Ukb 120 or uks 160 for 55 gal with fleece roller?

[mizimmer90]

I made an impulse buy last night of the uks-160 protein skimmer! I have been convinced based on reviews that this is a nice skimmer, but I'm wondering if it's oversized for my system. The question is if I should cancel real quick and get the smaller ukb-120 instead?

I'm currently setting up a new system that is 55gal with a 20 gal sump. I have a reefmat fleece roller and plan to have a refugium too. Plan is for a mixed reef with 5-10 fish. Anyone have either skimmer or suggestions based on my size tank? Thanks!

 

[mizimmer90]

I've never used a skimmer before and am mostly curious about how oversized a skimmer can be before it doesn't skim well

 

[VintageReefer]

That skimmer is a little oversized but it can do well in the tank. It might skim a little on the light side until you have a larger bioload. The wider neck and larger body is designed for more foam, and a light fish load might struggle to produce it.

You have 3 options with a light bioload
- you can adjust the skimmer to make more skimmate but it will be a little watery, and you will need to empty more often (watch salinity as these frequent emptyings can add up)

-you can have the skimmate be thicker and more foamy/dry, but the collection cup will take longer to fill

Your third option is to add more fish and feed fish/coral more.