Multiple protein skimmers?

[coreytrv]

I am building another system in the house, and am planning on tying the (2) systems to a common sump.

I already have a protein skimmer for my 400 gallon, and am adding a 700 gallon.

Does that mean that I need to replace my skimmer (Regal 250 SSS) with one rated to handle the entire system volume?

OR, since my existing skimmer is good up to 400 gallons, can I just get another skimmer that'll handle the additional 700 gallons?

 

[FUNGI]

either way....whatever you choose....you are going to have 1100 gallons going through that sump....

 

[FUNGI]

Used Marketplace should be pretty cheap....but also here:

Regal 300SSS Protein Skimmer (OPEN BOX)

Compact In-Sump Skimmer for Aquariums up to 700 Gallons Footprint: 15.2" x 13" | Reaction Chamber: 12" | Height: 25.6"Controllable Pump: Reef Octopus 36V VarioS-6S ITEM IS NEW WITH DAMAGED BOX

store.coralvue.com

 

[Peace River]

The skimmers can run in tandem, but remember that skimmers are only one of many tools for mechanical filtration.

 

[coreytrv]

either way....whatever you choose....you are going to have 1100 gallons going through that sump....

Agreed, I guess I'm just wondering if it really matters if that 1100 gallons is handled by (2) skimmers, or if it needs to be handled by 1?

If 1 skimmer than much more water goes through that one unit.

If 2 skimmers, than 1 skims, and whatever it doesn't goes into the 2nd, but arguably the second, will be using some of the bandwidth to skim water already skimmed.

Wondering if skimmers in series, vs. large unit makes a difference...?

 

[Useful_Idiot]

If it was me I would get an external skimmer to cover the new additional tank and plumb it into the sump in a way that it takes in unskimmed water, and adds it back to the sump downstream of your existing skimmer.
With 2 skimmers you'd have 2 small necks which may be more productive at building foam than one larger one. And redundancy if one goes down while you're away.
But a giant skimmer does look cooler...

 

[FUNGI]

"But a giant skimmer does look cooler..."....LOL especially a multi-colored one.....

 

[Useful_Idiot]

You laugh..But here I am with 2 small uncool colorless skimmers

 

[coreytrv]

Haha! double-barrel, like it!

 

[dschuffert]

I think either way will work. If it were me, I would add the second skimmer.