Skimmer Question (1 Viewer)

[Salty Sonny]

So I'm wanting to purchase a skimmer for my 48 gallon with a 20 gallon sump.
Here's my question, since I'm wanting to upgrade to a 120 gallon cube in about 6 months to a year, would it be an over kill to go with a skimmer rated for something that will work with a 120?

I was looking a Cad light Gen 3 PLS 100
rated at ...Light bio-load (120G)
Medium bio-load (90G)
Heavy bio-load (70G)

heck that might not be good enough if I have a medium load or a Heavy load once I move up.


What would you do ?
any advise would be great.

 

[steveb]

The problem your going to run into is that over sizing the skimmer (assuming the manufacturer is putting out good #'s) is you will get poor skimming performance believe it or not (assuming your water is light/low nutrients). They have trouble keeping a foam head so to speak due to lack of junk in the water. You could choose to cycle the skimmer on/off say on for six off for six and that might help.

All of that being said I run an SWC 120 in 40g total volume system.

Here are the stats:

Xtreme 120 cone Skimmer	Light Bioload	Medium Bioload	Heavy Bioload
Tank ratings	90	70	55

I would say I run a medium bioload system. I feed 3 juvenile bangaiis various different foods each night, in addition 3-4 times a week I am feeding a lot of LPS Fauna Marin LPS pellets or chunks of shrimp, 2x week I broadcast a couple if different products into the water column. I am carbon dosing and I tend to get dark brown gunk filling the cup every 3-4 days.

So what I am I saying? You can probably oversize the skimmer, most exaggerate their load supporting capability IMO. Especially if your feeding your tank etc. If you have trouble keeping a head of foam on the skimmer you can always cycle it on/off.

 

[steveb]

I would rather run a over sized skimmer for a period of time than have to run a under sized one for a long period of time, or to turn around and have to buy a different one. My problem is sometimes my "short term" turns into "long term". i.e. my 400g build going on 3 years now

 

[Salty Sonny]

thanks for the heads up!
I think I'm going to keep on just doing my regular 10% weekly water changes and once I'm ready to buy the new larger aquarium, I'll research and ask for some referrals on a skimmer to match the tank. If anything I've learned, it's all about trying to do it right the first time.