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  #1  
Old 12/07/2007, 10:47 PM
spamreefnew spamreefnew is offline
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: rhodeisland
Posts: 41
how to tell a good skimmer?

hi i run an aqua c urchin skimmer on my 55 gallon tank and it makes alot more froth than my old seaclon and old berlin skimmers. i was wondering if this skimmer would be efective on a 150--200 gallon setup as well? how does one tell how "good" a skimmer realy is? by froth prouduction? cubic inches? flow rate? or just plain trial and error? i ask becaues this is one peice of equipment that i never have any trouble with, and it is a pleasure to use and service,,,and that is big in my book....thanks.
  #2  
Old 01/02/2008, 01:50 AM
Rick55555 Rick55555 is offline
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I think you ought to consider the manufacturer's suggested tank size for the skimmer and what you and other hobbyists have to say about the skimmer. I believe the Urchin is rated for a maximum of 75 gallons. I would not run such a small skimmer on a 150-200 gallon tank even though I've found AquaC skimmers to perform well. I prefer to use a skimmer that's rated for more than my tank size.
  #3  
Old 01/02/2008, 03:17 AM
DanInSD DanInSD is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 633
Most manufacturer suggestions are quite "optimistic". There are a few exceptions (e.g. EuroReef). In general I would not suggest Urchin skimmers, as they are unnecessarily complex (you can't take them apart easily for cleaning). A more simple in-sump design rated for a significantly larger tank would be the way to go.

Within reason it is impossible to over-skim. Buy the biggest and highest-rated skimmer that you can afford.

Dan
  #4  
Old 01/02/2008, 08:22 AM
sjm817 sjm817 is offline
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Location: Northern VA
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An Urchin is not a good skimmer. Its maybe not quite as bad as a Seaclown, but that isn't saying much. Its not at all adequate for a 150 - 200G tank.
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  #5  
Old 01/02/2008, 09:57 AM
spazz spazz is offline
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for a medium stocked 200g tank you will need a skimmer rated fro about 400-500 gallons minimum. most protien skimmers are overrated. they cant handle the increased bioloads of todays reef tanks.
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