The Puffer Forum

What size tank & what fish?

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

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.

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.

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

Completely different skimmer for in sump, rather than HOB.

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.

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

stangd1909 wrote: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.

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.