sizeing a skimmer

I'm looking at buying a new skimmer but not sure which one to buy. Currently i have a 210 with around 50 gallon in the sump. I will eventually add a 120 to the system on the same sump. That might be a while though. Another thing that i feel important to mention is that i run bio pellets.

The stocking list for the 210 will be as follows. 1 large sailfin tang, 1 large Harlequin Tuskfish, 1 Sargassum Trigger, 3 Anthias, 10 Chromis, and if i can get away with it a Dwarf lionfish. Im not sure on the lion as he might eat my small fish lol. As far as when i get the 120 up i'm not sure for stocking. Most of these are very messy fish.

I talked with Jeremy at Coralvue, He thinks the reef octopus sro3000ext would be a good fit for my current 210. I tend to agree with him as far as that goes. The problem is when i get the 120 plumbed in i'm concerned the sro3000 won't be big enough. Like i said i'm not sure when i will set up the 120, if at all. I know it's not possibe to over skim because it can only pull out so much. If the skimmer is to big it will tend to batch skim. Meaning it will skim till it gets caught up then not skim much for several day's. I know i can shut it off during the day and let it run at night, but would rather have it run constantly.

So what do you think. Should i go with the Reef Octopus sro-3000ext rated for 400 gallon or the sro-5000ext rated for 550 gallon. I want to buy the correct skimmer now so i dont have to upgrade for a long time. By the way these are both external skimmers. Input would be much appreciated!

 

Yea from what im reading the sro performs just as well as the more expensive skimmers for alot less money. The big thing i like abought coralvue is the fact that their customer service is awesome! The reason im going with a external is that i like haveing plenty of room in my sump for live rock and other equipment. I have a external currently and will never go back to a internal. I guess it's really just personal choice. Besides theirs nothing like a big *** skimmer sitting right beside your tank. IMO it just looks cool (ha ha)

 

blackx-runner. My plan is to eventually set up my 120 but it's gonna be awhile before that happens. I guess i will have to set it up so my skimmer works lol.