Using an oversize skimmer

[Aquavaj]

If I was to use say, a skimmer rated for 200g or more on a 120g with medium high bioload, will it overstrip my water of nutrients? What if you're already running biopellets and gfo?

 

[mitch91175]

I would say the answer to that is yes if you are already running GFO and biopellets.

 

[Liron Mishal]

I dont believe there is such a thing as an oversized skimmer..
I'll explain why:
The skimmer uses air bubble to attract the protein from the water and force it out.
The skimmer will foam according to the protein concentration in the water.
The larger the skimmer is, the faster it will get the protein out (bubble quantity, surface area...), it will not take MORE protein out..
It will reduce foam as the protein concentration in the water drops.
So going by my theory (based on my bent logics), a skimmer will foam (extract) by concentration, not quantity.
I went with a 200g skimmer for my 100g tank.

Ymmv
Liron

 

[mitch91175]

I dont believe there is such a thing as an oversized skimmer..
I'll explain why:
The skimmer uses air bubble to attract the protein from the water and force it out.
The skimmer will foam according to the protein concentration in the water.
The larger the skimmer is, the faster it will get the protein out (bubble quantity, surface area...), it will not take MORE protein out..
It will reduce foam as the protein concentration in the water drops.
So going by my theory (based on my bent logics), a skimmer will foam (extract) by concentration, not quantity.
I went with a 200g skimmer for my 100g tank.

Ymmv
Liron

But the question is do you think he will be stripping out too many nutrients running a larger skimmer, biopellets, and GFO? I know there are way more variables to this, but if the system doesn't get overfeed and have a medium bioload, I think that having all 3 methods will result in a ULN system. This is just an assumption, so take it with a grain of salt.

I do know that just with my skimmer, vinegar and filter socks, in my 240 nutrients are pretty low. I could only imagine running biopellets and GFO. I run GFO, but never 24/7. I only do so if I test and my phosphates are higher than I like.

 

[cracker]

I also double my skimmer size . If you concerned turn it down a little .

 

[Liron Mishal]

Lets say you run gfo, biopellets and a too small of a skimmer. Everything is fine and doing well. Then, changing to an adequate sized skimmer can strip the water. So in short, Yes