what skimmer to get

mholt · Apr 15, 2014

I just got a 40 breeder and a 20long for the sump not sure what kind of skimmer to get. I have never had a sump before not sure what to get?

gacolt · Apr 15, 2014

reef octopus 110 would be a good skimmer for that tank.

Jonreefer · Apr 15, 2014

Same setup as me I got the SCA 301 skimmer. $86 on amazon and it is working great. It has a very small footprint and since the skimmer just sits on the pump pulling it out is super easy and to get pump to clean it.

Reefing Madness · Apr 15, 2014

I agree with the SCA, but I'd opt for the 303 model.

NanaReefer · Apr 16, 2014

I have the same setup and am going for the SCA 301. The 303 is over doing it just a bit much

Reefing Madness · Apr 16, 2014

Twice the tank volume is recommened. The 301 is to close to total volume.

NanaReefer · Apr 16, 2014

Reefing Madness said:
Twice the tank volume is recommened. The 301 is to close to total volume.

Who recommends twice the volume? Why?

Reefing Madness · Apr 16, 2014

Most reasons people run into Nitrate issues, not a big enough skimmer.

TarHeelReefer22 · Apr 16, 2014

gacolt said:
reef octopus 110 would be a good skimmer for that tank.

+1 mine started skimming first day and is best skimmer I have ever had!

Jonreefer · Apr 16, 2014

Reefing Madness said:
Most reasons people run into Nitrate issues, not a big enough skimmer.

or they just dont take care of the tank properly and cause it. I am sure plenty of tanks out there running just fine with NO skimmer with other proper maintenance

NanaReefer · Apr 16, 2014

Jonreefer said:
or they just dont take care of the tank properly and cause it. I am sure plenty of tanks out there running just fine with NO skimmer with other proper maintenance

Agree! I ran my first tank for 2yrs without a skimmer. Never had NO3 issues

swk · Apr 17, 2014

FWIW - I use a RO nwb-110 on that exact same setup and it runs like a champ!

PatW · Apr 17, 2014

NanaReefer said:
Who recommends twice the volume? Why?

I think the gallon ratings on skimmers assume a light bio load and pretty sparse feeding. Doubling the skimmer size really does not cost that much more and it gives you a margin of error.