When is big, too big? (skimmer)

3djedi · 01/05/2010, 12:32 PM

Is there such a thing as having too big of a skimmer? I'm in the market for a new skimmer and I'd like to get one that can grow with me. In other words, when I move up to a larger system I don't have to buy a new skimmer. Right now I have a 75g dt and about 40g in sump and frag tanks in the system. Someday I want upgrade to a 200-300g system. What i was looking at is the msx300a. It is big enough to grow into anything I would want but will it perform well on my current 115g system?

rbnice1 · 01/05/2010, 12:53 PM

I am not fimilar with that skimmer to say what it can really do, however If you buy a skimmer that can skim a heavy stocked 300gallon system it will prob not be able to skim in your small system. There just wont be enough proteins in the water to keep a stable head.

3djedi · 01/05/2010, 01:10 PM

Yeah, that's what I was afraid of… here is a link to said skimmer

http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/ca..._48/index.html

mminese · 01/05/2010, 01:27 PM

Im going through the same problem, I will eventually be upgrading to a huge tank. I have a reef octopus skimmer rated for 300gallons and i only have a 75g reef tank. Not sure on the skimmer to use or buy

3djedi · 01/05/2010, 01:39 PM

Let me ask this, how do you know when your skimmer is too small for your system?

tqui · 01/05/2010, 01:47 PM

If you're looking for a skimmer ... i got an octopus extreme 160 (the same as msx160) for sale... it is in great condition and come with extra impellar assembly as well as a large purple pinwheel....
PM me if interest.....

rbnice1 · 01/05/2010, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3djedi

Let me ask this, how do you know when your skimmer is too small for your system?

If the skimmer is to small it wont be able to export out all the waste the fish create and you will start to have nutrient issues.

3djedi · 01/05/2010, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbnice1

If the skimmer is to small it wont be able to export out all the waste the fish create and you will start to have nutrient issues.

In the form of algae? Will the small skimmer fill it's cup way to frequently?

rbnice1 · 01/05/2010, 02:44 PM

Yea could be algae, you would for sure see nitrates. As far as the cup filling up, no idea. I would think the cup would fill the same as if it was on a smaller system. The skimemr will only be able to skim so much out.

01/05/2010, 12:32 PM	#1
3djedi Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lawrence, KS Posts: 360	When is big, too big? (skimmer) Is there such a thing as having too big of a skimmer? I'm in the market for a new skimmer and I'd like to get one that can grow with me. In other words, when I move up to a larger system I don't have to buy a new skimmer. Right now I have a 75g dt and about 40g in sump and frag tanks in the system. Someday I want upgrade to a 200-300g system. What i was looking at is the msx300a. It is big enough to grow into anything I would want but will it perform well on my current 115g system?

01/05/2010, 12:53 PM	#2
rbnice1 Moved On Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cedar Hill Posts: 3,905	I am not fimilar with that skimmer to say what it can really do, however If you buy a skimmer that can skim a heavy stocked 300gallon system it will prob not be able to skim in your small system. There just wont be enough proteins in the water to keep a stable head.

01/05/2010, 01:10 PM	#3
3djedi Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lawrence, KS Posts: 360	Yeah, that's what I was afraid of… here is a link to said skimmer http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/ca..._48/index.html

01/05/2010, 01:27 PM	#4
mminese Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 6	Im going through the same problem, I will eventually be upgrading to a huge tank. I have a reef octopus skimmer rated for 300gallons and i only have a 75g reef tank. Not sure on the skimmer to use or buy

01/05/2010, 01:39 PM	#5
3djedi Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lawrence, KS Posts: 360	Let me ask this, how do you know when your skimmer is too small for your system?

01/05/2010, 01:47 PM	#6
tqui Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Cordova, TN Posts: 182	If you're looking for a skimmer ... i got an octopus extreme 160 (the same as msx160) for sale... it is in great condition and come with extra impellar assembly as well as a large purple pinwheel.... PM me if interest.....

01/05/2010, 02:44 PM	#9
rbnice1 Moved On Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cedar Hill Posts: 3,905	Yea could be algae, you would for sure see nitrates. As far as the cup filling up, no idea. I would think the cup would fill the same as if it was on a smaller system. The skimemr will only be able to skim so much out.