Overskimming

[allforocean_01]

Hello there. I am new to the saltwater hobby. For the past half decade, I've wanted a saltwater tank. I grew up loving the ocean and eventually was exposed to the hobby of "recreating the ocean" if you will. Now that my own saltwater aquarium is becoming a reality, it feels amazing.

My first saltwater aquarium will be a 40 gallon breeder tank. As far as protein skimmers go, I originally aimed for the less expensive ones, but after doing my research I decided to spend the extra money and go for the well rated and respected models. Right now I am aiming for a Reef Octopus model (more specifically, their Classic 100 HOB model). It's specifics are:

8" x 3.75" x 17"

105 gallons - Light Bioload
75 gallons - Medium Bioload
55 gallons - Heavy Bioload

My concerns are with overskimming. As of now I plan on maintaing a FOWLR set-up with the addition of a clean-up crew and a few ornamental inverts. I am afraid of this Reef Octopus model overskimming my tank towards the beginning of it's run due to the low bioload and not having much to skim. Is this a legitimiate concern? If so, what are some good skimmers more ideal for this sized tank?

My current stocking plan is as follows:
1 Randall's Goby w/Tiger Pistol Shrimp
1 Tail Spot Blenny
1 Hector's Goby
2 Ocellaris Clownfish
1 Purple Firefish
3 Banded Trochus Snails
4 Nassarius Snails
2 Nerite Snails
1 Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

Possible Options:
2 Pajama Cardinalfish:fish1::fish1:
1 Peppermint Shrimp

 

[mcgyvr]

Nope.. not a valid concern.. It will be just fine..
Skimmers are really not that effective at all (30% or so) and typically the foam head will just collapse and it won't do/pull much far before its possible to be "overskimming"

That skimmer will be just fine..
Enjoy.. Have fun

 

[allforocean_01]

Sounds good, thank you.

 

[SALTYwaterDOG]

Skim the cra? Out of it. Now you will have room to expand

Oh yeah welcome to RC and HAPPY REEFING

 

[A sea K]

Yep, skimmer is fine. I ran the 110 classic on my 30 gal and had great results, system had a 20gal sump and 10gal fuge so I would expect the total water volume to be similar to your 40gal.

 

[anthonys51]

Hello there. I am new to the saltwater hobby. For the past half decade, I've wanted a saltwater tank. I grew up loving the ocean and eventually was exposed to the hobby of "recreating the ocean" if you will. Now that my own saltwater aquarium is becoming a reality, it feels amazing.

My first saltwater aquarium will be a 40 gallon breeder tank. As far as protein skimmers go, I originally aimed for the less expensive ones, but after doing my research I decided to spend the extra money and go for the well rated and respected models. Right now I am aiming for a Reef Octopus model (more specifically, their Classic 100 HOB model). It's specifics are:

8" x 3.75" x 17"

105 gallons - Light Bioload
75 gallons - Medium Bioload
55 gallons - Heavy Bioload

My concerns are with overskimming. As of now I plan on maintaing a FOWLR set-up with the addition of a clean-up crew and a few ornamental inverts. I am afraid of this Reef Octopus model overskimming my tank towards the beginning of it's run due to the low bioload and not having much to skim. Is this a legitimiate concern? If so, what are some good skimmers more ideal for this sized tank?

My current stocking plan is as follows:
1 Randall's Goby w/Tiger Pistol Shrimp
1 Tail Spot Blenny
1 Hector's Goby
2 Ocellaris Clownfish
1 Purple Firefish
3 Banded Trochus Snails
4 Nassarius Snails
2 Nerite Snails
1 Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

Possible Options:
2 Pajama Cardinalfish:fish1::fish1:
1 Peppermint Shrimp

these ratings are simple made up by the company as a guideline for you. different companies can and do have different ratings.
i normally always use the heavy load when calculating for my tank.
although one mans heavy, might be another mans light

but as far as your question about over skimming, its like exercise.
can i exercise too much and get too skinny
yes its possible, but for the majority of us we will never have that problem.

 

[FishN00b83]

You can't over skim your water, but you can get a skimmer that's too big for your tank. If the skimmer is too big it won't be able to foam enough to get in the collection cup. I would by a skimmer that's rated for your tank.

 

[hkgar]

It you want the best look at either Life Reef or MTC. Best skimmers out there but only available directly from the manufacturer. Check them out.

Here is the MTC owners thread

 

[kidA]

There have been trials that show no skimming/6-hour a day skimming yielding better or comparable growth. Just depends on what nutrient export systems you utilize. Skimmers can be a huge help if you do not have a robust established refugium, macro, and/or ATS, etc. May see less growth if not enough nutrients supplied, but Ive never had issues running one constantly nor have I heard of detrimental issues with running oversized skimmers all the time.

 

[allforocean_01]

Thank you all for the advice. I'm more than thrilled to get started with this. Hopefully my system runs well since I'm getting this skimmer, a HOB refugium along with a HOB filter.