Skimmer Help

Brian G. · Jan 29, 2019

I have kept aquariums for many years, but they have always been freshwater. This time around if I want to keep it downstairs in our family room my wife said it has to be saltwater so I am taking the plunge. It will be a 120g tank with an Eshopps R300 sump. The LFS requested the RO 152S. Our current plan for the tank is to keep smaller fish, with a yellow tang probably being the biggest fish we would put in there. Down the road I plan on trying soft corals and possibly some LPS, do not see myself trying SPS.

Will the RO 152S or should I look at something bigger like the 202s? Here it seems like it might be too large and from what I read you can have a skimmer that is too big.

Suffering from information overload as I read everything in preparation for the setup. I did speak to the LFS and they said the 152S should be fine as long as I don't have a heavy bio load from things like eels, puffers, triggers, etc...

While I do trust them I want to confirm so I upgrade now so I don't have to upgrade later. Any guidance for this saltwater novice will be greatly appreciated.

ndrwater · Jan 29, 2019

Honestly, either would work. The biggest difference is the amount of skimmate you would expect smaller vs. larger skimmer.
The other thing to consider is, most, if not all skimmer manufacturers over guestimate the ratings for their skimmers. Usually THEIR numbers are overstated. A Reef Octopus skimmer is a great choice either way.
If worrying about upgrading later, just spring for the larger and don't bother looking back...

Brian G. · Jan 29, 2019

Thank you ndrwater. I found a post after searching for "too big of a skimmer" and it echoed what you said. I think I will stick with the 152s since I plan on sticking with soft corals and from what I read they like the water to be "dirtier". I tend to over think these things so tomorrow my answer might be different!

Now on to lights...