Does sump size come in consideration when selecting skimmer?

arrowheadpuffer · 01/15/2010, 12:43 AM

I am not talking about will it fit.

For instance, if I have a 90g sump and 30g sump and 40g fuge (DSB chaeto), do I buy a skimmer for a 90g or 160g?? Softies and light stocking.

(of course bigger is always better, but is it needed to get something more near 200g capacity or is 100g enough for the tank I speced.)

Shane Hoffman · 01/15/2010, 12:47 AM

You want to calculate the water volume of the sump and display tank together and get a skimmer that can handle that amount of water. I always add the two than double it. IMO most skimmer companies rate their skimmer for very lightly stocked tanks. What I mean is a skimmer rated for 100 gallons shouldnt be put on a 100 gallon tank because almost everyone overstocks in relation to their skimmers performance if its a gallon for gallon match. Also it will leave you upgrade room in the future,

jenjen · 01/15/2010, 12:48 AM

The skimmer should be based on total water volume that it will be skimming. And most skimmers are quite under-rated so a good rule of thumb is to select a skimmer which is rated for double your water volume (ie: if you have 90gal of water, get a skimmer rated for 180gal).

arrowheadpuffer · 01/15/2010, 01:02 AM

So if I could only afford ~$300 max $350 at my door on a skimmer, would it be better to run a smaller sump? A good amount of skimmers I am looking out would fit in my current 20g long sump, I was planning on possibly upgrading to larger, maybe a rubbermaid stock tank...

lordofthereef · 01/15/2010, 01:04 AM

Two basic things about skimmers:
1) Base your skimmer size on TOTAL water volume
2) Most companies GROSSLY overrate their skimmers. Do some research and find out the real-world values of a skimmer before you buy. You can bet that, unless the skimmer is new, there will be tons of reviews and statements as to how well the skimmer works on what size system.

lordofthereef · 01/15/2010, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arrowheadpuffer

So if I could only afford ~$300 max $350 at my door on a skimmer, would it be better to run a smaller sump? A good amount of skimmers I am looking out would fit in my current 20g long sump, I was planning on possibly upgrading to larger, maybe a rubbermaid stock tank...

That amount of money would get you a really decent skimmer if you are willing to buy used. I would go that route any day over settling for something cheap.

Jo5h · 01/15/2010, 01:09 AM

a skimmer that would work great for you is current's recirculating skimmer. right in that price range and it will definitely do the job. runs great, iv never had any problems with the skimmer, just current =P

01/15/2010, 12:43 AM	#1
arrowheadpuffer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CA Posts: 396	Does sump size come in consideration when selecting skimmer? I am not talking about will it fit. For instance, if I have a 90g sump and 30g sump and 40g fuge (DSB chaeto), do I buy a skimmer for a 90g or 160g?? Softies and light stocking. (of course bigger is always better, but is it needed to get something more near 200g capacity or is 100g enough for the tank I speced.) __________________ -arrowhead Current Tank Info: 90g

01/15/2010, 12:47 AM	#2
Shane Hoffman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: 45 mins from Chicago Posts: 2,009	You want to calculate the water volume of the sump and display tank together and get a skimmer that can handle that amount of water. I always add the two than double it. IMO most skimmer companies rate their skimmer for very lightly stocked tanks. What I mean is a skimmer rated for 100 gallons shouldnt be put on a 100 gallon tank because almost everyone overstocks in relation to their skimmers performance if its a gallon for gallon match. Also it will leave you upgrade room in the future, __________________ A wise man once said "Never play leap frog with a unicorn" Current Tank Info: 150 gallon glass with 20 gallon sump, 175lbs of coraline covered live rock, EuroReef skimmer rated for 250gal, 25watt Aqua UV sterilizer, Fluval FX5, Hamilton 3x250watt MH, 160 watt Blue actinic....Mixed reef

01/15/2010, 12:48 AM	#3
jenjen Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Langley BC, Canada Posts: 1,710	The skimmer should be based on total water volume that it will be skimming. And most skimmers are quite under-rated so a good rule of thumb is to select a skimmer which is rated for double your water volume (ie: if you have 90gal of water, get a skimmer rated for 180gal). __________________ "Challenges forge the greatness in you" Current Tank Info: 180gal softy reef (Apr '09)

01/15/2010, 01:02 AM	#4
arrowheadpuffer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CA Posts: 396	So if I could only afford ~$300 max $350 at my door on a skimmer, would it be better to run a smaller sump? A good amount of skimmers I am looking out would fit in my current 20g long sump, I was planning on possibly upgrading to larger, maybe a rubbermaid stock tank... __________________ -arrowhead Current Tank Info: 90g

01/15/2010, 01:04 AM	#5
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Two basic things about skimmers: 1) Base your skimmer size on TOTAL water volume 2) Most companies GROSSLY overrate their skimmers. Do some research and find out the real-world values of a skimmer before you buy. You can bet that, unless the skimmer is new, there will be tons of reviews and statements as to how well the skimmer works on what size system. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

01/15/2010, 01:09 AM	#7
Jo5h Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 24	a skimmer that would work great for you is current's recirculating skimmer. right in that price range and it will definitely do the job. runs great, iv never had any problems with the skimmer, just current =P