Help with sump and skimmer design

[Willistein]

Couple questions on my setup, advice is appreciated!

I have a recirc DNW 200 Octopus skimmer and I'm wondering if I should put the overflow from the tank directly though it? It would eliminate the need for a feed pump and I'm all about simplicity. The display is a 120 with one overflow around 600 gph. Is that too much flow through the skimmer?

Also, should I run it in or out of the sump? I'm thinking running it outside the sump will help reduce heat transfer to the water from the needlewheel pump.

 

[Gravesj1s]

My setup is similar to that.Goes from the over flow directly into the skimmer.I dont have it recirculating just the basic ocean runner 3500.No issues here.

 

[SkiFletch]

Well, you shouldn't have too many issues so long as your return pump keeps a constant flowrate in the drain. But, if you plan on using an inlet strainer on the return pump, that's going to vary your return flow, thus your drain flow, thus alter the pressure in your skimmer, and alter the air-water interface in the skimmer. If instead you're planning on using some other type of straining like a filter sock for the output of the skimmer, then you'd be OK. But of course then your recirculating pump would need to be removed more frequently for maintenance as junk would get clogged in there.

And forgetting the "engineering" issues, were you planning a refugium as well? It may or may not be worth skimming before the fuge gets it's hand on the stuff. I'm pretty sure Gary linked me to some things that suggested it might be better to fuge first then skim (sorry for throwing you under the bus Gary ). Just food for thought

 

[Willistein]

I was kinda concerned about the return pump / overflow rate controlling the skimmer height. I'd also like the option of a filter sock to catch the stuff straight from the overflow. I think I'm actually leaning toward the skimmer being controlled by its own pump. I'm not planning on a refugium, but maybe I should...

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

ouch!

ouch!

what's that tire mark on my back?

actually... I don't feel run over by the bus. I favor independent control of a skimmer for many reasons. I also favor feeding a refugium in the sump with water from the overflows. I also favor having the ability to run mechanical filtration BEFORE a skimmer. JMO.

 

[timrellis]

I agree you should run the skimmer on it's own pump. Also I would put it in your sump because if it starts overflowing, and they do, it won't flood your floor.

 

[Willistein]

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. I will go with an MJ 1200 to feed it. I need to figure out a refugium, too.

 

[timrellis]

Here's a design I came up with that's gonna go under my 65 gallon.