Can I use old skimmer with new tank?

It's a little bit dusty, but do you folks think that my old skimmer would get the job done for my new tank?




I know that it needs a new wood block for the air bubbler but this is a hand-made, custom acrylic skimmer. It would be going on the 550gal that you see in the background.

 

What is it rated for? Luna

 

I think it was built in somebody's basement and I doubt that they had a rating on it. I bet that Rodger knows who built the thing though. I think it's from circa 1994.

 

Dude, since you have spent a small fortune on this build, I wouldnt cheap-out on a skimmer. I know that the skimmer is going to be a small fortune in it self, but I wouldnt use a skimmer that your not even sure what its rated for. I personally would purchase a new one. The way I see it is like this. Its like buying a Lambo and installing a $5 radio in it.


Luna

 

lol Good analogy!

 

For a 550G beast of a tank, you will be looking at dropping at a bare minimum of $1000 on a skimmer. You really don't want a system to hinge on failure because of one piece of equipment, especially one as important as a skimmer. Go with the best you can bite the bullet on, along with lighting if you are going reef. Honestly, I can't even wrap my head around how much setting up (and maintaining) a system that big would be.

 

Crap I voted before I saw the size of the tank. I don't think that's gonna cut it for a 550gal tank.

 

Would you believe that LFS said that once I set it up I just needed to feed the nemos some lettuce and change the water every month or two?

 

I would fire that LFS on the spot! A 550G is large enough to sustain itself if it is setup properly to dose the lost trace elements (like a zeovit tank etc), but it takes A LOT of time and energy to get it there. The reef game changes after you break the ~200G threshold and things get really expensive from that point on, just ask any of the guys here that have beautiful mini-oceans on their homes. $500 electric, $200 water bills and all the salt that is needed to make up the initial water supply and any WC that may be needed. I'll stick to my 150 hehe.