How do you size a skimmer?

fastjunkie · 09/18/2014, 05:42 AM

I have a 125g with a light demand and a 100g sump. I'm now in the market for a new skimmer and I'm not too sure how to size it properly.Should I size it for tank size or total water volume?.....Basically should I size for 125 or 225 gallons? I know this may sound like a dumb question but there is a significant price difference between skimmer sizes. Thanx in advance!

JMorris271 · 09/18/2014, 07:52 AM

As large as you can get is usually the rule of thumb. The mores skimming you have the more options you have in your tank.It really depends on the bio load you plan to have. in your tank. Be prepared for possible upgrade.. I followed the manufacturers recommendation for size and then doubled it.
Others here will tell you what they use and how it works for them.

reefgeezer · 09/18/2014, 08:27 AM

I use 2X the tank volume because I use mid-range quality skimmers.

Drae · 09/18/2014, 09:07 AM

I go by size, gph of water (if noted), and lph of air pull. I take the numbers of a few well balanced skimmers that are proven performers and compare them to whatever skimmer I'm looking at. 6" diameter skimmers 22"+ in hieght with 700+/- lph of air can skim up to 150+/-. 8" skimmers with 1000+/- lph of air... 200+/- gallons. It's not bulletproof but my general rule of thumb. A skimmer too oversized will be less effective on a tank than a skimmer sized just right. Manufacturer ratings are hogwash. Some on the other hand are damn near spot on. Atb and bubble king and reef dynamics rate their skimmers very reasonably... As does life reef. Aquamaxx ( great skimmers) ratings are bologna. Jmo

ca1ore · 09/18/2014, 11:05 AM

Unfortunately sizing skimmers based on tank volume is a proxy at best - largely because, other than trial and error, there really is no way to accurately estimate 'bio load'. I tend to take the 'bigger is better' approach. Equally unscientific, I know, but absent some better guidelines, has worked for me.

am.gee · 09/18/2014, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastjunkie

I have a 125g with a light demand and a 100g sump. I'm now in the market for a new skimmer and I'm not too sure how to size it properly.Should I size it for tank size or total water volume?.....Basically should I size for 125 or 225 gallons? I know this may sound like a dumb question but there is a significant price difference between skimmer sizes. Thanx in advance!

to make irritation perfect: i use a 250g skimmer on a 520g tank without any problems for 5 years now.

but twice the tank size should do it....

Mark426 · 09/18/2014, 12:32 PM

Most all the replies are about right....but...easiest and reliable way was posted. About 2X your total volume works well for QUALITY skimmers.

09/18/2014, 05:42 AM	#1
fastjunkie Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Cinti,OH Posts: 166	How do you size a skimmer? I have a 125g with a light demand and a 100g sump. I'm now in the market for a new skimmer and I'm not too sure how to size it properly.Should I size it for tank size or total water volume?.....Basically should I size for 125 or 225 gallons? I know this may sound like a dumb question but there is a significant price difference between skimmer sizes. Thanx in advance! __________________ "Junior,when I get home...remind me to punch your mama in the mouth!!" ~Buford T.Justice~ Current Tank Info: 150gal.reef

09/18/2014, 08:27 AM	#3
reefgeezer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 2,621	I use 2X the tank volume because I use mid-range quality skimmers. __________________ John, Current Tank Info: In-process, 90 Gallon SPS Reef

09/18/2014, 11:05 AM	#5
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Unfortunately sizing skimmers based on tank volume is a proxy at best - largely because, other than trial and error, there really is no way to accurately estimate 'bio load'. I tend to take the 'bigger is better' approach. Equally unscientific, I know, but absent some better guidelines, has worked for me. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

09/18/2014, 07:52 AM	#2
JMorris271 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Foothills of SC Posts: 2,010	As large as you can get is usually the rule of thumb. The mores skimming you have the more options you have in your tank.It really depends on the bio load you plan to have. in your tank. Be prepared for possible upgrade.. I followed the manufacturers recommendation for size and then doubled it. Others here will tell you what they use and how it works for them.

09/18/2014, 09:07 AM	#4
Drae RAIDER NATION! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: City of sin... Posts: 3,476	I go by size, gph of water (if noted), and lph of air pull. I take the numbers of a few well balanced skimmers that are proven performers and compare them to whatever skimmer I'm looking at. 6" diameter skimmers 22"+ in hieght with 700+/- lph of air can skim up to 150+/-. 8" skimmers with 1000+/- lph of air... 200+/- gallons. It's not bulletproof but my general rule of thumb. A skimmer too oversized will be less effective on a tank than a skimmer sized just right. Manufacturer ratings are hogwash. Some on the other hand are damn near spot on. Atb and bubble king and reef dynamics rate their skimmers very reasonably... As does life reef. Aquamaxx ( great skimmers) ratings are bologna. Jmo

09/18/2014, 12:32 PM	#7
Mark426 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,479	Most all the replies are about right....but...easiest and reliable way was posted. About 2X your total volume works well for QUALITY skimmers.