Overkill?

[Oddomatic]

I am planning on using a CPR bak pak 2R protein skimmer rated for tanks "up to" 50 gallons on my 28g nano... I've had it for quite a while and used it on an old FOWLR tank I used to have. Besides the fact that the skimmer is more than efficient for my tank size, I suspect that there probably is some downsides to over skimming, like maybe removing too much beneficial bacteria from my system.... Any thoughts?

 

[fishman1069]

I always try to get a skimmer thats rated double the size of the tank Im gonna use it on. I think it's better to overskim than underskim

 

[Oddomatic]

I always try to get a skimmer thats rated double the size of the tank Im gonna use it on. I think it's better to overskim than underskim

That's what I was thinking. But, I've read that certain anemones / soft corals will pull their food sources from particles in the water. I wouldn't want to deprive them of of that, if the skimmer removes all the good particles. Would you say you recommend over skimming on a reef tank or only a FOWLR?

 

[jcdeng]

i don't think there is a downside to over skimming, well, unless you go crazy like putting in a skimmer rated for 1000 gallons on your nano...

as for pulling food, you should turn skimmer off for a few hours when feeding. At least thats what I do.

 

[Oddomatic]

Good call... Thanks for the advice.

 

[E.intheC]

There is definitely a downside to over skimming. If the neck is to large the organics won't be enough and it won't build a steady foam head. The skimmer will produce inconsistent results.

Further, company skimmer ratings are completely useless. Some rate them wayyyy too high, like a Seaclone... While others are pretty close, like the i-Tech skimmers.

Really the best way is to research, get a couple of skimmers that you like, and post them up here. We can give you advice based on the information.

 

[Oddomatic]

Well, let's start with the one I have: CPR Bak Pak 2R. It's rated for tanks up to 50 gallons and worked great on my 40 gallon FOWLR tank. What do you think about using it on my 28g nano reef?

 

[E.intheC]

I think you'll be fine with that skimmer. There are better models out there but probably not worth the $ to upgrade. I ran a bak-pak on my 20 gallon reef and didn't have any issues with it. That was years ago though.

 

[Oddomatic]

Thanks, I'll give it a go and I can always upgrade later if need be. Appreciate the input.