Can a skimmer be too big?

[villious]

Can a skimmer be too big for a given tank volume that it would impede performance?

 

[Anonymous]

No.

 

[camaroracer214]

only too big if you don't have enough room for it.

 

[Anonymous]

Just not efficient use of your room/electricity/skimmer cost.

 

[cindre2000]

So, taking into account efficiency, yes a skimmer can be too big, IMO. Usually this means that the skimmer skims very little compared to how much it costs to run. As long as you are getting plenty of skimmate, then a skimmer is not to 'big' for a tank, though it may still be a energy hog.

 

[metalac]

it seems that everyone around here recommend you go 3x or 4x or more the rated capacity. I'm using a skimmer sold for 200 gallon tanks on my 55 aquarium.

 

[Entacmaea]

I think it is also a good idea to buy a skimmer "one tank ahead", so you can use the same skimmer on the next larger tank you have (within reason)...

 

[Anonymous]

there are skimmers that are too big.

if you don't have a bio load big enough for the skimmer to pull out, it will just areate the water.

b

 

[JD'sReef]

I am using a large skimmer on a small reef with no problems. (E.S.S. 600 on a 46bow) It just take me two months to get any waste in the collection cup, but no effect on corals.
J.