Protein Skimmer Size

[protie]

Just went from a sump-less system using a HOB skimmer to a system with a sump. Now that I need a new skimmer I am wondering which size to go with. My tank is 180g and sump is 40g. One skimmer I am looking at says it is for 120-260. Is this what I need or should I be stepping up to the skimmer that covers 260-500?
I think I remember reading to go larger if possible.

 

[mcgyvr]

In general the ratings posted by the manufacturers are sufficient..
If you plan on a high bioload (overstocked with fish,etc..) then one size up is fine..

More than likely the 120-260G rated one will do just fine for you..

Might be a good idea to post the brand you are looking at too so others with similar ones can give their feedback on how its doing for them specifically..

 

[Clowning_Around]

Most give a range and associated bioloads respectively, i.e. light might be your 260 and heavy at 120 with medium being in the middle at 190.... So how do you intend on stocking it?

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[Stolireef]

Brand can be important here. Some brands tend to inflate the skimmer's capacity while others play it really straight. In my personal experience, Reef Octopus tends to push the envelope a bit whereas Vertex is pretty much spot on. Since those are the only two brands I've owned, they are the only ones for which I can render an opinion.

Once thing to look for is the footprint (make sure it fits in your sump) and the ease of cleaning.

 

[protie]

Thank you for the responses. I am not sold on this particular skimmer but heard good things about the brand(eshopps): https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/s-200-s-series-premier-protein-skimmer-120-260-gal-eshopps/
The video on the page shows how easy it is to clean which caught my attention.
Ill take any other suggestions of course.

 

[d0ughb0y]

Thank you for the responses. I am not sold on this particular skimmer but heard good things about the brand(eshopps): https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/s-200-s-series-premier-protein-skimmer-120-260-gal-eshopps/
The video on the page shows how easy it is to clean which caught my attention.
Ill take any other suggestions of course.

there is a thread on RC about this skimmer.

I read that the bubble disperser thingy cannot be fully taken apart, as such you will not be able to clean all the nooks and crannies inside, in case you are ocd want it really clean when you clean it. and also the startup problem. If you really want that skimmer, you can get it for $115 less on ebay.

 

[protie]

there is a thread on RC about this skimmer.

I read that the bubble disperser thingy cannot be fully taken apart, as such you will not be able to clean all the nooks and crannies inside, in case you are ocd want it really clean when you clean it. and also the startup problem. If you really want that skimmer, you can get it for $115 less on ebay.

I do not really want that skimmer, it is just an option I first heard about. I guess what I should have asked in the title of my thread is which skimmer is recommended. :spin3:

 

[Potatohead]

there is a thread on RC about this skimmer.

I read that the bubble disperser thingy cannot be fully taken apart, as such you will not be able to clean all the nooks and crannies inside, in case you are ocd want it really clean when you clean it. and also the startup problem. If you really want that skimmer, you can get it for $115 less on ebay.

I do not really want that skimmer, it is just an option I first heard about. I guess what I should have asked in the title of my thread is which skimmer is recommended. :spin3:

It's hard to find a better skimmer for the money, really.

The bubble plate cannot be taken apart but if you soak it in vinegar and run the pump with some vinegary water, it cleans it up nicely. The whole skimmer comes apart in fifteen seconds which is awesome.

That model should not have any startup issues, that is mainly on the smaller pump in the smaller models.

I think that is a perfect size skimmer for you. If you want to look at some others I would check out Reef Octopus 202 or IceCap K2-200.

 

[protie]

...I think that is a perfect size skimmer for you. If you want to look at some others I would check out Reef Octopus 202 or IceCap K2-200.

Thank you for the suggestions. I will check them out.

 

[ReefsandGeeks]

For what it's worth, I've been running an E-Shopps skimmer for a few years and it hasn't given me any issues. Mine is a smaller one, but seems to state the appropriate tank size fairly accurately. I have one made for 75 gallons on a well stocked 65g tank and can maintain near 0 nitrates. Easy to clean and service, and never had any broken parts or needed repairs yet.

I liked that it's more affordable than others, of course. But it has performed well for me

 

[supperfish]

I like the way the E-Shopps skimmer in your link is built. I'm choosing a skimmer for my new 55 gallon reef tank. I don't know what is the best protein skimmer for the price under $200.