Skimmer question regarding size
- Thread starter blanquita
- Start date
novahobbies
Well-Known Member
Putting it in the bigger tank won't really make it skim any "more," as you're implying. You shouldn't have to empty the cup any more than you already do. The skimmer is rated for a 30g tank b/c that's what the experts have rated that this particular pump in the skimmer can handle. Put it to ya this way: Suppose the pump in there is a 120gph pump. The manufacturers have decided that this pump can turn over a 30g tank 4 times an hour, so they're happy calling it acceptable for up to 30g tanks. Take this same 120g pump and put it in a 50g tank, and you have less than three times tank turnover per hour. It will take this skimmer longer to filter out the same amount of impurities, and those impurities might break down into ammonia while they're floating around in the tank for the longer period of time.
Does that make any sense? The short answer you're looking for is really, "Yes, you can put it in a 50g tank," but don't expect it to be as efficient as a larger skimmer. If you're using it as an interim tool until you can afford a larger skimmer, then I'd definitely say go for it.
On a personal note, may I ask how this skimmer has been working for you? I'm going to be getting one myself soon for my seahorse tank. It's the perfect size, and although my 37g tank is a little over the recommended tank size, the small tank footprint limits my options. I'd love to know how you felt about this skimmer!
Does that make any sense? The short answer you're looking for is really, "Yes, you can put it in a 50g tank," but don't expect it to be as efficient as a larger skimmer. If you're using it as an interim tool until you can afford a larger skimmer, then I'd definitely say go for it.
On a personal note, may I ask how this skimmer has been working for you? I'm going to be getting one myself soon for my seahorse tank. It's the perfect size, and although my 37g tank is a little over the recommended tank size, the small tank footprint limits my options. I'd love to know how you felt about this skimmer!
blanquita
Member
Thanks for the advice. For now i will stick with it. I do regular water changes and dont have many fish.
As for the skimmer: its okay, its the only one I have used. I had a really hard time getting to acclimate and not flow over with water for 2 weeks. I was so pissed i almost canned the whole SW project. lol
The adjustment nobe kinda works but what really influences the funcionality of it is where the water level is in relation to the intake. Its also kind of hard to bring the level up or down if its just hanging on the tank edge. to lower the level i just have to keep the water level an inch below the tanks max.
My LFS uses them in nanos so they might be good! not sure as i said earlier Its my first. cant compare.
thanks sorry for the confusing long explenatiton
As for the skimmer: its okay, its the only one I have used. I had a really hard time getting to acclimate and not flow over with water for 2 weeks. I was so pissed i almost canned the whole SW project. lol
The adjustment nobe kinda works but what really influences the funcionality of it is where the water level is in relation to the intake. Its also kind of hard to bring the level up or down if its just hanging on the tank edge. to lower the level i just have to keep the water level an inch below the tanks max.
My LFS uses them in nanos so they might be good! not sure as i said earlier Its my first. cant compare.
thanks sorry for the confusing long explenatiton
novahobbies
Well-Known Member
No, that helps, thanks!