Do I really need a bigger, more expensive skimmer?

[regal]

Just tested my nitrate with the salifert kit and it is 5ppm. I've not received the PO4 kit yet, on back order. Last tested with seachem, it was quite low. (Don't remember exact number) So should I spend close to $2K for a new skimmer. Currently still running the ASM G3 :smash: for more than a year. Tank total volume more than 500g.

 

[Deanos]

Related thread.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Do you guys consider 5ppm nitrate is very bad?

What life forms that we like to keep in the tank will die with 5ppm nitrate?

 

[cali_reef]

In your case, yes, a ASM G3 is way small for a 500 gallon system with some fish and coral.

 

[masterswimmer]

5 ppm nitrate is negligible. I wouldn't worry about that at all.

I can't answer your question about the size of your skimmer though. I'm not familiar with ASM.

I can offer you good deals on Bermuda Aquatics Skimmers if you do decide that your ASM is not sufficient.

swimmer

 

[NYPDFrogman]

An ASM 3 is definitly small for a 500gal system
The smallest ASM for that size would be the ASM G4
with the sedra 9000 and the recirculation Mod.

I run an ASM G4 with the sedra 9000 on a 180 with a total tank volume of 250 gal.

when I upgrade to my 450 gal I plan on doing the recirulation mod