I have recently went from a Premier Systems Protein Skimmer rated for 125 gallons to a Premier Systems Protein Skimmer rated for 75 gallons for my 72 gallon tank. I really didn't want to make the change but I went to a sump/refuge combo and didn't have room for the larger skimmer. The smaller skimmer just doesn't pull as much. Here's my question. It came with a Rio 800 pump. I was wondering if I changed out pumps to a Rio 1000, would the skimmer be more effective??

Hi Techsan,

Not necessarily. Higher flow rate means there is potentially less contact time in the chamber and you could actually reduce the effectiveness of your skimmer further. You can over-drive some skimmers, however I am not sure if there are any mods or changes you could make to your Premier Systems model to make it more effective, would have to check the web to see. Manufacturer skimmer ratings are notoriously generous, for a 75g tank I would look to double the recommended rating, e.g. run a skimmer rated for 125-150g. Do you still have the old one you could use on this tank? would it fit in the sump/fuge ? could you locate it outside the sump/fuge?

Kind Regards,

Yep, does look like some people have managed to "mesh" mod their rio800 to produce finer bubbles and improve performance. Do a search on the web of "rio800 mesh mod" and check out some of the threads.

Hope this helps!

Hello techsn141 and :welcome: to TR.

hey bud, welcome to TR.

option 2 to upspecing is to plumb back.

Hey everyone! Thanks for the suggestions -- The 125 is an in sump model and will not fit in new sump/fuge. I'll try the mesh mod and let y'all know the results.