Over Skimming on an Aggressive Tank

[daniel411]

How much over capacity for a skimming do most people have on their aggressive tanks?
I would like to pick up a euro-reef sump model rated for 500g. However, I'm not sure if that would be enough skimming for a 480g aggressive tank.

 

[bdhough]

I've heard that rates for skimmers are rough estimates and at times should be treated alot lower than whats stated IE a prizm skimmer says 90 gallons.... so you should go higher. It doesn't hurt to have pristine water.

 

[jumpfrog]

I like the concept of double the advertised rate for a large bioload such as an aggressive tank. My skimmer is rated for 300 gallons used on a 125.
Euro-reefs are supposed to be the some of the best so double may be a bit much. I'd think a rated 500 for a 480 gallon would be looking at minimums, even for a euro-reef.
It's easier to turn a skimmer off than to add another one. If you get my drift.
BTW - a 480 would be awesome. What's your stocking plan?

 

[daniel411]

I'm mainly going after a 480g because I "REALLY" want some leopard sharks.
I'm hoping to get roughly 2 leopard sharks, possibly 1 smooth hound, and if I can (hopefully I'll get them to school) 5 yellow tangs. Other than a pair of leopard sharks I'm still researching.
My main problem is that I have to determine which skimmer I'm going to get before I have the tank custom made. I'm using all internal filtration, so leaks are more or less impossible.