GPH rate through skimmer?

DSB · 12-03-2005, 04:04 AM

What's a good gph rate through my skimmer, for a 125g tank. I just bumped it up to around 500/550gph.
PS. The HA seem's to be under control (said that before)

Geoff · 12-03-2005, 04:52 AM

as high as possible without micro bubbles leaving the skimmer. when you start seeing micro-bubbles leaving the skimmer you are not running it at optimal. these tiny bubbles have DOC's attached to them.

as for a good total flow. 5x is really good. this is a good goal to shoot for. some say 10x, but they are looking at the rating of the pump and not the actual flow through the skimmer.

G~

Casey · 12-03-2005, 05:50 AM

I go for the 5x

Tim224DT · 12-03-2005, 07:11 AM

I have a mag 7 on my DIY skimmer for a 72 gallon tank.

Tim

DSB · 12-03-2005, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim224DT

I have a mag 7 on my DIY skimmer for a 72 gallon tank.

Tim

That's what I just put on mine.
Thank's for the input.

Loverotties · 12-03-2005, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff

as high as possible without micro bubbles leaving the skimmer. when you start seeing micro-bubbles leaving the skimmer you are not running it at optimal. these tiny bubbles have DOC's attached to them.

as for a good total flow. 5x is really good. this is a good goal to shoot for. some say 10x, but they are looking at the rating of the pump and not the actual flow through the skimmer.

G~

I agree with just enough so the bubbles don't come out.

Geoff · 12-03-2005, 10:44 AM

if it is a Mag7, i really doubt you will be getting 500gph through the skimmer. it will be half the rated power of the pump if you are lucky. the only way you will get anywhere near the full rating of the pump is if the skimmer is an air driven skimmer. venturi's and
Beckett's will cut the actually flow in the skimmer to about 1/4 to 1/2 of its full rating. these air delivery devices require large amounts of back pressure in order to work properly.

G~