Need advice on a new skimmer...

[Covey]

You would want to either feed the skimmer from the overflow. That is the best setup but requires more plumbing or use a smaller pump like a maxi-jet for the feed pump.

Using the return pump for a feed pump is not the best idea as the best water to feed the skimmer is raw overflow water. If a feed pump is used it should be as near to the input into the sump as possible. So you want the dirtiest water traveling thru the skimmer first not settling in your sump or clogging equipment and media like Calcium reactor, carbon, and such.

The pump is fine and as all the mods are to get it to pull more air I can assure you it is not too big.

 

[jbrunken]

When I said "Tee off the return", What I actually meant was tee from the overflow using ball valves to control how much goes to the skimmer and how much goes to the sump.

I guess what I'm asking is that if my return pump is pushing 800GPH back through the tank, am I ok running that entire 800GPH from the overflow directly into the skimmer or do I need the Tee to limit the flow through the skimmer to 1.5 times my tank volume?

-JB

 

[Covey]

Oh sorry. Yes you need to tee it off. If you run the 800GPH thru it it will kill the contact time.

There are a couple ways to plump the recirc depending on how much room you have but the whole point of all of them is to create a steady bubble free pool of water to draw from.

We'll basically have to cross that bridge when we get there as it will have to do with how well you can cram everything in your stand.

 

[jbrunken]

Room will not be an issue. My new sump, and refugium are located in the unfinished room behind my office. I'm just running the return and overflow through a small hole in the wall.

I'll try and post some pictures soon.

-JB

 

[jbrunken]

Well, I just ordered the DNW-200. It's the Recirc with the 8" body. Hopefully it will do a great job on my 125...

-JB

 

[IowaKevinK]

Happy times

 

[jbrunken]

Uh.... This thing is... HUGE

 

[glaspie69]

LOL.....I tried to tell you, wait till you plug it in......it's a good thing