How accurate are the skimmer ratings?

[luminary]

I've got a 225 bare bottom reef tank (probably about 240-250 total water volume) that I'm looking to replace my skimmer on. I was talking with the owner of my LFS (John at Fish and Ichthy Things in Tampa) about that ATBs. We talked about the medium size cone which is rated to 398 gallons, but I'm concerned with how realistic that rating is. Most skimmers are rated higher than they really are appropriate for in my opinion. Would I be better off going with the large?

Since it's a bare bottom, I need a strong skimmer, not one that's barely cutting it. I also have an Urchin the size of a basketball that, um, leaves quite a mess!. So consider it a heavily stocked tank.

I don't mind paying the extra to go with the large, but don't want to throw away money if it's not really necessary. I don't need to by larger for a future upgrade as it's an in wall tank - the upgrade would need to come with a new house :).

Thanks!

[gcarroll]

I'm planning on the large for my 225 but that is only because I can't fit the X-Large under the stand. I do however believe that you can not have too much skimmer.

[victor90]

Wait until next week John will have these things up and running. The ratings I would say are on the money. Two dealers tested the small on there 180 and say its a perfect match for the 180. I would say the medium is more than enough for your tank size.

[luminary]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11572309#post11572309 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gcarroll
I can't fit the X-Large under the stand. I do however believe that you can not have too much skimmer.

That skimmer is supposedly rated for up to 1450 gallons! That seems kind of excessive!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11572870#post11572870 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ATB USA
Wait until next week John will have these things up and running. The ratings I would say are on the money. Two dealers tested the small on there 180 and say its a perfect match for the 180. I would say the medium is more than enough for your tank size.

Yeah I know. He's only got a few coming though and wasn't sure if he was going to have them in stock long enough to play with. Just trying to figure out if I want one of the mediums or if I need to have him order me a large.

[gcarroll]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11575771#post11575771 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by luminary
That skimmer is supposedly rated for up to 1450 gallons! That seems kind of excessive! Excessive is my middle name.

[boris MAC]

Excessive is my middle name

Excesive? That skimer has a foot diametar without rhe pump of 45 cm.

[gcarroll]

Yep, and I still wish I could fit a larger one. Maybe Victor can get me one between the Large and Extra Large. Is that possible Victor?

[victor90]

Yes Greg
We can make custom sizes but i do not know if the performance will increase since we have matched the body to the pump

[gcarroll]

OK then I will stick to an off the shelf model. Are the dimensions for the Large correct on the website?

[victor90]

Yes
they are the pics are the version 1 the webguy still needs to update the pictures

[CW from the OC]

Greg

Did you get this skimmer? I'm considering a larger skimmer and these are on my list. Along with the new BK SM's.

Thanks!