. Is there a better brand or skimmer than the other?

Reefing Madness · Mar 2, 2013

All the big ones are pretty close to one another.
Reef Octopus
Deltec
SWC
Bubble King

Zack · Mar 2, 2013

You really need to go bigger, don't skimp on the skimmer! If water volume is close to 300, you should do at least one rated for 350-400 Gallons. If you do a little more research you will see this seems to be a general rule of thumb.