Protein Skimmer Bioloads

[Curelessjr]

Looking at selecting the correct protein skimmer size.

If my tank is 150 gallons, I have filter socks, then a refugium, then a skimmer. Can i get a protein skimmer that says its "rated" for a 120 gallons of heavy bioload? Or do I need to go bigger?

I havent been able to find an answer if the filter sock and refugium would reduce the bioload prior to reaching the skimmer.

 

[bluemon]

they will reduce the bioload, but always go for oversized skimmers. Always. You will regret it if you go smaller

 

[DenverSaltyFarm]

I think you will be fine with that. its when you go too big that there is a problem with getting no skim

 

[Curelessjr]

The next level up is a heavy bioload of 160 gallons.

 

[bluemon]

The next level up is a heavy bioload of 160 gallons.

Sounds good for a 150 gallon tank.

 

[CBonito]

I think you will be fine with that. its when you go too big that there is a problem with getting no skim

I use a Reef Octopus Elite 150 internal skimmer on this little 45 gallon tank, with a sump the same size and a refugium out back that's maybe 15 gallons.

It skims out a full cup of dark stuff every 2-3 days, and as I add more corals, it will be more than up to the task. I think if you go over double your tank volume on a skimmer, you're making a big mistake though.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I always upsize my skimmers

 

[DenverSaltyFarm]

The majority of tanks out there are running too clean and have to dose nitrate and phosphate to keep nutrients up (I’m one of those people). Skimmer technology these days have played a big role in that and keep tanks too clean. You are also running a refugium which is a double whammy on removing nutrients from your tank. Things to consider

 

[Sophie"s mom]

Looking at selecting the correct protein skimmer size.

If my tank is 150 gallons, I have filter socks, then a refugium, then a skimmer. Can i get a protein skimmer that says its "rated" for a 120 gallons of heavy bioload? Or do I need to go bigger?

I havent been able to find an answer if the filter sock and refugium would reduce the bioload prior to reaching the skimmer.

It is never an Ogden idea to go to far in EITHER DIRECTION, but with that said, it is always recommended to go a bit bigger with a skimmer that the size of your tank. My tank is 90 gallon and I use a skimmer rated for 120.