Do I need to account for sump size when choosing a skimmer?

WonkyWapiti

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Dec 29, 2023
Messages
28
Reaction score
81
Location
Pacific Northwest
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
If looking at a 75 gallon tank such as the IM INT 75 which comes with a 39 gallon capacity sump, should I be looking at a skimmer which can support 75 gallons or do I need to look for a larger skimmer that takes into account the extra capacity of the sump? I attempted to search for this answer but did not see anything specific to what I'm asking.
 

MrGisonni

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Nov 26, 2021
Messages
1,402
Reaction score
1,202
Location
Miami
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
That's a really big sump. You might want to try for a smaller sump so you can fit an ATO reservoir, your dosing pumps and solutions as well as test kits etc. But no, really match the skimmer to the display. I have a 7 gallon sump and a 4 gallon ATo reservoir on my 30 gallon IM
 
Upvote 0

vetteguy53081

Well known Member and monster tank lover
View Badges
Joined
Aug 11, 2013
Messages
91,919
Reaction score
203,039
Location
Wisconsin -
Rating - 100%
13   0   0
If looking at a 75 gallon tank such as the IM INT 75 which comes with a 39 gallon capacity sump, should I be looking at a skimmer which can support 75 gallons or do I need to look for a larger skimmer that takes into account the extra capacity of the sump? I attempted to search for this answer but did not see anything specific to what I'm asking.
You want it to support tank volume, not sump volume
 
Upvote 0

MrGisonni

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Nov 26, 2021
Messages
1,402
Reaction score
1,202
Location
Miami
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
The tank is beautiful, but once you get deeper into the hobby space will be at a premium. There is a lot of wasted space with that giant overflow chamber and huge sump that you will wish you had available later. Keep looking. I love my IM aquarium and aluminum cabinet. They are top notch. There are different options. My sump is a seven gallon aquarium with a filter sock, skimmer, brightwell export blocks, a heater and my return pump. Nothing fancy at all.
Here is my prefilter box on my 30 for example
Screenshot_2024-01-15-22-20-10-92_40deb401b9ffe8e1df2f1cc5ba480b12.jpg
 
Upvote 0
OP
OP
WonkyWapiti

WonkyWapiti

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Dec 29, 2023
Messages
28
Reaction score
81
Location
Pacific Northwest
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Thanks everyone, and @MrGisonni thanks for the info on sump size. I'm still in the planning stages getting back into the hobby after being out for a long time. I know I have a max 36 inch wall space to put the tank so my upper end is pretty much a 75 gallon but also debating on going a tad smaller as I've been impressed with a number of 50 gallon IM builds here. Everything seems to be about give and take when looking at real estate within the cabinet.
 
Upvote 0

Reefing threads: Do you wear gear from reef brands?

  • I wear reef gear everywhere.

    Votes: 41 16.5%
  • I wear reef gear primarily at fish events and my LFS.

    Votes: 15 6.0%
  • I wear reef gear primarily for water changes and tank maintenance.

    Votes: 1 0.4%
  • I wear reef gear primarily to relax where I live.

    Votes: 30 12.0%
  • I don’t wear gear from reef brands.

    Votes: 144 57.8%
  • Other.

    Votes: 18 7.2%
Back
Top