Skimmer too big???

[dwanner]

I am in the process of setting up a 210 Gallon LPS/Softy tank w/ a high bio load and my local LFS has recommended the Super Reef 6000 external which is rated up to 500 Gallon tanks. Is there any drawbacks, other than the price, to running such a large skimmer on my system.

 

[indydog1]

nope. it can only benefit you. i run a pm bullet 2 on my current 90. love it!

 

[redfishsc]

There can be some drawback. On an LPS/Softy tank, you aren't going to need to suck every minutia of organic from the water. Most softies actually seem to like non-skimmed tanks, and LPS don't seem to care so long as you target feed the ones that will eat sometimes.

The nice thing about a BIG skimmer is that you can always dial it down and skim a bit drier. If it's in your budget to get such a massive skimmer, go for it.

Just keep an eye on your corals. Some corals, like Xenia, can do poorly in a low nutrient tank. My tank has a cheezy DIY pvc skimmer driven by an air pump, and my xenia can only barely survive, while LPS are growing fine (b/c they can be target fed).

 

[jbud2418]

The only draw back is the cost.