Octp EXT-PS-150 skimmer in a 90gal.

[BADGUS]

I plan on doing a reef tank,at the moment it's cycling 70lbs of kaelini rock,plan to get maybe 40lbs more sat.My question is,is my new Octopus ext-ps-150 too much for the 90gal tank?i plan to get a 125 tank maybe in the future,but not sure.Or is it ok?here's an attached pic.The back wall had hard green algea aswell as my water return,now they look like they were steam cleaned,is this what a skimmer does?Note that i had a crappy seaclone there before.


http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/601116/fullsize/baby-041.jpg



http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/601118/fullsize/baby-042.jpg

[printedpaper]

I don't think it is too big at all, I wish I had it on my 90. Are those bio balls in your sump? You might want to take those out if they are. Looks like a nice setup you have there. If you want to go cheaper you could add some base rock with your live rock.

[BADGUS]

They are bio-balls,why should i remove them?If i do remove them,what do i use in their place?

[moo0o]

from what ive read, the bio balls will eventually trap detritus and then create a nirate problem for you. people either use live rock in its place or nothing at all.

[printedpaper]

Yep, thats my take on the bio balls too, they trap detritus and make nitrate. Your live rock will take the place of the bio balls. The general rule is 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of live rock per gallon of water

[BADGUS]

Ok,i don't think i can put 90lbs of LR in the sump,it's only 25gal.

[cczarnik]

Printedpaper's formula is LR weight in total system. Not sump calculation.. If you're putting 110 LB in your display tank you should be fine! Chuckl

[BADGUS]

Oh,ok,i was confused.Then i will do that,110~130lbs total LR.I can get some LR rubble,i will put that in the sump,maybe like 10lbs of rubble.

[chem-e]

I don't think the 150 is going to be too much. I have the 110 recirc on my 55gal with a light bioload.

And yes get rid of the bioballs. Go with a refugium instead.