Please help Asap! Skimmers and sumps..

[aquashelle]

Well, we're going to get a sump of around 30 gallons or so for our 155 (Yes, I know, it's small, but it's better than nothing)
And in a series of trades, I've been offered two types of skimmers.
1 is very large, for a tank of 100+ gallons, but I was wondering if it would still work in a sump that size..
The second option is a small skimmer, but it's rated for around 40 gallons I believe..
Any help? Here's the skimmer model info links:
The larger one (Which I'd really like to get if it'd be compatible with my sump)
http://precisionmarine.com/html/es100.html
Smaller one:
http://www.***********.com/ps_ViewIt...~FIPSHOVS.html
Which would be better to get? Or if neither, what can I do?
Any opinions or help is appreciated!

 

[jackri]

If the large one fits in the sump use as big as you possibly can. Even the 100+ sounds small for your tank but better than not having one.

 

[natclanwy]

I agree the PM skimmer will be a much better choice although I haven't seen any reviews on its performance, but the prism is pretty much worthless on a small tank and that will be exagerated on a larger tank.

 

[reefforbrains]

I agree with above posts. Personally never been impressed with the prism skimmers. I do think you should slow a bit and do some reading on how and WHY each skimmer will/could help your system.
Please take no harm in my lecturing as it really is a big part of your system. I think it is being glossed over by a rush perhaps caused by immediate selection choices. Choosing equip for purpose specific workload can show in real time why some people love one, then someone else HATES it.
Identical skimmer, given both users are proficient and have it correctly hooked up.
One tank blooms while the other tank piddles along leaving someone scratching thier head or crying foul about one brand vs another.
FOWLR, Reef, Agressive? What kind of tank is the finished product going to be?
You are trying to compare apples to oranges with the two models. The bigger model will do more skimming. Sounds easy to decide right? But if it is a

[hr]
reef, then you may NOT WANT that much skimming going on. Bioload will be small. Organic dissolved protiens will be less. Overskimming can just rob particulate food from your water colum. An agressive tank with such waste from larger fish often times will need much more pulling power. Sorry for my long post as I wish you the best and always endorse the reuse of goods rather than buying the newest brightest equip.
I just advise to do some reading and set some expectations for your tank and the choice will emerge with clarity for what model will work "best" for your specific needs.
Good luck
-RFB

 

[reefforbrains]

bahahahahaha "hardc0re" was censored.
Edit- upon rereading my post I do sound rather "preachy". I know I don't have to explain my words as you get the drift but the search function all too common gets overlooked and there are SOOO many threads with great info. They often can answer your questions even before you thought to ask. Self education is almost unavoidable when you do some digging through other's systems.
Enjoy the gains and avoid the falls others have documented and had to power through. Good luck with any piece of equipment you decide.