protein skimmer size question

[tsmom]

I am getting, from a friend, a protein skimmer that is rated for a 150 gallon tank. I will be getting a 130 gal tank not too far from now (within a matter of months), but can I use this protein skimmer on my 55 gal right now? It has a pump that is 600gph with it as well. I do not currently have a sump, although this is my first step to getting one set up. I welcome all advice! Thanks in advance!

 

[Domboski]

I think that skimmer is perfect for the 55 gallon. May be a bit small for the 130 in my opinion. I like to get a skimmer that has a max rating of at least twice the system it will be used for.

It may be fine if you keep the bio load down.

 

[tsmom]

Thank you for the quick reply!!! I didn't know about getting a larger one than the tank. This will work for now! Bio-load will be down for now because we will be operating from the 55 gallon and only having a few fish until we get everything ready for the 130 gallon. We have to reseal the tank, build a stand, get the extra equipment and whatnot.

Thank you again!

 

[Domboski]

No problem. Good luck!

 

[tsmom]

I just thought of another question. I had run a search on protein skimmers earlier and saw one asking if you could use 2 protein skimmers on a tank, rather than replace 1 that is insufficient in size. The post was not replied to and I hope that someone will take the opportunity to answer that question now. Thank you again for your help and thank you in advance for answering this question!

 

[Fishbulb2]

Yes you can without any problem. It's just more equipment to service. I would much prefer to just have one skimmer to adjust and clean but two will do the job just fine.
FB

 

[tsmom]

Although I agree with the upkeep side being easier with one pump, that's just not in our budget right now to replace a new one with another one so soon. Since I didn't have the grasp on the 411 the way I thought I did, I goofed a little when I committed to getting this skimmer from my friend. Live and learn!

Thank you all again!

 

[UCanDoIt]

no problem running 2 skimmers, one can run wet and another run dry. as for skimmer ratings by manufacturer, just throw them out the door unless you are really familiar with how the that company's skimmers perform as most manufacturers are quite optimistic.

 

[JmLee]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8982657#post8982657 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Domboski
I think that skimmer is perfect for the 55 gallon. May be a bit small for the 130 in my opinion. I like to get a skimmer that has a max rating of at least twice the system it will be used for.

It may be fine if you keep the bio load down.

I asked a similiar question awhile back ago. Basically the response was... Just because the skimmer is bigger and rated for a larger tank. Doesn't mean its necessarily going to skim better. For example, a skimmer thats rated for a 150gal tank on a 90G tank Isn't necessarily going to skim better then the skimmer thats rated for the 80 - 100G tank. I forget the specifics but if you dig around you will find info about it.

 

[tsmom]

Thank you for the additional info. I will search for that thread about the skimmer size as well.