Skimmer size

Richer · #1 09-29-2009, 11:59 PM

+1 bigger is better

The 9002 is kind of small... I don't think it'll be a good long term choice for your tank. I bought one for my 15 gallon + 10 gallon sump. Right now I'd hesitate to put it on a larger system... but to be honest, the system isn't up and running yet, so I might eat my words

That's a 1" bulkhead for size reference.

How about a 9010? There's one FS right now...

http://canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=56383

fencer · #2 09-30-2009, 12:07 AM

A good guideline is get one that is rated to 2x the total gallons of your system

Myka · #3 09-30-2009, 01:04 AM

Yes, remember that what a skimmer is rated for is the MAX. A lot of people get a 180 gallon tank, and think a skimmer that is good for 180 gallons is a perfect choice. That doesn't make any sense at all. I like to stay about 30% from the rating. So for your tank which total volume will probably be about 70 gallons (assuming the sump half full), you would do well with a skimmr rated for 100 or so gallons. I think you may be happier with an EuroReef RS-100 or a Vertex IN-100 instead of the Tunze 9005 though. I'm not a fan of the Tunze skimmers (other than the Nano does a good job on small tanks).