If its a small tank, it works, but for medium up tanks, better go with a different skimmer. Also recommend to have only a light stocking load with air lift skimmer. Don't skimp out on getting a better skimmer. This is not the equipment you cut corners with. But the Air Lift is still a good skimmer, and one advantage is no heat is generated, but at the cost of space consuming in the tank. Prism Skimmer would another choice or CPR Bak Pak.