Let's talk about bio load.

[Aquattro]

So looking at skimmers, most are rated for different volumes at different bioloads.
How do we measure that? I mean, quantitatively, what's a medium bio load? Or heavy? Or medium light?
Compared to what?

How do you gauge your bioload?

[Proteus]

Good question. I think I have a heavy bit load with 7 fish in my tank but there all small basslets and two fire fish. So is that low compared to wrasses or tangs

[Aquattro]

No idea. And that's weird, cause I usually have an answer, even if I make it up

This time I got nuthin' lol

I think I have a medium(ish) load. On the light side, but I feed heavy. Sort that one out!

[Proteus]

Maybe bit load should be based on amount of food you use.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Proteus

Maybe bit load should be based on amount of food you use.

Do we weight it per gallon?

I have a 6" angel, a 4" tang, 8 Bartlett's Anthias (2"), a Leopard wrasse about 4 inches, 2 clowns and another anthias (Lyretail). 50 frags. 3 LPS various sizes. 40 snails. 2 abalone. Some sand snails.

107g of water, 50 pounds of rock. Give or take.

We call this medium? Heavy? Light? I dunno. I picked medium because it's in the middle

[Proteus]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Do we weight it per gallon?

I have a 6" angel, a 4" tang, 8 Bartlett's Anthias (2"), a Leopard wrasse about 4 inches, 2 clowns and another anthias (Lyretail). 50 frags. 3 LPS various sizes. 40 snails. 2 abalone. Some sand snails.

107g of water, 50 pounds of rock. Give or take.

We call this medium? Heavy? Light? I dunno. I picked medium because it's in the middle

I guess a pound of food is a pound of poop regardless of how many fish

[Wheelman76]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Here's my take on that. I don't care at all about any bacteria in water, so if it's there or not, makes no difference. The amount free in the water column is insignificant, so let the skimmer take out however much it wants.

+1

[SoloSK71]

Going back to your original post, I suggest that you get a skimmer that is rated for your water volume as 'heavily stocked' and leave it at that.

Charles

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by SoloSK71

Going back to your original post, I suggest that you get a skimmer that is rated for your water volume as 'heavily stocked' and leave it at that.

Charles

Yes, I think that's the real answer, just thought it would be an interesting discussion

[SoloSK71]

It has been and is. I just suffer from the guy tendency to offer solutions instead of discussing things

Charles