Recommended skimmer size?

BARNAKEWLZ · Apr 29, 2016

I have a 24 gal AIO tank that came with a small nano skimmer rated up to 40 gallons. I am interested in upgrading to large one. What do you think is the recommended skimmer for this tank. I have look into a few that seem to work. I am not sure weather o should get a external sump going to store the skimmer or get a better skimmer for the back AIO sump. Any opinions or info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

CodyRVA · Apr 29, 2016

Is the skimmer you have now not working properly and what kind is it? You're pretty limited on slim internal nano skimmers. Unless your current skimmer just isn't getting the job done, i'd leave it. If it does need an upgrade: Hydor Slim, Comline, and maybe a Reef Octopus HOB could work, really depends on how much room you have.

aashley · Apr 29, 2016

I agree with Cody. The skimmer rating you have should be sufficient. How long has it been running and does it seem to be skimming well? If you are not over feeding, you may not have a lot of skimmate. Also depends on your livestock. I'm assuming you don't have a tang or anything that produces a lot of waste since it is a nano tank.

BARNAKEWLZ · May 1, 2016

I have a oct clown, clown goby, and a 6line wrasse with the assorted inverts. The bio load does seem crazy. The nano fluval skimmer seems as if the nasty stuff is building up on the bottom of the cup instead of going in the cup. Thanks for the advice, I'll try and deal with it for a while since it is not the main part of the filtration.

BARNAKEWLZ · May 1, 2016

Btw I stated that if need be I can run another tank as a dump to accommodate a higher quality/recommended skimmer. So I am not restricted to a nano skimmer

aashley · May 2, 2016

Hard to say what's going on. Sounds like your bubbles are not coming up high enough. I'm guessing you tried to adjust that. I'm not familiar with that one. I'm also assuming your water level is correct. You may also just have a bad egg so to speak. If you have had it a while, maybe take apart and make sure nothing is blocking the aeration etc. I have had salt creep clog up my air intake and as soon as I cleaned it, it was back to normal.