WarmWaterDiver
Reefing newb
I recently acquired a protein skimmer meant for up to 125 gallons. I have 50 gallon with approx. 10 gallons in my sump. Is there any reason not to use a skimmer that is a little oversized?
Can a skimmer be too big?
- Thread starter WarmWaterDiver
- Start date
dustin_P74
Reef enthusiast
there is no such thing as over skimming
yote
In Memoriam
MPO,Nope.Hook that puppy.
Melonbob
Reef enthusiast
In fact, most skimmers rated for a 125 are only good for about 50-75 gallons anyways
Bifferwine
I am a girl
Yep, most skimmers are rated at twice their actual capacity -- just a marketing thing.
Oscarsdad608
Reef enthusiast
What brand skimmer is it?
Stupidsreef
Reefing newb
This is a touchy subject that is debated all the time. IMHO and IME I don't believe you can over skim a tank. You could put a 5,000 gallon rated skimmer on a 55 gallon tank. The end result would be a 5,055 gallon system. The skimmer would only skim the amount of proteins and waste that the 55 gallon tank made. And if you under size a skimmer, it will work all the time never really getting everything out of the system leaving you with issue's.
And indeed I agree. All skimmer's are under rated by at least 50%. So if it say's it does 100 gallons, it's only going to keep up with a 50 gallon tank with a very small bio-load. Like 1 fish.
And indeed I agree. All skimmer's are under rated by at least 50%. So if it say's it does 100 gallons, it's only going to keep up with a 50 gallon tank with a very small bio-load. Like 1 fish.
WarmWaterDiver
Reefing newb
Thanks to everybody for your advice! I'll be sticking with the bigger skimmer :) works like a champ
