when is circulation too much and skimming too little???

[vprada]

Hi everybody... I have a couple questions for you...

1. How much circulation do I need in a 55G tank??? I have a maxi-jet 1200 upgraded with a Sure flow... the thing is that I add a xenia to my tank, but the circulation around it seems to be too strong... the same for another couple corals I have, so I was thinking that may be I should reduce circulation (and replace the maxi-jet 1200 with a 900 or something like that)... what do You people recommend for circulation volume for a 55G?

on the other hand, I've been thinking on replace my crappy protein skimmer, which is a seaclone 100.... despite that so far it is skimming "something" I've been unable to find a good comment about that skimmer ... I was thinking on get an Octopus skimmer, still have to decide about the model though... I wonder if by having a good skimmer I will be able to get rid of the power filter I'm using in my tank (I have less stuff hanging on the back of the tank)....
also, I don't have a sump but I was wondering If I can get a sump type skimmer, and add not a sump (because there's no room in my stand for a sump) but a plastic container big enough for the skimmer and putting it under the tank ( I was thinking in getting a overflow box, and take water out of the tank into this container where the skimmer is, and then return it to the tank )...

thanks again for your advice.....

[Reeftanker3295]

Dont talk about too much flow on this site hahaha in my 55 there is going to be 2 koralia 4's which is 2400 GPH and about 44x turnover, some people have MUCH more than me (I think three90s&125sump has some insane flow rate, try to find his 40 cube thread) Just move the xenia.

[jenglish]

any tank you put under your tank is a sump even if it is a pickle jar THere are some limitations as far as what sump a skimmer will fit in (l x w) and what depth of water it needs to run properly.


I run a K2, K4 and a MJ 400 in my 30 long and it is mostly softies and LPS. I don't think you are anywhere near too much flow overall but you may be careful where you aim it.

[Brocnizer]

I have about 1800gph in my 36 gallon corner tank. I think it is just right and keeps all the poop suspended long enough for the surface skimmer to get at it.