One large skimmer or 2 medium skimmers?

[Bblinks]

Originally Posted by MarkoD

What if one large fails and you're on vacation? (this happen to me and I had cyano for a month an half)

Also you can't skim wet and dry at the same time

What if both fails when you are on vacation? not likely but it could. I ran 2 skimmers on my 72 gallon and then went to a single over size skimmer. I like it better due to the rate of the oversize skimmer skimed, and the larger volume of water being processed compare to 2 smaller ones. I do believe you tank turn over rate will also play a important roll in your choice of skimmer. I am a strong beliver on at least match or surpass the turn over rate so that the skimmer can handle all the water that has been through your sump. If your turn over is 500 gph but the skimmer only can handle 250 gph even with 2 skimmers it might not have enough contact and dewell time to process all the water. I think I also read some where I think on rc when there is 2 skimmer in the same sump area one might become dominate and strave the 2 skimmer. when I had both of mine running, in some instance it did seem to be some what true. of course there are a lot of variable that need to take into consideration.
ultimately the choice is your Mark, but for me one less piece of equipment, one less plug in, one less skimmer cup I have to clean out works for me. If none of these you are concerned about then I say go for it, but maybe try 2 medium size skimmers that will total more than your turn over rate and let me know how it goes.

Good luck.

[BlueTang<3]

I would also vote for the buying one good skimmer. I am not sure what skimmer you use now, but i switched from an asm g3 to my current bubbleking and i would not want to have to clean 2 of the cups one is bad enough. The best bet is to look around and look at peoples skimmers and get reviews. You don't really see anyone running two skimmers it is cost related or what. I agree with Brett and I think i have read two will act against each other. If your moving into the higher end of skimmers and buying 2 it can get real costly even if there smaller. I have used my bk for 3 years and have never had a non human/ snail caused issue.

[MarkoD]

I currently have a euro reef cs 63 and was gonna add a euro reef rs180

Or just take out the euroreef and get a vertex in250

[Bblinks]

Vertex alpha 250... Can't go wrong with red dragon pump. I haven't yet to meet anyone who owned a alpha or bbk that didn't like it.

[MarkoD]

Originally Posted by Bblinks

Vertex alpha 250... Can't go wrong with red dragon pump. I haven't yet to meet anyone who owned a alpha or bbk that didn't like it.

lol 1200 dollars for a skimmer?

i'd rather take my chances buying a cheaper skimmer even if i have to go through 5 of them in the life of one of those alpha skimmers

[Hustler]

My first "saltwater" buy was my skimmer.... will be the backbone of whatever system i run for probably the rest of my life.....Unless i get divorced or win the lotto..... In which case.... Im buying 2 pools one for the fish and one for me to soak and wach them in

[fishytime]

Ive been considering this myself recently......moving to a bigger tank and I currently have a BK mini 180......BK rated for the new tank is $2300......I was thinking about keepin the mini 180 and adding a vertex alpha 200 cone at around $950......now this has got me wondering.....thanks guys

[vanreefer]

I would run 1 needle wheel and 1 becket style...

[Hustler]

One thing i noticed..... between the pet store rated skimmers and the industrial skimmers is out to lunch the ratings are.... way over par on them lil guys....