Skimmer and Return Pump Advice - please help

[SamanthaP]

Hello;
I am setting up a 55 gallon with a 20 sump/fuge underneath (not in the basement). I am overwhelmed by all the different types of skimmers and return pumps. Does anyone have any suggesstions (basic specs I should look for or even specific brands/models you recommend)? Affordable is ideal, but obviously will spend a little more to ensure it works properly and don't have to replace it too soon...
*Skimmers - was going to place in the first section of the sump, but open to a hang on if recommended.
*Return pump - clueless here... going to use flexible hose and the distance is only a few feet, so not much resistance or bends to slow the flow down.
Thanks so much!

 

[SamanthaP]

bump

 

[Jeff_NJ]

There are many different opinions and approaches to how much flow through a sump.

Some people like 10x volume of the tank through the sump per hour, some people like more and others like less.

I think a key point is to make sure your skimmer pump is somewhere close to your return pump as far as GPH is concerned.

For a 55 DT, I think you would be okay with a Mag 7 for a 'low cost' reliable pump and if you wanted to go high end, the Eheim 1260 would be a good fit. The Eheim is probably 2 - 2.5 times the cost of the Mag 7. The Eheim will likely be quieter, use slightly less power and run a little cooler. Both of these pumps would give you around 8x per hour through the sump.

For a skimmer, people are having decent luck with that Ebay skimmer which can be had for a very decent price as compared to others. I believe this skimmer has a thread dedicated to it. I would also suggest reading the Skimmer Q&A thread. Tons of good information there. I've been picking a skimmer for my new 150 for a month now, so I feel your pain there. Any decent skimmer will do a good job, so I don't think there is a defacto standard / right answer for THE skimmer to pick.

 

[Donkeykong]

Ehiem and Tunze silence return pumps are both solid pumps that are very quite. There are cheaper ones out there but you get what you pay for, either they will be built cheaper or they will be louder. Not saying you cant go with them but just be aware you may be able to hear them hum from down the hall.