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Old 03-03-2014, 06:10 PM   #1
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How do I know if I need a larger protein skimmer?

I have a 60g tank w/ a 20gal sump. I think I have a somewhat large bioload.
I'm currently using a Bubble Magus 3.5+ which is rated for up to 80gal.
How do I know if I need a larger protein skimmer? Overall, I'm satisfied with the Bubble Magus. Are there any signs I should be looking for?

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Old 03-03-2014, 06:15 PM   #2
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What stock do you have in the 60g?
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180g- Mostly BIG fish and some coral. ~80g Nuvo- My coral tank with "happy fish"~ 90g- FOWLR Not the not happy type of fish~ 125g- Freshwater Malawi Cichlids ~10g- Nuvo- The refugees from the Ich of '18
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Old 03-03-2014, 06:22 PM   #3
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I think ultimately it comes down to nitrates levels. So if your nitrates are high and you are not overfeeding then may be its worth upgrading.
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Old 03-03-2014, 06:27 PM   #4
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What stock do you have in the 60g?
1 tomini tang
1 anthias
2 clowns
1 foxface
1 pygmy cherub angel
1 6-line wrasse
1 christmas wrasse
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Old 03-03-2014, 06:30 PM   #5
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I think ultimately it comes down to nitrates levels. So if your nitrates are high and you are not overfeeding then may be its worth upgrading.
asides from the protein skimmer, i also have:
1 filter sock that I usually change once a week,
1gfo reactor
1 bag of chemipure elite
and whole lot of chaeto algae

I usually do 20gal water changes weekly. but I think I frequently overfeed them b/c my kids bring their friends over.

my nitrates are testing zero and no huge issues with micro algae. I do have diatoms that grow on my sand (not cyano).
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Old 03-03-2014, 06:40 PM   #6
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ya if your water is testing fine and nothings broken, don't fix it.
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Old 03-03-2014, 07:16 PM   #7
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If you cut down on the feeding ( I know it's tough I went trough it with my daughter too) the diatoms will go away. Other than that I agree if it's not broke don't fix it.
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Old 03-03-2014, 08:16 PM   #8
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I third that opinion. lol

if you have good water parameters then I would let it be for now. You do have a large bioload but if you can handle it then I think youre just fine.
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Old 03-04-2014, 09:04 AM   #9
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you have a lot of decent sized fish for that small of a tank but if your nitrates are all good then don't worry about it. if you see them start to rise go one size up on the skimmer
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