Do I need a skimmer with a fish only tank?

[Pufferpunk]

What size tank & what fish?

[I.Puff.Too]

55G with 3 GSP's...still babies right now..

[Pufferpunk]

I have used a Backpac skimmer on a 55g but it's barely going to be able to keep up with 3 GSPs. You might be better off with a Coralife Super Skimmer. What size tank will they eventually be in? I'd go for a 90g or larger, with an overflow & sump & put the skimmer in there.

[I.Puff.Too]

Ya, I want to get them in 120ish..150ish and I'll put a sump/fuge on that, but i doubt i'll put one on the 55..although i might depending on how long it'll be before i get their final home.

[I.Puff.Too]

also..should i get one that is for the tank size or should i go larger?

[Pufferpunk]

Completely different skimmer for in sump, rather than HOB.

[Dadof4]

Most skimmers have different tank size ratings for different situations. For instance 400 gal with FOWLR, 300 gal for Reef only, and 200 for corals with fish. I shoot for the reef only sizing on FOWLR tanks and the reef with fish for a puffer tank. For sump I shoot for 1/3 to 1/2 the water volume of the main tank, depending on the stocking and the amount of LR.

If you are going to upgrade I would shoot for a skimmer that would adequately skim the destination tank. So if you are going to a 120 I'd shoot for a heavily stocked 120 gallon. You currently have a heavily stocked 55 gallon and the waste will be the same in the 120 gallon but more dilute. The skimmer will keep the 55 gallon crystal clear and clean.

[stangd1909]

You are going to have a heavy bioload. You are going to want a skimmer that's rated double your tank size IMO.

[Pufferpunk]

You are going to have a heavy bioload. You are going to want a skimmer that's rated double your tank size IMO.

+1, I used a CSS 125 on my 55g.

[holly_puff]

Thanks so much for everyones input, but I have indeed decided to go with LR and a skimmer just to be on the safe side and to cut back on WC.

[Pufferpunk]