Skimmer Question

[jrossjr79]

I should be picking up a 145G tank that I will be using as my display tank, shortly after that I will be getting a 75G sump/refuge tank. The skimmer will be in the sump tank. I know that skimmers are rated by volume, and I should get a skimmer with a higher rating.
Question is, do I get a skimmer rated for the 145G tank, the 75G tank (since that is where it will be) or do I get one rated for total volume of the whole setup?

[klwheat]

total water volume....preferably plus a little bit, especially if you're going to have a high bioload - so 220G (preferably 250G).

[jrossjr79]

Thanks, that is what I thought it would be, but wasnt 100% sure, thanks :)

[StevenSeas]

I would base the size skimmer that you are looking for off of your "Total volume" that is both the 145+55 (the 75 wont be full.) So I would start with looking at a skimmer rated for atleast 200gallon capacity. However, I would recommend looking larger to the 250-300 range if you can afford a good skimmer in that gallon capacity range.