In sump versus hang on back skimmers

[CarrieB]

Does anyone use an HOB skimmer on their sump? Why or why not?

 

[username in use]

I don't see there being any benefit. Just about every regular skimmer is going to out perform a comparably priced hang on back unit.

 

[shred5]

A in sump skimmer is generally more efficient because they usually have more contact time because they can be larger.

 

[thelawnwrangler]

All in one tank - skimmer is in sump was part of the setup fluval M90

 

[dustinkimpel]

In sump all the way. No mess on the floor and they seem to last a hell of a lot longer. I tried HOB believe me, not worth it.

 

[Sk8r]

I use a Coralife, which is a hob in a sense, but is a venturi type with a 'rubber' impeller, has its intake pump and outflow hose in the regular pump chamber, and which hangs on the side of the sump, being about 2' tall, has an ample, easy-removal collection cup, which screws on and off with a ring mount. It's not the world's greatest skimmer, but it is not as pricey as the world's greatest skimmers. I like it being able to be external, (you could set it in the sump if you really wanted to) because I only have a 30 gallon sump and I need the room.

It does have a quirk, in that it will 'spit' on startup; but I solved that by cutting two 8" pieces of airhose and putting them onto the two intake nipples that can allow the spitting. I aim them back into the sump, not touching the water (which would kill the action) ---and that way if it does spit, it all goes right back into the sump. I have no fear of leaving it running while I'm out of town, but when I am gone for a prolonged period, I do attach another line to the drain on the cup, and run it down to a bucket.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

I have a HOB skimmer and love it. It's a Bak Pak 2 they sell for about $125 or so. I've had no problems with it and it does a great job of skimming my tank which is a 40b with a 20 gal sump. It allows me to have more room for other things in my sump and I take advantage of that space by having more live rock for additional bio filtration. I'd highly recommend it to anyone wanting a HOB skimmer.

 

[ryeguyy84]

occasionally my skimmer will overflow, and because it's in the sump it's not a big deal. On my old tank I had a HOB skimmer and the few times it overflowed it left a smelly mess behind the tank.

 

[CarrieB]

Thanks for the inputs.

Sk8r- The Coralife was exactly the one that inspired the question, so thanks for the feedback. I have a small sump and a short stand (so worried about no room to boost the skimmer to adjust water height), so was interested in the fact that it can sit outside the sump. A lot of people seem to dislike them though.

 

[TimeConsumer]

What is your water height of the sump? And there are plenty of skimmers that work outside of sumps, look for recirculating skimmers.

 

[firemountain]

I initially ran a Reef Octopus BH1000 on my 65g when I started out since it was a gift. It actually pulled a lot of gunk out of the water and was happy with it. When I switched to an in sump Reef Octopus, it did do a better job. If you are starting out, and can pick up a used HOB, I think you would be happy, as long as it's a decent one rated for the tank size, and even a bit higher.

Honestly I never had my skimmer overflow, so I can't speak enough about them.