Skimmer Size Question

LiveWire · Dec 23, 2017

So I broke down my 180 Gallon system and now I am in the process of building a 90 gallon system. I plan on a 30 couple gallon sump so in theory I have 120 gallons. Minus Live Rock and the fact that the sump wont be full I am figuring on having about 100 gallons in the system maybe 115 with reactors and such.

I have an IceCap K2-200 Skimmer that is rated for a Heavy Bio Load for a 180 and the skimmer worked amazingly on my 180 that did not have a heavy bio load. So now my question?? Do you think the K2-200 on the 90 gallon reef will be overkill and or should I just run it a few hours a day so that the system has time to build up enough organics?

Just looking for some input as I really like the performance of this skimmer and would rather use it then sell it if it will do what I need on the 90.

Cory · Dec 23, 2017

LiveWire said:
So I broke down my 180 Gallon system and now I am in the process of building a 90 gallon system. I plan on a 30 couple gallon sump so in theory I have 120 gallons. Minus Live Rock and the fact that the sump wont be full I am figuring on having about 100 gallons in the system maybe 115 with reactors and such.

I have an IceCap K2-200 Skimmer that is rated for a Heavy Bio Load for a 180 and the skimmer worked amazingly on my 180 that did not have a heavy bio load. So now my question?? Do you think the K2-200 on the 90 gallon reef will be overkill and or should I just run it a few hours a day so that the system has time to build up enough organics?

Just looking for some input as I really like the performance of this skimmer and would rather use it then sell it if it will do what I need on the 90.

I dont think its overkill. Worst that can happen is it wont collect anything after it gets most of it.

Pntbll687 · Dec 23, 2017

Should be ok as long as you have a decent bioload. I have a light bioload in one of my tanks, and I get foam surge and overflow every once in awhile.

Might take longer than normal to get it dialed in. But you shouldn't really worry about it, just go with it and get it dialed in.