Equipment Ratings?

This is a noob question. It has to do with filtration and protein skimmers. Why have I always heard that if a for say a skimmer is rated for up to 40 gallons, that it will not be good enough for a 40 gallon tank? I have always heard that you need to go bigger. Would a skimmer/filter rated for 40 gallons be good enough for a 40 gallon tank?

 

It really depends on the company making the claim on the efficiency of there product. Not long ago some companies were overestimating the capabilities of there skimmers. I have always tended to buy a skimmer rated a little higher then advertised. For instance if I had a 40 I would purchase a skimmer rated for a 55. Its always better to have a skimmer too big then too small but you don't want to overdo it either.8)

 

That is what I was thinking, but I was just curious more then anything. I was trying to figure out how much is to much. I know there are a lot of factors mainly to do with bio load.

 

I agree with Vinny. The problem with buying an over-rated skimmer is that you're wasting money on capacity that you don't need.
Having said that, if you have a 40 gallon tank and find a great deal on a skimmer rated for 80 gallons, there's no reason not to get it. The only downside might be water flow rate, which might be too much for your tank's occupants.

 

alot has to do with stocking as well. some skimmers are rated with low stocking levels ...

euro reef used to say this amount for heavy stocking and this amount for a light bioload

 

Yeah, an overrated skimmer will not necessarily skim better than an adequately rated one. Some companies are more honest about their ratings though, so, sort of need to go on a case, by case, basis.