Skimmer: in-line or pump-fed?

[hyperfocal]

Anyone have any thoughts about plumbing a skimmer in-line from the tank overflow vs. fed by it's own small pump in the sump? I've thought some about it and this is what jumps to mind:

Pro
----------
o More energy efficient
o Less heat into tank
o Dirtier source water
o Less likely to skim out 'pods

Con
----------
o Detritus build-up in skimmer?
o Skimmer failure could result in larger flood
o More difficult to keep "dialed in"?

I'd appreciate hearing about peoples' experiences...

 

[manderx]

it's the trendy thing to do at the moment so expect everyone to regurgitate that it's the only way to go.

i like that it's one less pump to deal with. i never noticed a difference as to better skimming performance back when i ran a recirc-needlewheel, but i was way oversized on the skimmer so maybe it makes a difference with underpowered skimmers that need all the help they can get.

one thing i don't like is it's more difficult to disconnect the main tank for whatever reason and then keep the skimmer going for the rest of the system.