Skimmer, internal vs external

[ntino]

I'm new to SW, planning a largish(400g+) system.
I have a very basic question about skimmers.
I want to get either H&S ATB or BK, but it seems to me that an external filter is the better option since it gets the dirty water directly from an overflow, without recirculating some of the skimmed water inside the sump.
Please correct me if I am missing something...

I need to know if there is a significant difference between internal and external, since I found some used skimmers at a nice price, but they are all internal.

Another thing, the sump and skimmer will be in the basement, bellow the tank, space is not a problem, and an external skimmer would actually be a cleaner setup.

If I do get an external skimmer, is there something I should watch out for when I set it up? I was planning on T'ing it off from the overflow.

Thanks.

 

[faded1004]

well, it all depends on what skimmer you get... i don't think there is a major difference with internal or external, usually external is more expensive since they have to be water tight.

i think the issue you are thinking is... downdraft or regular? not sure if i have the term correct, but down draft is when you push the drain straight to the skimmer.

depending on the skimmer, you may not like bubbles before the pump, pump performance might be hindered. aquac skimmers use a nozzle to splash the water surface to make bubbles, if there are bubbles in the line before the pump, the pump might cavitate and not work to full performance.

but for needle wheels and other volute pumps, it might not matter...

i think, just go with what you think will be easier, internal is nice, no need to worry about leaks and stuff... either way you can get the skimmer to eat the drain water. alot of people with BM i know of has internal ones.

sounds like you got a good budget for skimmer, so i dont' think you will go wrong either way... just look at your setup and make it easy for yourself...

 

[sdietz2469]

externalsi think are more effiecient due to longer dwell time if the water in the body of the skimmer. as far as external, i would look for something that is rated quite a bit larger than your tank size cuz most skimmers are rated for more than what they can handle unless you are doing something like the atb or BK.

when setting up make sure to use silicone grease on all of the o rings, and be careful when you do waterchanges or feed for the first times until you make sure they dont affect the skimmer and make it over act.
oh and anytime you try to tweak it make sure to watch it for atleast a few hours to make sure it doesnt overskim...

oh, and i recommend ATB all the way
shane

 

[FinsReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13634037#post13634037 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sdietz2469
i would look for something that is rated quite a bit larger than your tank size cuz most skimmers are rated for more than what they can handle unless you are doing something like the atb or BK.


H&S will also handle the size of tank they are rated for at a heavy bio load and it is not necessary to oversize the skimmer.

Eric

 

[faded1004]

wow, looking around at the skimmers you suggested, i looked at the BK, it has a cool auto wiper! oh man very cool little item... this is so out of my budget... but i would love one!

 

[Jim_S]

I 100% agree with Eric. I have oversized skimmers on my tanks in the past, and now that I have the experience, I will not do it again.

I also feel that Ext VS Int is more a matter of preference. I have run run several of both variety (ER RS100, ER RS135, ER RC180, H&S A150, ATB med ext eheim and ATB med ext airstar), and can honestly say that you are not going to see a world of difference between the two. Your sps corals (or whatever you keep) are not going to grow faster and brighter because you chose an ext skimmer.

However, there are certain features (that you mentioned) that only come with purchasing an ext unit. I, for one, prefer to run my skimmer externally as well as feed it from the drain. So when I design my systems, that is how I chose to incorporate the protein skimmer. As a result, I am will to pay the extra money and not really think twice about it because it is what I "want". I feel that this is a hobby that is all about enjoyment. Running a saltwater aquarium to me, has NOTHING to do with saving money. In fact, its quite the opposite

If you are not drawn to any of the features that an ext offers over an int, or if you just don't see the value, then my advice would be to buy an int. If you feel that you are buying the int just to save money and may regret it, my advice would be to just spend the money upfront and get what you want. But the bottom line is, go with what works best for your system, goals and budget.

HTH and good luck!

Jim

 

[Constantin]

Thanks for all the comments...
I plan on having around a 400g system, with a 300g main display tank.
I feel that an external just makes more sense for my set up - it will be neater, and allows more space in the sump.
I will have 2 overflows with 2" drain on each, what would be the best way to plumb this? I figured maybe T'ing one off to the skimmer? should I join both and then T off with a gatevalve on skimmer? How much flow do the larger skimmers (rated 700-1000g) need?
Sorry, I'm kinda clueless...