Difference between regular and recirculating skimmer

[JerseyWendy]

Good morning friends,

This is probably a dumb question, but I can't figure out what the difference is between a regular skimmer and a recirculating skimmer.

I am currently using the Octopus NW200. If I were to ever upgrade to a larger tank, how big of a tank do you think my skimmer can handle? Would a recirculating skimmer have many more benefits?

Thanks so much.

---
Wendy

 

[Phyl]

A recirculating skimmer increases the contact time of the water within the skimmer while keeping the foam high. So for the skimmer we have water is taken out of the skimmer and put back into it (as though it were new water) before it exits through the return to the tank. They are very efficient and I love mine.

The one major thing this does though is increase your pump needs from 1 feed pump to 1 feed and 1 recirc. Start looking for the commas!

 

[JerseyWendy]

A recirculating skimmer increases the contact time of the water within the skimmer while keeping the foam high. So for the skimmer we have water is taken out of the skimmer and put back into it (as though it were new water) before it exits through the return to the tank. They are very efficient and I love mine.

The one major thing this does though is increase your pump needs from 1 feed pump to 1 feed and 1 recirc. Start looking for the commas!

Thanks Phyl. Ok, please don't laugh, but what do you mean by "start looking for the commas?" :-[

---
Wendy

 

[mikem]

Bigger price tag.

 

[Phyl]

In your electric bill!