Let's talk about bio load.

[mikellini]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Fair enough, but I don't conceptualize the point. Seems odd to want a controllable pump that I don't want to change. Just start with the right sized pump and go.

But, I've been known to be wrong before. Not often, but it happens

I just have no interest in fiddling with things, I want to plug it in and be done with it.

Chances are, you won't change the pump speed after initial setup as long as your bioload doesn't change. However, the advantage is in that initial tuning, being able to set it perfectly to your bioload. Easier than trying to exactly match a skimmer/pump to your bioload based on manufacturer's recommendations, no?

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by mikellini

no?

No I find that the water height and air intake are enough to perfectly tune for my needs, so I'd rather not buy a DC pump. More complicated, more stuff to break.

[mikellini]

Fair enough. AC pumps are pretty much a known commodity too, you can generally size a skimmer based on the wattage/output of the pump