Thoughts on an idea I have

[sirrealism]

So on my 40b I have an iTECH 100 I run a single overflow "I know I need a 2nd" I use a normal flex hose that I run to my sump into a sock. I dont have a sock holder and the sump does not have a lot of space in it so the sock and the skimmer are in the same chamber. So my thought is what if I removed the sock and ran the drain right to the skimmer. It would not be a tight fit. The skimmer pump moves as much or more water then my return pump does so I think it would work. Does anyone see a reason this would be an issue or not work? I think I am going to try it tonight. Cant see where it could cause me any issue but thats why I post it here. Maybe someone else has done this. Thanks for any input.

 

[blindskater02]

I would leave it as is. You are not going to improve filtration by removing the filter sock.

 

[rogergolf66]

I would leave it as is. You are not going to improve filtration by removing the filter sock.

Agreed.... What r u trying to gain?

 

[sirrealism]

Trying to gain not having to change sock, all water coming from display having to go through the skimmer, No more cleaning the sump or at least not as often.

 

[CrazyEyes]

I think unless the skimmer is recirculating it might be too much water for the skimmer.

 

[blindskater02]

Without a sock you will end up having to clean the sump more frequently.

 

[St Pete John]

I pulled my socks a few months ago and no change so far.

I do have a settling chamber before my "fuge" that collects a good amount of detritus but i just suck it up w a turkey baster every few days.

 

[sirrealism]

Thanks all. I am just trying to think outside the box. If all water coming out of display has to go through the skimmer then I should have better nutrient control meaning less N03 and P04. Then again I posted this here to hear others thoughts on this because I could be way off

 

[rogergolf66]

U would need a recirculation skimmer and then u would have to size your return pump to the skimmer if u wanted 100% through the skimmer every time. What skimmer r u running?

 

[sirrealism]

iTECH 100

 

[sirrealism]

Return is a 500GPH but I would think that with head I am prob down to about 300GPH or less. The skimmer has the aquabee pump on it. trying to find out what the aquabee flows at

 

[blindskater02]

In sump skimmers are not designed to hook a drain line direct to the input of the skimmer pump. It will mess with the water/air draw mix and make the skimmer much less efficient.

As stated a recirclating skimmer, depending on size, would be a better option to direct all flow from a tank into but still not recomended.

 

[CuzzA]

The biggest problem I see with this is your first sentence. Even if running the drain to the skimmer pump was successful you increase your risk of a flood substaintaily by the fact you have one drain pipe that now will have a potential obstruction right smack in front of it. If the pumps intake or the skimmers output were to clog you're going to have a flood. Just a reduction in flow could create enough loss of water flowing through that your display would overflow. I wouldn't do it on my tank. If you don't want to run bags, don't. There's plenty of systems that don't use them.

 

[BobbyV]

My tank drain is positioned into my skimmer chamber of my sump.

I am running an SRO 5000INT so the 5000 bubble blaster pumps sucks a lot of water.

The skimmer acts as a vacuum. It been very efficient.

Granted, yes some detritus build up over time, but I would rather suck it up once every three months or so than mess with filter socks every few days.

I don't have anything floating around in my tank since I designed my sump with multiple bubble traps.

I am also turning over a lot of water volume, which I am sure helps the cause and gives more exposure to my skimmer.

Two things in this hobby are the devil.

Sand Beds and Filter Socks!