Skimmer for RSR 170

[Quietman]

I've been going back and forth on nutrient removal for my planned (in progress - sitting dry behind me as I type) RSR 170. Looking for some confirmation or rebuttal on my thinking in my skimmer selection. Not really looking for a skimmer recommendation (that's all over the forums) but if I'm way out to lunch...please feel free.

It seems there a few quality choices in skimmers for this tank size range - as it seems it's both too big and too small. So, going with the "go big or go home" and "there's no such thing as over skimming" (not sure I agree completely but I have no intention of starting that debate here), I want to go with the Tunze 9410. Highly recommended, bullet proof, German engineering, operates at low water level, great support, longevity, reliability, quiet, decent price point for capacity. No doubt it's a great skimmer...but is it right for what I'm planning?

The feedback I'm looking for is your experience in how much overkill is this really as the tank size rating for this starts at approx 100 gal (SPS)? And will I have problems in getting a good skimmate pull (whether wet or dry makes no difference, just looking for nutrient removal)? And lastly, would the DC model be a benefit or hindrance in running on an undersized tank?

A little background as I'm sure it's needed for a reasoned response...I want to run carbon dosing for nutrient removal (requiring skimmer, naturally). I'm hoping this will provide the extra "organo-loading" for a quality foam production in the bigger skimmer. And I did not want to overload a smaller skimmer. Also, likely to have fully stocked system when all is said and done. No refugium is planned at this time, understand the benefits, just don't particularly wish to pursue that option now. I do plan on weekly water changes but then again who doesn't at this stage? SSB (purely aesthetics) and minimal rock (1lb/gal) so the skimmer will be primary nutrient removal. I'm not currently planning on upgrade to larger tank so I don't want to use that as justification.

I like the idea of skimmers of providing insurance if something goes wrong, adding some level of oxygenation and of course removing other impurities besides those strictly associated with producing nitrate/phosphate.

If my thinking is clear on this based on my research then it's a solid purchase I won't regret. If I'm way off the mark and I should go with lower quality right sized or high quality undersized I'd like to know. Thanks....Qm!

 

[infinite0180]

I have a red sea reefer nano im setting up. I got the aquamaxx fc-80 on sale black friday. I put it together last week and ran it in a bucket of rodi to rinse it. Im very impressed with its build quality and size. Im currently running an aquamaxx hob skimmer on my AIO tank and its awesome. Just thought id let you know!

 

[Quietman]

I have a red sea reefer nano im setting up. I got the aquamaxx fc-80 on sale black friday. I put it together last week and ran it in a bucket of rodi to rinse it. Im very impressed with its build quality and size. Im currently running an aquamaxx hob skimmer on my AIO tank and its awesome. Just thought id let you know!

Thanks! I was looking at the WS-1 but it just seemed a bit undersized. Didn't look at the FC-80. Love those Sicce pumps on the Aquamaxx....hmmmmm. Might be a nice gap fill at a couple hundred less. Have to do some research on how quiet they are (this is in my living room).

 

[PatW]

I run a Super Reef Octopus 500 on a 300 gallon system that is SPS and pretty light fish load. It works fine.

The skimmer capacity needed is affected by how big of a fish load you have, how much you feed, and maybe the phase of the moon.

Bulk Reef Supply gives their rating of how big a system a given skimmer will handle. So their website is a place to start.

 

[Quietman]

I run a Super Reef Octopus 500 on a 300 gallon system that is SPS and pretty light fish load. It works fine.

The skimmer capacity needed is affected by how big of a fish load you have, how much you feed, and maybe the phase of the moon.

Bulk Reef Supply gives their rating of how big a system a given skimmer will handle. So their website is a place to start.

There does seem to be some celestial divination in determining these ratings. Understandable, as they want to manage customers expectations without over or under committing on performance across infinite setups. I don't mind paying for more than I really need as long as it's effective for what I want.

 

[infinite0180]

Thanks! I was looking at the WS-1 but it just seemed a bit undersized. Didn't look at the FC-80. Love those Sicce pumps on the Aquamaxx....hmmmmm. Might be a nice gap fill at a couple hundred less. Have to do some research on how quiet they are (this is in my living room).

My reefer is in my living room as well. Currently going back and forth with coralvue about my RO Varios 2 return pump. Its too loud, so they sent me a new impeller which helped but i still think something is wrong. Everybody says the varios pumps are dead silent! As far as the sicce in the fc-80 goes, its dead silent as you would expect. Granted ive only ran it for a day in a bucket of water but all i could hear was the air getting sucked in. There was no audible sound from the pump itself. Im really impressed with it and cant wait to sort out my issue with my return pump so i can finish my build!

 

[Quietman]

Well I just pulled the string on a Tunze 9410 DC. Premium Aquatics here in my home state had a deal at $340 that pushed my reservations on over sized to the back. Read a few that had them in RSR 170s (or similar oversized skimmers) without issue. I particularly like true set it and forget operation...well reportedly anyway, have to see for myself. Thanks for the input I really did look close at the Aquamaxx FC-80 but with that deal...just couldn't pass up going with my original preference.