Under-skimming? Aqua C EV-180 on a 240 gallon tank?

stgla · 02/07/2020, 09:44 AM

I'm planning a 240 gallon tank, with a 100 gallon sump. Livestock planning not done yet but I think I'll eventually have a non-trivial load of fish. Willing to start off slow.

I have an Aqua C EV180 lying around. This was fine for my 75g but obviously not rated for a tank as large as the one I'm planning (fully stocked with fish). But I'm spending so much dang money on this new build I'm looking for places to simplify and reuse what I have.

Here is my strategy and I'm looking for input:

5-6" DSB in the display with more live rock stuffed in the sump/refugium. Frequent automated water changes via large mixing tank set up in the fish room. Very slow addition of new fish.

Should the EV180 suffice and then I can just bide my time, waiting until a find a super deal on a larger, fancier skimmer?

Or should I suck it up, sell the EV180 and buy a more appropriately sized skimmer. Or should I be a biofiltration purist and not worry about protein skimming so much?

Thanks in advance.

mcgyvr · 02/07/2020, 10:00 AM

No one needs a protein skimmer

Some find their tanks do better without one..
Some can't live without one..

My $0.02 is to run what you've got.. Adapt/adjust as needed..

02/07/2020, 09:44 AM	#1
stgla Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 353	Under-skimming? Aqua C EV-180 on a 240 gallon tank? I'm planning a 240 gallon tank, with a 100 gallon sump. Livestock planning not done yet but I think I'll eventually have a non-trivial load of fish. Willing to start off slow. I have an Aqua C EV180 lying around. This was fine for my 75g but obviously not rated for a tank as large as the one I'm planning (fully stocked with fish). But I'm spending so much dang money on this new build I'm looking for places to simplify and reuse what I have. Here is my strategy and I'm looking for input: 5-6" DSB in the display with more live rock stuffed in the sump/refugium. Frequent automated water changes via large mixing tank set up in the fish room. Very slow addition of new fish. Should the EV180 suffice and then I can just bide my time, waiting until a find a super deal on a larger, fancier skimmer? Or should I suck it up, sell the EV180 and buy a more appropriately sized skimmer. Or should I be a biofiltration purist and not worry about protein skimming so much? Thanks in advance.

02/07/2020, 10:00 AM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	No one needs a protein skimmer Some find their tanks do better without one.. Some can't live without one.. My $0.02 is to run what you've got.. Adapt/adjust as needed.. __________________ Who me?