Can I only count on a big skimmer for filteration on SPS tank?
- Thread starter wzero
- Start date
kozmo02
Premium Member
No, multiple skimmers compete with each other and don't work as efficiently as they would if you just ran one that was appropriately sized to handle your aquarium.
For nutrient removal you can always add a refugium, regular water changes with RO/DI water, run carbon, etc.
A skimmer is a very important piece of equipment although some get by without them. I would recommend just picking out a well designed skimmer that can handle your aquarium and you should be fine.
For nutrient removal you can always add a refugium, regular water changes with RO/DI water, run carbon, etc.
A skimmer is a very important piece of equipment although some get by without them. I would recommend just picking out a well designed skimmer that can handle your aquarium and you should be fine.
LFS_worker
'ignoramus maximus'
Have you personally run 2 or more skimmers on one system?? I cant seem to find anything to agree with you (other than people) I cant find anyone who has ever tried this. Im running 2 together with no problems.
I dont think that another skimmer will help your colors ... Id look to water chemistry and keeping it perfect.
Brian
college429
Member
In my experience you either need a refugium w/macro algae, chemical removal of phosphate or BB. SPS require regular feeding and you will need one of these three methods to keep phosphates low.
TCU Reefer
Premium Member
clkwrk runs two skimmers on his tank. I would say he's had some success. 
kozmo02
Premium Member
Some people may have success but overall I have always been told, read, and learned through other peoples experiences that multiple skimmers running on a tank won't perform as well as they would by themselves.
Perfect example, when o2manyfish did his skimmer challenge, people involved with that were even saying how it would have an impact on performance with multiple skimmers running on one system.
Some people, as I said, may have good experiences with it, but in general it is not recommended and why would you even spend the money to buy two skimmers anyhow? With so many companies making big excellent skimmers, buy one that can handle your tank and be done with it, that's definitely the way to go.
Perfect example, when o2manyfish did his skimmer challenge, people involved with that were even saying how it would have an impact on performance with multiple skimmers running on one system.
Some people, as I said, may have good experiences with it, but in general it is not recommended and why would you even spend the money to buy two skimmers anyhow? With so many companies making big excellent skimmers, buy one that can handle your tank and be done with it, that's definitely the way to go.
twon8
Formally registered membe
I think two skimmers can certainly work, and vaired types, such as a beckett and a nw would probably play well off of each other.
If I already have a skimmer, why spend 1000 + on a skimmer when i can buy one medium size to complement what i have and get more than enough contact time. It all comes down to the area allotted for bubbles. it also allows one to be cleaned and the tank not get dirty in that time.
of course two skimmers running on the same tank will compete for skimmatte, but let them. im trying to get it out of the tank anyway possible.
If I already have a skimmer, why spend 1000 + on a skimmer when i can buy one medium size to complement what i have and get more than enough contact time. It all comes down to the area allotted for bubbles. it also allows one to be cleaned and the tank not get dirty in that time.
of course two skimmers running on the same tank will compete for skimmatte, but let them. im trying to get it out of the tank anyway possible.
worlds under
New member
DITO
Charlie Davidson
New member
(twon8) (anyone) have you done both.. I have recently been thinking about adding a beckett skimmer (nate build) on my 250g system that has the g4x (n/w) . just to see what it does
Charlie Davidson
New member
BTW, Nate and I had talked about a recir. beckett.. never did it!
oligotrophic
New member
I would agree on that as well.
imo, It depends on skimmer effectiveness. if it's a skimmer that reaches the top end performance where some call it "overskimming" then obviously the tank only needs 1 such skimmer.
However, using dual (or triple ... ) skimmers won't make much sense if both of those skimmers at their best are only able to perform at mediocre effectiveness. I've actually tried this and in the end got rid of both such skimmers, upgraded to a German needlewheel and am quite contented
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but this is my take on it...
Talking about skimmers, one of these days I might want to lay my hands on one of those 'big' ones by Schuran...
twon8
Formally registered membe
havn't done it yet, need to rearrange under the stand to fit two skimmers, but it's in my plans.<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7878211#post7878211 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Charlie Davidson
(twon8) (anyone) have you done both.. I have recently been thinking about adding a beckett skimmer (nate build) on my 250g system that has the g4x (n/w) . just to see what it does
RichConley
New member
A. Calfo actually reccomends running two skimmers of different types on a tank (IE one beckett, one NW) claiming that the different types are sometimes better at pulling out different things.
Now I dont know how realistic that is, but some people do reccomend that.
hawaiianwargod
Active member
Tagging along...
On my 350g system...I run 2 skimmers, Euroreef and ETSS. Both do well and take care of biz.
On my 350g system...I run 2 skimmers, Euroreef and ETSS. Both do well and take care of biz.
McCrary
Can't Stop Time
I have always felt that one skimmer is sufficient, providing that the skimmer is of quality. Two can be used, but it seems redundant. If both his skimmers are not enough then they need to be replaced. 10 $60 seaclones do not add up to 1 $600 euroreef. I don't feel adding another skimmer will solve the problem.
Charlie Davidson
New member
:lol: ditto! BTW-- thats Deltec- not ER 
( and we call em sea- clowns)
( and we call em sea- clowns)
In your case wzero judging by the fact you feel nutrients are still an issue running the 2 skimmers you have is probably not as good of an idea as getting 1 that is more "qualified" for the job.
Stating that running 2 skimmers is not a good idea is not really accurate IMO. Plenty of people do with good results.
A skimmer is only going to pull out what is there. Having another or a combination of 2 smaller models should not cause any harm whatsoever IMHO
Chris
Stating that running 2 skimmers is not a good idea is not really accurate IMO. Plenty of people do with good results.
A skimmer is only going to pull out what is there. Having another or a combination of 2 smaller models should not cause any harm whatsoever IMHO
Chris
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LFS_worker
'ignoramus maximus'
I currently am running a Aerofoamer and a asm skimmer and both seem to work great ... oh and the tank is only 75g.
Brian
Brian
