[mbhershk]

ok so I have my tank/sump up and running. the sump is designed like this. Water lows down through a flex pvc tube into first chamber. Fills up and then flows over into a 3 baffle system then flows over into refugium filled with mineral mud and algae. then flows over into 3rd section which is where the return pump is. this setion is not filled too high with water. My Octopus 110 skimmer is located in this 3rd section. Is that right to have the protein skimmer in this 3rd section or does it work better in the first. the water level is so much lower in the 3rd section I just assumed thats where it goes am i wrong?

[Cela Vie]

I think it's wrong because the pods living/growing in the fuge will get sucked up into the skimmer and not make if to the display tank, which is part of the reason for having a fuge. I would move the skimmer to the first section.

[mbhershk]

even though the water level is high in the first section? only the top couple inches of the protein skimmer collection cup will be above water. Is that OK?

[Cela Vie]

If need be, you would need to build a "stand" for the skimmer. That's what I did...

http://www.reefbuilders.com/forums/d...mmer-tray.html

[Jay03GT]

will the pods make it through the pump? Or will you have to scoop some out with a net?

[Tonz of fun]

yes through the pump. There micro small they will get sucked right through...

[mbhershk]

I have no stand or it right now, I put the skimmer in the irst section and the top o the collection cup IS above water but the part of the skimmer that you slide up and down where good water comes out is submerged. The only immediate problem I ound was that the small air hose that needs to be above water was suddenly too short so I just got longer hose so it can exaust the air

[Tonz of fun]

just put something reef safe under the skimmer so the return section is not under water. what kind of skimmer are you using?

[Cela Vie]

I'm not familiar with Octopus skimmers but I've heard they are good. The directions for the skimmer should tell you what the maximum in-sump water level can be. If you're above the threshhold, then the skimmer will work just fine. Just make sure the the skimmer is working as it should and you'rr be okay. The pods can make it through the return pump, but not out of a skimmer...lol

[mbhershk]

OK, tried putting skimmer in 1st stage but te water is just too deep, so I put it back into third stage. I will have to get some sort of stand or the skimmer to sit in the first stage, or now at least its running. I'm on day 2 of it running and will switch as soon as I can get a little stand or it.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I think the return section should be the center section and the fuge should be oposite the skimmer and recieve its own raw water flow from the drain via a"T"with a flow of 1x the tank volume.