ER skimmer selection help

[murraycamp]

Hey guys. I need some help.

I am upgrading my 30 gal (20 gal. sump) and my 55 gal. (17 gal. sump) reef tanks and am considering ER skimmers.

Would the RS-100 be too much skimmer for the 30? Would the RS-135 be too much for the 55?

I have a heavy bioload and, more importantly, feed by corals like a madman (target feeding every night if I can).

I am really confused about the "overskimming" debate - not stripping the water so much as having an over-sized skimmer not function properly because there is not enough of a consistent organic load to allow the foam to collect.

Thanks!

[jlt23]

I have an RS100 on a 45 gal + 30 gal (i think) sump. Everything seems fine to me. I would go for it. Good luck.

[murraycamp]

Thanks! Any other opinions?

[Jim_S]

Yeah, way too big. I'd go RS80, or RC80 on the 30 (still over kill) and the RS or RC100 on the 55,

JMO.

Jim

[murraycamp]

Why? Excluding the issue of buying more capacity that needed, and thus spending additional money for no increased performance, do you see a risk of overskimming?

[Jim_S]

Yes, your skimmer will definetly be oversized, especially on a 30 gallon tank. There just won't be enough organics to get any real consistant results.

Like the last post, this is just my opinion that has formed through experience.

[chewie]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11048713#post11048713 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by murraycamp


I have a heavy bioload and, more importantly, feed by corals like a madman (target feeding every night if I can).


Thanks!

I wouldn't hesitate to upgrade to the 2 skimmers you listed.

If I had the dough, I'd run the RC135 on my 30g. But for now, I'm stuck with an old CS5-3.

[murraycamp]

Thanks for the input. The total system volume of the 30 will be about 50, which is right at the "heavy bioload" rating for the RS80. That's why I wanted some cushion. I am trying to control dissolved organic load through nutrient import, rather than export. Anyone else have a suggestion?

[murraycamp]

I am trying to control dissolved organic load through nutrient import, rather than export.

I should clarify . . .

I would rather have a bit of overcapacity so that my feeding levels are not limited by my nutrient export capacity. If my organic load is too small for my skimmer to work consistently, I would rather be in a position that I had to increase feeding, than decrease it due to skimmer limitations.

[shawnz28]

I run a RS135 on my 58 gallon personally......... water is nice and clean :D