Skimmer size

[JOKER]

I am getting my list together for a 260 build. Will have a 75 gallon sump, so will be around 300 total. I was recommended to go twice the size on the skimmer, that sounds like a little over kill to me. What do you recommend in size? I was thinking like 400 or 500 at most. I am semi new to reefing so i just want to be sure i will have enough but not too much. Looking at the reef octopus or bubble. Thanks

 

[iTzJu]

It's always a good idea to get the higher rated skimmer for any tank, but you also have to look at your bio-load. If you're planning for a heavly stocked tank, I think a skimmer rated for 500-600Gallons should be what you are aiming for. However, if your planned bio-load is low-medium you'll be fine with something rated at 400 IMO.

 

[cee]

I would go at least twice. The manufacurer's ratings are ofter based on selling skimmers and less on actual performance. That, and your tank will eventually come to the point of having a "heavy bioload". Of course you have to balance that against your budget. That is why I always buy skimmers used. It is just an acrylic tube that never wears out and a pump which can be replaced. Find 2 or 3 that will suit your needs and pick one up at half price used.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Twice the tank volume. These things remove waste and is one of the most important pieces of equipment you need on a tank. This you don't want to skimp on.

 

[SkimHeavy]

I heard once that a good way to rate a skimmer is 30scfh per 125 gallons. Anything after that is more about cup size, as in how offer you have to empty it.

I don't know how true it is, but I've gone by that and always been ok.

 

[JOKER]

Thanks so much. I will look around 600 then. I definately want to get a good one, and one that doesnt take forever to tune. I know the settings vary on them from time to time but i know people who have bought cheapos and constantly adjusted on them until they upgraded. I do not want that. Any of the super reef are good? What others do you recommend?

 

[SkimHeavy]

Reef Octopus Dc-3 POV skimmer.

 

[bknapp]

Agree with all the above comments, its better to go bigger from the get go than get stuck in needing a bigger or second skimmer. You can probably find a real nice one used somewhere. The Super Reef Octopus and Bubble Kings are nice skimmers. Look into SWC or Reef Dynamics as well.

 

[SkimHeavy]

Just doubling it sometimes is overkill. I've seen a few examples where two skimmer companies have almost the exact same construction and identical pumps but are rated different for volume, one was a doffernece

 

[SkimHeavy]

Just doubling it sometimes is overkill. I've seen a few examples where two skimmer companies have almost the exact same construction and identical pumps but are rated different for volume, one was a difference of 150 gallons. That's why air intake is maybe a better way to determine the skimmers rating.

 

[cee]

I've got a BB HY-3000 pump (40SCFH) on a Vertex IN-180 skimmer in a 60 cube. Most would argue that is overskimming; I always skim heavy and have been successful doing so.

 

[Reefing Madness]

I've got a BB HY-3000 pump (40SCFH) on a Vertex IN-180 skimmer in a 60 cube. Most would argue that is overskimming; I always skim heavy and have been successful doing so.

Very nice!!

 

[JOKER]

Royal-Exclusiv Alpha 300 Cone Skimmer. So this is what i am leaning towards. Anyone have one know anyone who does. Good ,bad??

 

[Reefing Madness]

$$$$ CHA CHING. Go for it man. Those usually aren't in most people budget.

 

[fragmatic]

People keep referring to how often they empty their skimmer cups. I use the drain hose on mine. It dumps into a large Orville Redenbachers pop corn bottle. I burned a hole in the lid to tightly fit my drain hose. These bottles are perfect and contain the smell and are hard to turn over.

I'll NEVER go back to dumping the skimmer cup. It takes a while to fill that pop corn bottle half full!!

 

[JOKER]

LOL. They are high but i dont want to buy 2 or 3 till i get one that works and with tank that size i want something good. Worth little more up front to me and i know i will have a good one from the start.
Thatys a good idea