[david6789]

I have a simple 2 compartment sump very similar to this:



Actual pics (hard to see):







The only place to put a Skimmer is in the compartment that returns the water to the tank. I would need a foot print of around 8" x 8". Or I could use a Hang on Sump. So my questions are:

Would placing a Skimmer in my sump (where the return water is) be bad?

Would a Hang on Skimmer be better?

What is the best skimmer for a total (Tank and Sump) 95 gallons and under $250?

[stephaniesquires]

Having a skimmer in your sump is not bad, I think many people have that set up, I would get rid of the bio balls, you can replace them with more LR, or be prepared to clean them regularly..

[david6789]

ok I think I decided on

ASM MINI-G Protein Skimmer
PS-ASM-GM


ASM in-sump skimmers are constructed of extruded PVC tubing and injection molded plastic.
ASM protein Skimmers use needle wheel design on a Sedra pump for to create a finer bubble for highly effective skimming action!
Easy to use! Just set it in the sump, plug it in and adjust the outlet tube!

ASM MINI-G Protein Skimmer Specifications:

- Gallon Rating: up to 75 gal.
- Pump: 1 x Mini Pump
- Reaction Chamber Diameter: 4.5"
- Footpring: 5" x 7.5"
- Height: 20.5"

Would there be a problem placing this in the same compartment as my pump to return the water to the tank?

[FINDING_NEMO]

it won't be a problem

[FINDING_NEMO]

i hope u not thinking in keeping a medium-heavy bioload with such a small skimmer as it wont handle it

[stephaniesquires]

Your skimmer needs to handle at least the total water volume of your system.* Meaning, the 75 gallons in your tank and the 20 gallon sump.* I would get one rated for 150 gallons, skimmers usually handle only about 30% of the water flow at any time so that size shouldn't overskim. (If I'm wrong someone will correct me).* It's fine to set it up in the same compartment as the return pumps.

[david6789]

Originally Posted by stephaniesquires

Your skimmer needs to handle at least the total water volume of your system.* Meaning, the 75 gallons in your tank and the 20 gallon sump.* I would get one rated for 150 gallons, skimmers usually handle only about 30% of the water flow at any time so that size shouldn't overskim. (If I'm wrong someone will correct me).* It's fine to set it up in the same compartment as the return pumps.

Any suggestions? I need a small foot print and dont want alot of sound off it.

[david6789]

Originally Posted by FINDING_NEMO

it won't be a problem

I thought the Skimmer was supposed to before any filtering (bio-balls/LR or Filter media)? If its after the above will it truely pick up any major waste?

[Lowej82]

the problem with having it in the same compartment is that you will get alot of bubbles in your DT from your return you need something <baffle> between your return pump and your skimmer. I am dealing with bubbles in my frag tank from my skimmer.

watch this video
YouTube - Saltwater reef sump first day


in the begining see how the bubbles stay trapped on the left side? that is what you want if not those bubbles end up in you DT. if you cant find a good hang on or in sump skimmer, if you dont mind seeing one or have a place to hide it I belive they make stand alone skimmers

[stephaniesquires]

In my sump setup, which will change to accommodate the addition of a fuge, I had the overflow going into filter socks, then a larger area with nothing but the skimmer and returning directly to the dt. No baffles, and I never had a problem with bubbles. I'm not sure if it is because of the large volume of water or the size of the sump, but the only time I had bubbles was when the sump got really low. I would go with filter socks, or other easily cleanable filter media. I would take them out once a week and throw them in the washing machine (no soap). THey get the larger particles. Skimmer (as far as I know) gets the protein out (fish poop), not debris. You can use live rock rubble to help diffuse the water flow, reducing splashing and bubbles. There are lots of ways of doing things so read previous threads, and get opinions and then you can set up a system that works for you. As for skimmers with a small footprint Check out different online stores like drfostersmith or marinedepot, or that petplace or google aquarium supplies, compare prices and find one that fits your needs. I will post pictures of my setup once it's finished.

[stephaniesquires]

Take a look at this one - Berlin Turbo Protein Skimmers I think this is a good brand, but ask around...

[Lowej82]

does your skimmer have a sponge like filter on the discharge/feed back to sump? they help alot. maybe I am thinking its worse than it is.

[stephaniesquires]

Originally Posted by Lowej82

does your skimmer have a sponge like filter on the discharge/feed back to sump? they help alot. maybe I am thinking its worse than it is.

Yes it does, but I think you can help control bubbles by reducing "splashing" into the tank, either by having the water enter onto a filter media or bringing the water into the sump via a longer hose (my setup had and will have both). That's my (limited) experience.

[Lowej82]

check this skimmer out in this thread, may be a little over your cost though

http://www.reefbuilders.com/forums/e...ate-valve.html


ebay Item number: 280046237819 $255.00 shipped. bigger foot print

[david6789]

sponge like filter?

Where can I get one? Just ordered the Red Sea Berlin Turbo Classic Protein Skimmer Package with Pump btw.

[Lowej82]

Originally Posted by david6789

sponge like filter?

Where can I get one? Just ordered the Red Sea Berlin Turbo Classic Protein Skimmer Package with Pump btw.

should come with it

[stephaniesquires]

Originally Posted by Lowej82

check this skimmer out in this thread, may be a little over your cost though

http://www.reefbuilders.com/forums/e...ate-valve.html


ebay Item number: 280046237819 $255.00 shipped. bigger foot print

Nice, I have an ASM also, but without the fancy pvc

[sgarron]

For your small footprint you could look at the Tunze skimmers. I have no experience with them but Tunze is a very respected brand.

Tunze DOC Protein Skimmers (Nano, Classic)