Skimmer sizing

bamareef · Nov 19, 2013

I am looking in the near future to purchase a new cone style skimmer. I feel that one day I will be at a 150 or bigger tank. I was thinking of buying a bigger skimmer for my 75 gallon tank and then when I upgrade to a bigger tank i would be safe with the larger skimmer. Would I need to run a larger skimmer on a timmer or just run it continous? The skimmer I currently have came with a bio ball sump setup for a 75 gallon tank. When i bought it I didnt know it was for fish only. So I am going to convert it to a refugium. It ls not the perfect setup. It didnt even have a bubble trap before the pump. Lesson learned. Just curious on the new skimmer sizing.

TrishW · Nov 19, 2013

I ran the same one I have on my 150 on my 90G. Like you I knew I would go bigger so when it was time to buy a skimmer I bought an oversized one. I ran it continuously when it was on the 90.

ChrisKey · Nov 19, 2013

The thing is most people prefer 2x rating for skimmers if possible to get maximum effeciency out of them. So keep that in mind when buying a skimmer because when you move up to the larger tank you will then lose of of that 2x effeciency if you buy a skimmer rated for 150 gallons when you get the bigger tank. You don't just upgrade tanks when you go bigger because you will get more livestock and bioload will will be the same.

I would go ahead and spend the extra $100 to get a skimmer that is rated for 250 gallons or so. You could always put it on a timer if you wanted but I don't think it will be a problem to run a skimmer with a 250 gallon rating on a 75 gallon tank. you might get some pretty high oxygen levels though.

BayouBeard · Nov 19, 2013

FWIW...I'm running a skimmer rated for up to 240 gallons continuosly on my 75 gallon tank. It seems to be doing just fine, but then again it's only been up and running for 4 months.

TrishW · Nov 19, 2013

4 months or 4 years won't make a difference. But if Chris is right your fish may think they are at an oxygen bar.

oh: I never understood those.

My skimmer is rated for up to 300 gallons and I BRS recommended it for up to 250 and only 190 if heavily stocked. I ran it on my 90 for two years before upgrading the tank. IMO it doesn't hurt a thing to run them on a smaller system. It may not be as energy efficient but it isn't going to hurt the skimmer or the tank occupants.