Who rates skimmers

[untamed]

Originally Posted by robert

Brad - I like your theory, it makes sense to me. I have a question though. Which of those 2 parameters is more tweak-able/forgiving - tank volume per hour or dwell time?

For example, I have ASM 5G with about 6gal cylinder capacity. Manufacturer suggested system size for this one is 700gal. Granted, real life users would not put this skimmer on anything bigger than 350-375gal. Now, applying your theory, keeping flow at 1.5x volume of the tank with 2 min. dwell time this skimmer is no good for anything bigger than 120gal. Which parameter would you tweak for bigger system? Volume per hour or dwell time? No, "Get a bigger skimmer" is not applicable answer at this time.

Thanks a lot.

Cheers.

Yup, that is the math...If the chamber size is constant, then increasing flow rate (tank turnover) reduces dwell time and vice-versa. Assuming that you have re-circ'd the G5, then you can control the flow rate. If you haven't re-circ'd, then your flow rate is set by the amount of water drawn in by the NW pumps and you would have no control over it.

Really, controlling flow rate is one of the big reasons why one might choose a recirc skimmer over a non-recirc skimmer.

Given the limitation of the size, I would be inclined to try decreasing flow rate for increased dwell time. Playing with the flow rate a bit is certainly worthy of experimentation for sure.

Plus...if you wanted to increase the chamber size, you can have my old G6 body if you like.