Hello R2R. I was wondering what effects running an undersized skimmer would have on my tank. The skimmer is a reef octopus 200int on a 300 gallon display in a 90 gallon sump. Reef Octopus rates it for up to 250 gallons while BRS says up to 160. Currently there are only 2 fish in the system but I plan on stocking it to a "medium" bio load capacity. Is my only effect going to be emptying the cup more frequently?
Undersized skimmer
- Thread starter TonyD1988
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F i s h y
2nd In Command.
I think in addition to emptying the cup more frequently the thought with an under sized skimmer is that it just can't process the systems water volume fast enough. Without another means of nutrients export such as heavy water changes or a refugium, you may never remove enough nutrients to make an effect. Im sure there are others that know way more than I do on the subject.
PhantomHalo
Active Member
I’m in the same boat as you. (300gal w/~75 gal sump) I am running the 250INT with a heavy bioload and it just can’t keep up. Hair algae like crazy and phosphates are high no matter what I do (aside from dosing to lower it). Definitely don’t underskim if you can avoid it. It will save you headache and money down the line. I just bought a massive GFO reactor to help lower the phosphates and to help make up for where the skimmer is lacking. New skimmer will be coming soon too.
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What type of tank/livestock? Are you planning on a fish only? If you're planning on only stocking fish (i.e. FOWLR) then I'd say you should give it a try with what you have. Type of fish would be important too (e.g. aggressive and large waste-producing fish).
Blue Spot Octopus
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PhantomHalo, I am surprised that your skimmer is not keeping up, is your tank old? Or is it new and with new dry rock?
PhantomHalo
Active Member
It’s new with dry rock. Well, up since November. Just can’t get it to pull much skimate. Sometimes it will, but not often. Not only that, but my phosphates just keep creeping up. That’s for another thread though. It’s just not doing enough to pull out the gunk.
Lightspeed
Active Member
Without seeing pics, if your skimmer is not pulling gunk, you may not have enough nutrient, or due to your analysis of phosphates i would be looking at your skimmer tune, decrease water and increase airflow.
If you are using frozen foods, dont forget to rinse off before adding at feed time to reduce phosphates.
If you are using frozen foods, dont forget to rinse off before adding at feed time to reduce phosphates.
PhantomHalo
Active Member
I will open up the other air port and give that a shot. Only feeding frozen on Mondays and Fridays. Pellets the rest of the week. I have a pretty decent bio load. Not to mention I have lost a few fish, (they just disappeared or got eaten. Possible cause for so much algae, but can’t see or find them.) I don’t mean to hijack the thread. I really appreciate the help though! Maybe I can message you to try to figure this out. My algae is getting insane right now due to the excess nutrients.
If you are talking to the OP, my bad. Lol
