Upgrading skimmer powerhead

Discussion in 'Protein Skimmers' started by lillys Grandad, Mar 31, 2008.

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  1. lillys Grandad

    lillys Grandad Horrid Stonefish

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2008
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    Location:
    Rio Linda, California
    I have the side mount tube type skimmer...motor went bye-bye.
    Its the little ex-250....but in a 30 gallon tank is it benificial for me to replace with say a 550?
    :-/
    Heres a picture of the style I speak of...

    [​IMG]
     
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  3. GeejEx

    GeejEx Skunk Shrimp

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    Hi LG-

    FYI I have a 29/30-ish tank and just bought the EX-550 for extra flow. It's big and pushes a LOT of water. If you want to go bigger than 250, try the 350 first.
     
  4. target001

    target001 Skunk Shrimp

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    South Australia
    i think if u buy a power head to suit that unit u will prolly over flow it

    IMO id get a power head with the same GPH rating

    on the other hand if u wanted to go with a larger powerhead id put a tap in the works so u can adjust the flow but of course that will restrict yer over all GPH coming out of the skimmer its self


    IMHO i think u should get a power head that has the same GPH rating
     
  5. sssnake

    sssnake Montipora Digitata

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    You should replace with the same type.
     
  6. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

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    Like snake mentioned the pumps on a skimmer need to push just a certain amount of water. If it where me I'd go back with the same pump or you will just over power the skimmer and all you will get is wet foam and wasted saltwater and a cup over fill .
     
  7. lillys Grandad

    lillys Grandad Horrid Stonefish

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    Thank you folks...250 it is, it was working very well before the silence. : )
    Im glad I asked.
    3reef rocks