Using under capacity skimmer

[yooyoo99]

Hi,

I have some questions on the impact of undersize skimmer, would like to seek the opinions of fellow reefers.

My current HNS can support max 400L, while my future tank, a6 footer, will be more than 1000L. If I were to continue using the hns in the 6 footer, what will be expected outcome like? Assuming weekly water change of 2 pails.

- The amt of dissolved organics in the 6 footer will be much more due to higher stocking level. Can i say that the hns will still be very efficient at getting the rubbish out, but at a much slower rate?

- If the skimmer is slower at pulling out the rubbish, that will mean a slow increase in the amount of dissolved organics, assuming input of organic stuff is at constant level?

- It should be okie to use the hns for a start, but problems will rise when stocking level goes up and hns cannot remove the dissolved organics at the same rate or faster.

Please give your opinions on the above.

[reeftask]

Hi,

I have some questions on the impact of undersize skimmer, would like to seek the opinions of fellow reefers.

My current HNS can support max 400L, while my future tank, a6 footer, will be more than 1000L. If I were to continue using the hns in the 6 footer, what will be expected outcome like? Assuming weekly water change of 2 pails.

- The amt of dissolved organics in the 6 footer will be much more due to higher stocking level. Can i say that the hns will still be very efficient at getting the rubbish out, but at a much slower rate?

- If the skimmer is slower at pulling out the rubbish, that will mean a slow increase in the amount of dissolved organics, assuming input of organic stuff is at constant level?

- It should be okie to use the hns for a start, but problems will rise when stocking level goes up and hns cannot remove the dissolved organics at the same rate or faster.

Please give your opinions on the above.

You had already answered yourself so what are we suppose to do?

[Achilles Tang]

Reeftask... he is seeking a 2nd opinion... no need to be snide or condescending, yeah?

YooYoo99, Reeftask is right... you hit the nail on the head!

So either reduce bioload/feeding or do more water changes if your skimmer is underspec'ed.