Sump or skimmer overkill?

Shadow Optik · 03/01/2011, 06:42 PM

So, at what point does the capacity of a sump become overkill? 20%? 30%? What I would like to know is if a 20 gallon sump is TOO big for a 55 gallon reef setup? A few years ago someone also taught me that a skimmer that is too big will take too many nutrients out of your tank, is this the case as well? Are the recommended volumes on equipment really the best way to go. I am always leery when someone says, here this one is exactly what you need. What do you all think?

ireefn · 03/01/2011, 06:48 PM

In My opinion No size is too big for a sump, but you have to treat the amount of water just like a tank. The more water you have the more additives, amount of water changed, salt ect. I have 50% now and it works out good on my 240. Skimmers are another animal altogether though bigger or multiple is better. Thats my opinion.

03/01/2011, 06:42 PM	#1
Shadow Optik Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 24	Sump or skimmer overkill? So, at what point does the capacity of a sump become overkill? 20%? 30%? What I would like to know is if a 20 gallon sump is TOO big for a 55 gallon reef setup? A few years ago someone also taught me that a skimmer that is too big will take too many nutrients out of your tank, is this the case as well? Are the recommended volumes on equipment really the best way to go. I am always leery when someone says, here this one is exactly what you need. What do you all think?

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03/01/2011, 06:48 PM	#2
ireefn Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: boaz, al Posts: 77	In My opinion No size is too big for a sump, but you have to treat the amount of water just like a tank. The more water you have the more additives, amount of water changed, salt ect. I have 50% now and it works out good on my 240. Skimmers are another animal altogether though bigger or multiple is better. Thats my opinion.