Skimmer size when using a Trigger Platinum 39 with IM 100 EXT

PigDaddyF15E

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Saw a recent post where someone asked about skimmer size for a Red Sea and Platinum 39 sump (172 total gallons). The answer was the RO 200-INT.

I'm putting together an IM 100 EXT and Platinum 39 sump (139 total gallons). Eventually mixed reef with smaller fish and a mix of corals...maybe a clam. I'm thinking "medium" bioload eventually. Not planning for more than 1 tang/dwarf angel sized fish (based on my tank size and "reef safe").

I didn't want to hijack his thread so I am asking here...

QUESTIONS:
1. Reef Octopus Elite 150 INT or Elite 200 INT ???

2. Does having the filter roller vice sock option clean "better" and therefore the protein skimmer "bioload" is going to be less since you are passing through the filter roller first before the skimmer? So 150 INT is "big enough"?

DISCUSSION:

If you look at the "BRS recommended" tank size it says the RO Elite-150 INT would work for "medium bioload" is 125 gallons. Elite-200 INT for "heavy bioload" is 125 Gallons.

"In for a penny...in for a pound" The price difference is about $100 between the two.
 

Nick Steele

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Most people say If you can afford the bigger equipment go for it. But with skimmers it’s possible to go too big and cause you to have too low of nutrients which is bad. I’ve also been researching upgrading to a IM 100g eternal and when I do I’ll probably go with the 150 int but possibly the essence 130.
 

dedragon

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skimmers can be too big where it doesnt skim effectively, usually just doesnt push up skimmate as well ime
 

Blue Spot Octopus

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I put my RO Regal 200 on my 120-gallon tank with 4 large fish the size of my hand, fingertip to wrist, I could only get 1 finger wide in the cup of the skimmer, I ran it for almost 2 months, I put my Simplicity 240 DC skimmer back in, cleaning done, experiment done, that skimmer pulled a full cup every 9 hours for a couple of weeks, it finally caught up, and now it is back to filling it maybe once a week. I stated this in the previous thread, with a filter roll you are supposed to downsize the skimmer.

So look into the Simplicity skimmer, it skims dry, you will need a spatula to clean it.
 

scolson

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I'm at a similar cross roads. Thinking about the platinum 39 and an RO Elite 200 INT but I'm wondering if the 200 is too much. What did you decide to go with and how is it working?
 

ADAM

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The trigger 39 sump with a water level of 9” will have approximately 22 operational gallons. The display is the “100 gallon” but you would have to subtract from the listed water volume for the aquascape and any equipment that will be in the water taking up volume where water would be.
Based on your livestock plan and the skimmers you are considering, I would think the smaller of the two skimmers would be a great choice.
 

scolson

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The trigger 39 sump with a water level of 9” will have approximately 22 operational gallons. The display is the “100 gallon” but you would have to subtract from the listed water volume for the aquascape and any equipment that will be in the water taking up volume where water would be.
Based on your livestock plan and the skimmers you are considering, I would think the smaller of the two skimmers would be a great choice.
Thanks!
 
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PigDaddyF15E

PigDaddyF15E

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I guess it really boils down to:

Too big and it doesn't really work efficiently

Too small and you'll be cleaning it all the time/doesn't work efficiently
 

DiefsReef

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Ive got the Trigger P 39 on a 120gal and decided on the S-120 Space Saving G4 Protein Skimmer - Eshopps


I suggest looking at this vid from BRS on the mistakes some make with these sumps.
 

DiefsReef

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Ive got the Trigger P 39 on a 120gal and decided on the S-120 Space Saving G4 Protein Skimmer - Eshopps


I suggest looking at this vid from BRS on the mistakes some make with these sumps.
IMO the Reef Octopus Elite 150 INT would be fine
 

Jbell370

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I ran an Octo 250int with my Trigger 39 and it was okay, but not enough bio-load given the 120g it was attached too, I went with a NYOS 160 and it was golden. Thick gross skim every 3 days, I still run the 160 on my 240g, but soon upping that to 220.
 

choob99

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I'm at the same cross roads with a 90 gallon tank and a Trigger Sapphire 44, After watching all the BRS videos I'm gonna go with the 150sss, I just think a 200 will be too big and not pull much out for me
 

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