skimmer size question for large system

[Zacktosterone]

Hey there, I have an sps dominate system with 250 gallons of total water volume. i have about 30 fish. is my sro 3000 int skimmer capable of doing the job? or do i have to upgrade to the sro 5000 int skimmer.

sro3000
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/super-reef-octopus-sro-3000int-8-in-sump-protein-skimmer.html#tab-full-details

sro5000
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/super-reef-octopus-sro-5000int-10-in-sump-protein-skimmer-282b2d93c42db32b12a17752c36ee10d.html#tab-full-details.

[DavidinGA]

I have about the same volume and run the same sro3000int skimmer and don't have a problem.

You have more fish than I do but I don't know if you have small/medium/large fish.

Here's what I have in my dt:

Dussumieri 6"
Yellow foxface 6"
Powder blue 5"
Desjardini 5"
Blonde naso 5"
Hippo 4"
Kole 3"
Three yellow tangs 3" each
Red coris wrasse 7"
Melanarus 6"
Flame angel 3"
Two Perculas 2.5" each
Matted filefish 2.5"
Longnosed hawk 3.5"
Watchman goby 3"
Starry blenny 4"

[shred5]

I think you are on the edge of what that skimmer can handle and probably pushing it, but wow what a upgrade/difference between the two skimmer.

1,100 lph vs 2100 lph of air that is a big upgrade.
4.5" neck vs 6 inch neck...

It is like they skipped right over the SRO-4000 which is about what you need.

Is the skimmer been working fine? why are you thinking of upgrading?

[ksed]

Keep what you have and monitor nitrates. If you see them climbing then do the upgrade. Until then do worry. The 3000 move plenty of water through the skimmer.

[Zacktosterone]

I think you are on the edge of what that skimmer can handle and probably pushing it, but wow what a upgrade/difference between the two skimmer.

1,100 lph vs 2100 lph of air that is a big upgrade.
4.5" neck vs 6 inch neck...

It is like they skipped right over the SRO-4000 which is about what you need.

Is the skimmer been working fine? why are you thinking of upgrading?

Skimmer works great...but I'm adding 70 more gallons of water because I'm installing a Refugium.

[shred5]

Skimmer works great...but I'm adding 70 more gallons of water because I'm installing a Refugium.

I would not worry then more water dont mean much but more load does. Now if you are going to throw a bunch more fish in the fuge that would be different.

[Zacktosterone]

I would not worry then more water dont mean much but more load does. Now if you are going to throw a bunch more fish in the fuge that would be different.

Nope.
Hippo tang 6"
Naso 8"
Sailfin 5"
Yellow tang 5"
Foxface 5"
Regel angel 5"
Multibar 4"
Flame angel 3"
Coral beauty 3"
6 yes I said 6... Clownish
Melunaris wrasse 5"
Mandarin dragonette 3"
The rest are chromis and anthias

[slief]

Skimmer works great...but I'm adding 70 more gallons of water because I'm installing a Refugium.

As mentioned, proper skimmer sizing comes to load as opposed to volume. The reason volume is mentioned is skimmer sizing is because of theoretical loads/stocking. Also, adding a refugium which actually reduce loads provided you are using the refugium for macro and exporting/pruning the macro as it grows. As such, the addition of a refugium should not be factored in with regards to your skimmer sizing. Since I am not terribly familiar with that skimmer, I won't weigh in on whether it's sufficient or not.

[tkeracer619]

The rating is a rule of thumb by what people stock in their display, not total volume.

The fuge will not change anything.