Pump size for protein skimmer

[corey lance]

Could anyone help me with my Nautilus-TE protein skimmer...I have a 90-gallon fish tank with a 20-gallon long sump, I bought my protein skimmer and a Pondmaster 500gph pump for it. The protein skimmer recommends a pump 650-900gph. Will my protein skimmer not be efficient with my pump? If i do have to get a bigger pump should i also get a bigger pump for return to tank, which is the same pump??

Thanks

[Nanook]

If you follow the manufacturers recommendation with that skimmer, you will get the best results. Using it with an underrated pump will avail you less than the best results. I would bite the bullet and get a more suited pump.

As for the main pump for circulation through the sump, I have always read that 8-10X tank turnover per hour is the norm. That said, 90x8=720....90x10=900. Your pump at 500gph is not going to be ideal, especially after adding head pressure from the sump to the display.


Good Luck!


Nanook

[mirski57]

FWIW...I use a Mag 5 on my skimmer for my 90 gallon reef and it works wonderfully. I use a Berlin Classic Skimmer though, so there is a difference in skimmers. My skimmer is rated for up to 250 gallons.

[corey lance]

thanks guys is it ok to have my exaust for the skimmer all the way out of water.

[Sylock]

I'm pretty sure if you don't have the exhaust all the way out of the water that the skimmer won't do it's job.