ETSS downdraft skimmer

[Vin7250]

I have an AETech ETSS downdraft skimmer similar to the 600 model. The website calls for an external Iwaki 40 pump, I dont mind spending the money, but i dont have a drilled sump so I dont think I can use an external pump. When I bought the skimmer House of Fins in greenwhich CT (which is fairly reputable) told me a submersible mag 5 would be perfect for this skimmer. I used one for a few years and it ran good. I then replaced it with a smaller skimmer and I hate it. I want the ETSS back, so when I went to set it up my mag 5 was dead. I called house of fins they told me to use an external pump this time (even though when I bought it they sold me a submersible pump). Does anyone have experiences with these units and can I use a mag 5 or 7 obn this thing. I guess I kinda answered my own question since I have used a mag 5 and it has worked, but when I talked to the LFS they said definitally wont work. What should I do?

 

[Vin7250]

No one has ever used these skimmers and nobody has a recommendation about the best pump for this unit? Any help would be great.

 

[feefer2]

use a blueline 40 hd ext you will have to drill your sump what a great skimmer

 

[xJake]

You don't have to drill your sump. You could set-up something similar to this using a siphon, and it works extremely well.

Different tank, same setup:

Simply unscrew the union, fill the pump/pipe up with water, and reattach the plumbing and turn on the pump. As the pump pulls water through the plumbing, air is pulled with it and as long as the intake is submerged in the sump then the pump will start and maintain its own siphon. You can unplug the pump as much as you like, and as long as the intake stays submerged then it will successfully restart every time.

As for a pump, I would just use an external pump that is at least similar to the manufacturer's suggestions. The Blueline 40HD would work nicely, as its basically the same pump (designed by a former Iwaki engineer). Mag-drives can be used, but the skimmer just never seems to work as well as when you use external pumps.

Here's some complimentary sludge shots:

 

[Vin7250]

thanks guys