Multiple protein skimmers?

coreytrv · Dec 10, 2024

I am building another system in the house, and am planning on tying the (2) systems to a common sump.

I already have a protein skimmer for my 400 gallon, and am adding a 700 gallon.

Does that mean that I need to replace my skimmer (Regal 250 SSS) with one rated to handle the entire system volume?

OR, since my existing skimmer is good up to 400 gallons, can I just get another skimmer that'll handle the additional 700 gallons?

FUNGI · Dec 10, 2024

either way....whatever you choose....you are going to have 1100 gallons going through that sump....

FUNGI · Dec 10, 2024

Used Marketplace should be pretty cheap....but also here:
https://store.coralvue.com/regal-300sss-protein-skimmer-openbox

Peace River · Dec 10, 2024

The skimmers can run in tandem, but remember that skimmers are only one of many tools for mechanical filtration.

coreytrv · Dec 10, 2024

FUNGI said:
either way....whatever you choose....you are going to have 1100 gallons going through that sump....

Agreed, I guess I'm just wondering if it really matters if that 1100 gallons is handled by (2) skimmers, or if it needs to be handled by 1?

If 1 skimmer than much more water goes through that one unit.

If 2 skimmers, than 1 skims, and whatever it doesn't goes into the 2nd, but arguably the second, will be using some of the bandwidth to skim water already skimmed.

Wondering if skimmers in series, vs. large unit makes a difference...?

Useful_Idiot · Dec 11, 2024

If it was me I would get an external skimmer to cover the new additional tank and plumb it into the sump in a way that it takes in unskimmed water, and adds it back to the sump downstream of your existing skimmer.
With 2 skimmers you'd have 2 small necks which may be more productive at building foam than one larger one. And redundancy if one goes down while you're away.
But a giant skimmer does look cooler...