Skimmer tank size rating (1 Viewer)

[cobraden]

I was looking at the Skimz SM163 skimmer for my 270 build and the manufacturer rates it for up to a 317 gallon tank but when I look at the BRS site, they rate it for less than half of that (120g) for a heavy stocked tank. Anyone know why such a huge difference?

 

[FarmerTy]

I'd believe the BRS numbers. Skimz is a great quality manufacturer of skimmers, I had the SM201 for years and loved it, but their ratings are a little high compared to the industry average.

Only when I swapped it out for a Reef Octopus 5000 (rated high end 500 gals, Skimz was rated high end 528 gals) did I realize first-hand how much better the Reef Octopus was skimming.

 

[Reefahholic]

I go double my system volume.

150/G tank = Skimmer that can handle 300/G +++

 

[FarmerTy]

Oh, another thing to add, if I had to guess, only 10% of tanks actually run a light bioload in the eyes of skimmer manufacturers, so the highest number rated is usually rubbish, hence where that double your water volume rule came from.

I'd say most tanks are in the medium bioload range with a some in the heavy bioload range.

 

[RR-MAN]

I would go with BRS rating.

Also look at cone reef octo 3000 internal. My water volume was around 300/g with 12/14 medium to large fish. Outstanding performance, beats my previous deltec skimmer in performance. I still have my skimmer but no tank yet :-(

 

[Reefahholic]

I would go with BRS rating.

Also look at cone reef octo 3000 internal. My water volume was around 300/g with 12/14 medium to large fish. Outstanding performance, beats my previous deltec skimmer in performance. I still have my skimmer but no tank yet :-(

Where's your tank? Get a Planet from Nick.

 

[RR-MAN]

Sold the house and the elos.