what size skimmer???

[daytonreefrob]

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Originally Posted by astranotus

I am setting up a 275 with a 75G sump...was gonna go with an ASM G-3..but maybe should go up to a G-4..do have my heart set on an ASM..So what would you do???

If you have your heart set on an ASM, do NOT get the G4. It is under powered, the G4x is a good one, it has a Sedra 9000 pump on it.

I actually think that the G4x is even too small for a 350 gallon system. What is your current biolad? If it is anything more than light, this the G4x or lower will not be sufficient. You would need to look at the G5 which is quite a bit taller than the G4, it includes two pumps as well.

I am a bit biased when I tell you the next part, I second the MSX250 or the MSX300. Either one of them would skim the snot out of your system.

*** disclaimer...I am part of Marine Solutions, the home of the MSX!

[JCTewks]

Don't go with the Octo! for a little more money (or the same, depending on which octo you are looking at) you can get the MSX.
FWIW, the MSX will absolutely SPANK the Octo (unless you are looking at the OctoXtreme, which is the same as the MSX, only the MSX is cheaper ).

[JCTewks]

You can check out both the MSX and the Octo at MarineSolutionsInc.com

[astranotus]

I haven been here in a bit..sorry ...but too late..on the octo...I bought an Octopus DDNW 150 recirculating skimmer...$225 2 months old..

[Hop]

The DDNW150 is WAY too small IMO... You have to warn us prior to these impulse buys... It should take some stuff out of the water, but you'll probably want to upgrade when your stocking list gets to the moderate level.

[astranotus]

too small??? you think...It will be on a 275 with a 75 sump...after all the rock and sand..should be like 250G..and its rated at 300..

[Hop]

Originally Posted by astranotus

too small??? you think...It will be on a 275 with a 75 sump...after all the rock and sand..should be like 250G..and its rated at 300..

I know it is it's way overrated... About 125 gallons moderate to heavy is it's max.

There are things you look at when sizing a skimmer, only some of which the manufacturers routinely convey to hobbyists. They are dwell time (skimmer size), surface area (size and number of bubbles sometimes calculated and factored along with SCFM/LPM, a measurement of air intake) and finally skimmer design (body size/shape, neck size and height compared to pump performance and ability). As the need for more performance is needed based on water volume and bioload, these three factors need to increase, usually equally, but not always.

This is how I base skimmer performance as a good rule of thumb, the second is to always cut the ratings in half for most skimmers. Some of the ER, Deltec, bubble kings Octo extremes and MSX (along with a few others) are an exception)

[astranotus]

CRAP!!!So you think i should sell it and get something bigger huh?? I will have a mixed reef with Sps,Lps softies..stonys...all of it..and some fish..I felt like just the size of it alone was small..but said ahh..good deal get it..

[Hop]

I did recommend the MSX300 for you I'm running an MSX250 with extended collection cup for a 190 display, 125 sump and 40 gallon fuge. Actual volume is probably 130 display, 70 sump and 34 fuge, so 230 gallons roughly. I'm thinking pretty close to what you will have when it is set up.

As far as selling it? How long do you think before having a moderate bio-load? 1 year or longer? if so, run it for now, but just keep it in the back of your mind that you'll probably need to upgrade later down the road

[astranotus]

You did recommend it..but I saw this and figured it would do the job..especially being a recirculating skimmer....was a good price..And don't se much of the MSX up for sale or auction...can't really afford one of those new...have too much other equipment i need

[OneDummHikk]

ALL skimmers can be classified as "over rated" since the way they calculate what size system it can handle is different with every company. Throw in the fact that if CompanyA rated there skimmer for a 120 gallon system, and CompanyB produced the same exact skimmer, sold it for the same price, but rated it at 180 gallons, people would by CompanyB's skimmer. That forces CompanyA to overrate there skimmers to keep up with the other companies hair brained ways of rating skimmers.

[crvz]

Originally Posted by astranotus

CRAP!!!So you think i should sell it and get something bigger huh?? I will have a mixed reef with Sps,Lps softies..stonys...all of it..and some fish..I felt like just the size of it alone was small..but said ahh..good deal get it..

I probably would look at upgrading. It's not imminently necessary, but I wouldnt wait too terribly long. As pointed out, manufacturers greatly over-estimate their skimmer capabilities, and most ratings are rather arbitrary with no real consistency between brands. I'd look at the MSX for sure, I think it would be a good fit (and about the cheapest one on the block for that size, too).

[astranotus]

I may try the Octo for a bit...Now even though I have a 275 and 75 sump...The sump is pretty much the filter anyway..so I can get away with out count it pretty much no??? And for a Bio load..I won't have a lot of fish where the bio load comes from and will be mostly corals...which have little bio load in retrospect..so i should be good...or am i just trying to make it work??

[Neuticle]

Originally Posted by astranotus

I may try the Octo for a bit...Now even though I have a 275 and 75 sump...The sump is pretty much the filter anyway..so I can get away with out count it pretty much no??? And for a Bio load..I won't have a lot of fish where the bio load comes from and will be mostly corals...which have little bio load in retrospect..so i should be good...or am i just trying to make it work??

It can work (just don't put in 50 fish ) keep good circulation, plenty of live rock. I'd wait and see how it does after a couple months.

[astranotus]

It will have a GOOD amount of live rock..little fish and all corals...So it won't have a great bio load...even in my 75..I only keep 5 fish..it a coral reef so...thanks...