Skimmers: In sump vs out of sump

[CorbinSawyer]

Anybody have a link to a discussion on the forums for internal sump vs external protein skimmers...I can't seem to locate a good discussion on here, but I'm sure it's been talked about somewhere

Anybody else want to give their opinion?

My internal skimmer pump just bit the dust, but I'm going to be upgrading my tank in March so I've got some decisions to make. (I will have space inside and out of the sump on the new build).

TIA



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[ca1ore]

There were some older threads on the topic. I've used multiple iterations of both and have no real preference. Both work fine, and have incidental pros and cons. Most folks would probably cite leaks/water spill as the biggest con to external, though technology has largely mitigated this IME.

 

[slief]

I've run both over the years.. Personally, I prefer internal for a number of reasons. First, many modern internal skimmers are very efficient when it comes to dissolved organic removal and perform just as well as externals. Obviously this is relative to what internal skimmer and external skimmer you are comparing to but there are a number of GREAT internal skimmers on the market that will rival even the best external skimmers and actually perform better. An external skimmer needs a feed pump which requires additional power making most internal skimmers much more efficient from a power standpoint. Many external skimmers are noisy or noisier.Especially the Beckett skimmers and down draft ones. If the skimmer ever overflows, the in sump skimmer will be contained where as an external skimmer will often make a mess.

 

[scooter31707]

For me, I prefer in-sump due to the possibility of overflow or if it cracks, it's inside the sump. No mess/wet floor and no angry wife, just a water change.

 

[EnderG60]

In sump is good for: When you dont have space, when you want to use the smallest pump possible, or if you are afraid of leaks and overflows and when you dont care about actually needing to clean it or work on it.

External is good for: When you need something HUUUGE, want a massive external pump, have no reason to care about how much space it takes up and want easy access to cleaning and maintenance.

Both work and both are good.

 

[CorbinSawyer]

Great information... Thanks. I'll probably feel better with the in sump skimmer for those reasons. I have had the cup overflow on my current skimmer before so I guess I should have thought about that on my own.



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