can a skimmer be to big?

[Chris&Mel]

Hi guys, i got my new skimmer in the mail yesterday and didnt relize when i ordered it just how HUGE it was. Its a coralife neadle wheel rated for a 220 gal, now keep in mind that i only have a 60 gal with out a sump so i'm having to hang it on the back of the tank. Also, i have tryed everything to stop the micro bubles from leaking around the impeller housing any sugestions there?

[WaterKeeper]

Not here on RC. Having a skimmer about the size of a three story building is considered a status symbol. :D

That said, not really, but hiding one of the giant ones can be a problem unless you have a sump in the basement. I'm a little lost here. Are you talking about bubbles entering the lift tower or the tank? If it is the tank, then you can add a throtting valve to the discharge side and reduce the flow. The allows more rise time for the bubbles so they enter the scum trap rather than the tank discharge. Tweaking a skimmer can give one hours of enjoyment. ;)

[jprince58]

Skimmers all do the same thing, so from that standpoint, a skimmer is a skimmer. However, higher capacity skimmer also require higher flow through the skimmer. I think you reach a point of diminishing returns as you increase the capacity. For your size tank, I'd say you've exceeded your need. As for the micro bubbles, you need to check the seal and make sure it's properly seated. The only place you should be fighting bubbles (if at all) is at the skimmer output.

[Kdocimo90]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13737607#post13737607 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WaterKeeper
Not here on RC. Having a skimmer about the size of a three story building is considered a status symbol. :D

Wouldnt that overflow your tank when shutting it off ;)

[WaterKeeper]

I try to get you Newbies to install check valves. :D

[gsxr750]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13738276#post13738276 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WaterKeeper
I try to get you Newbies to install check valves. :D


haha +1 there

[nikon187]

a super skimmer 220 is not overkill on a 60. M y buddy has one on his 20G and it does fine ( I would have went with something better but...)

[Chris&Mel]

Is there somthing wrong with my super skimmer? I read a bunch of forums that said it was your best bang for you buck....is that not true?

[tmz]

Coralife equipment in general is considered a little weak by many compared to other manufacturers. I think your skimmer particularly given it's size will do well for you though.

[Chris&Mel]

so...in the future what brand would you recomend?

[Hop]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13741251#post13741251 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Chris&Mel
so...in the future what brand would you recomend?

That is a loaded question:lol:

[Hop]

ATI, Bubble king, octopus, MSX, Deltec, euro reef, reeflo... in no particular order and I'm leaving a few dozen out;)

[Chris&Mel]

well, i wish i would have found this site before i bought it. So, what would you say a "good" skimmer for my tank would cost?

[Hop]

$140-200ish...heavy on the ish

[Chris&Mel]

are you serious!!!!! i paid like $235 for the one I got

[Chris&Mel]

and that was only because i got it on line, my LFS had it but they wanted $345 for it. It is the only thing that sucks about living in a small town that only had one Fish store.

[kdc527]

check out bermuda aquatics their hang on skimmer is nice and resonable

[jprince58]

Regardless how big the rating on your skimmer is, it'll still only pull so much skimmate out of the water. I'm all for excess capacity, but there really comes a point where you're doing nothing but wasting electrons.

[bigclops]

it IS possible to overskim

[Hop]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13741504#post13741504 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Chris&Mel
are you serious!!!!! i paid like $235 for the one I got

See Reef Central really can SAVE YOU MONEY!