Skimmer Capacity - What Does That Even Mean?

[tokielad]

Sounds like a pretty dumb question, but hear me out.

I am seriously restricted when it comes to available space. So I need to really shop around to find the right skimmer and I have to make some compromises.

I have to go with the HOB option, but it will actually be hanging on a glass partition inside my filter.

I cant go with an in sump option because its difficult to provide enough depth and my water level fluctuates by a few inches each day in my filter unit. I gather from my reading that the fluctuating water level is going to impede an in sump skimmers ability to perform.

These restrictions mean that I have to go with the HOB option, further restrictions on available size mean that i cant pick a unit that is greater than 6.5 x 4 inches.

This means that most options available come with the recommendation that they are rated to 100 gallons for example.

So lets say I have a skimmer that is rated for 100 gallons and I have a tank that is 280 gallons. What is going to happen to the skimmer?

My thinking is this : absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. Its pumping the same volume of water through the skimmer as it would if it was placed in a 100 gallon unit. I also think that the skim cup will fill up at the same rate too.

The only thing that I can assume the rating relates to is overall impact on the measure of "cleanliness" and in my situation anything would be better than nothing right?

I dont plan on stocking my tank heavily and I wont be putting in excessive volumes of food either.

Can you either confirm of deny my thoughts please.

If you for-see any pitfalls then I would like to hear your opinion please.

 

[gcarroll]

Skimmer ratings are completely arbitrary and worthless in my opinion. Some companies overrate, some underrate. Comparing skimmers based on ratings is completely worthless and only rewards companies that overrate their products. You are best served by comparing, Height, body size, and air intake. Of course their are other things but they may not be measurable.

 

[tokielad]

I am leaning towards the AquaC Remora Pro because it fits my footprint size to perfection. Is there a newer or better skimmer that anyone can suggest that fits the same footprint as the Remora Pro?

 

[Tyler Caviness]

I am leaning towards the AquaC Remora Pro because it fits my footprint size to perfection. Is there a newer or better skimmer that anyone can suggest that fits the same footprint as the Remora Pro?

I'll just throw out there that I used a Remora Nano Skimmer for several months and it was pretty loud. It skimmed well though. I haven't looked into the larger model at all, but you might want to see if it's an issue common to that design.
It was loud enough that I'd recommend another model or brand if you could find one that fits your set up (but again, it might be an issue unique to the Nano).

 

[tokielad]

I was looking at the reviews for the https://www.amazon.com/AquaC-Remora-S-Protein-Skimmer-Cobalt/dp/B008CG02UC

People seem to be very impressed with it. They also mentioned that the filter foam can greatly reduce the noise it makes.

This looks like it might be the perfect fit for my filter. The only concern I have is that it was built in 2012 and I am wondering if something even better has not been released in the last 5 years.

 

[Tyler Caviness]

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/comline-doc-skimmer-9012-dc-tunze.html

Check that out

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

So far it is useless to recommend a skimmer. We do not know what size tank you have, available space height width etc, bio load.
So what is the size of your tank? Do not add the sump volume, just the tank. The sump dimensions are for what skimmer will fit in there.

 

[Oceanwave45]

Let's say you went with a 200 gallon tank... and you got a skimmer for 100 gallons... I would then buy two skimmers - does this make sense

 

[Tyler Caviness]

So far it is useless to recommend a skimmer. We do not know what size tank you have, available space height width etc, bio load.
So what is the size of your tank? Do not add the sump volume, just the tank. The sump dimensions are for what skimmer will fit in there.

further restrictions on available size mean that i cant pick a unit that is greater than 6.5 x 4 inches.

I have a tank that is 280 gallons.

I dont plan on stocking my tank heavily and I wont be putting in excessive volumes of food either.

 

[Coley]

I have an Aqua C Remora Pro that I like very much, but it is loud even with the noise muffler. It works great! I have it in my IM SR 80 which is an all in one system. Skimmer hangs on back but the intake pump is in the back chamber. I would recommend.

 

[tokielad]

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/comline-doc-skimmer-9012-dc-tunze.html

Check that out

It looks awesome. Slight issue is that its "in-sump." Sadly I need a HOB model because the verticle space I have available is not all submerged.

 

[madweazl]

It sounds like an external or recirculating skimmer is the best option for you.

 

[Nano101]

The remora s is a great skimmer. I have it in a small section in my 14g AIO tank. Overkill, but skims great. I had a pro on a 75g, and can say the S is so much quieter.

 

[Tyler Caviness]

It looks awesome. Slight issue is that its "in-sump." Sadly I need a HOB model because the verticle space I have available is not all submerged.

Dang! I thought I'd found the perfect Skimmer! I didn't see that it was in sump and I thought I was looking in the HOB section of BRS