When to Upgrade Skimmers

[OffRoad322]

My current setup is 100gal tank with an SCA 302 skimmer (http://www.scaquariums.com/SCA-302-180-Gallon-Protein-Skimmer-p/sca-302.htm).

When do you know if I should upgrade my skimmer to a bigger/better one like a Reef Octopus Regal?


I also run filter socks, carbon in a BRS reactor and a Turbo Aquatics algae scrubber.

My question is, how do I know if my skimmer is performing enough? I am starting to see results of my overfeeding (which I am cutting back on), but SPS and other coral is still looking good. I can tell nutrients are little high with small amounts of cyano and one small patch of hair algae.

SG 1.026
CA 502 (Hanna)
ALK 8.1 (API)
MG 1480 (Red Sea)
P04 0.061 (Hanna)
Nitrate 20 (API...I know not the best)
PH 8.2 (Hanna)


Thank you!

 

[BadFish619]

Skimmer need will go up with bio load. If your skimmer is rated for a 100 gallon but you have a big bio load you should probably upgrade. For instance my skimmer is rated 110 gallon in my 75, with a big bio load so I know it can handle it.

 

[joseserrano]

most skimmers give you the break down of light, medium, and heavy ratings. BRS or MD will have these. I would more look at what is your overall goal with keeping feeding as, "heavy".

 

[P-Dub]

My current setup is 100gal tank with an SCA 302 skimmer (http://www.scaquariums.com/SCA-302-180-Gallon-Protein-Skimmer-p/sca-302.htm).

When do you know if I should upgrade my skimmer to a bigger/better one like a Reef Octopus Regal?


I also run filter socks, carbon in a BRS reactor and a Turbo Aquatics algae scrubber.

My question is, how do I know if my skimmer is performing enough? I am starting to see results of my overfeeding (which I am cutting back on), but SPS and other coral is still looking good. I can tell nutrients are little high with small amounts of cyano and one small patch of hair algae.

SG 1.026
CA 502 (Hanna)
ALK 8.1 (API)
MG 1480 (Red Sea)
P04 0.061 (Hanna)
Nitrate 20 (API...I know not the best)
PH 8.2 (Hanna)


Thank you!

It is interesting that that skimmer just says 180 gal and does not indicate what gal at what bioload or indicate a range. Additionally, I cannot find the dimensions nor the pump rating to research a comparably sized skimmer and their rated bioload capabilities. So, in light of this, you will know when you are producing a large amount of dark skimmate and all conventional methods of nutrient reduction in conjunction with your skimmer operation, tuned properly, are not keeping up with the overall nutrient load.