Sump Hack

[oscarmeir]

When I started the hobby before I had a sump I purchased a Reef Octopus BH2000 hang on skimmer. - worked great. rated for 125 gallons, for my 90 gallon tank.



Then I got a sump. But instead of buying an in-sump skimmer, I noticed that the pump is a wet/dry model, so i removed the little elbow connecting the intake pump to the pipe that goes through the bottom of the skimmer into the tank. Now the pump sucks water directly from the sump and as far as I can tell seems to be doing a great job. Skimmate is collecting nicely. good dark stuff.

If your with me so far, and aren't pulling the plug yet on this design, here's the next question.

Can I drill a hole on the side of my sump, and have a bulkhead connecting to the lower intake and a bulkhead for the upper return?
It would free up a nice amount of space in the sump.

Thanks!
Oscar

 

[cilyjr]

Is the sump glass? Doesn't really matter but curious.

If I follow you I think you could certainly do what you want. I would not allow the PVC and bulkheads carry the weight of the full skimmer ( especially if it's a glass sump). I would find a way to support the skimmer

 

[oscarmeir]

Yes glass it is. I hear your support concerns. What about the efficiency of a hang on pump being used in such a fashion. Any thoughts?

 

[cilyjr]

Well it's going to work less hard pulling in water over that u tube. It might pump a little harder. Ie you may find you need to open the return a little to keep it from overflowing the collection cup.