Need suggestions on skimmer and return pump

MarinePaethor · 09/11/2011, 10:40 PM

I have a 46 gallon bow front I originally set up back in the end of last year. I didn't do enough research, and took the advice of a couple of friends who didn't really know what they were talking about. I ended up starting the tank with a canister filter, not a sump with a skimmer. Unfortunately for me I didn't discover my mistake until I had everything up and running. I wanted to fix things then, but lost my job right after, so I haven't had the money to redo everything.

I've had a new job for a few months now, so I finally have a little extra cash to change things. I've built a new stand to accommodate a sump. I plan on swapping stands and getting a sump and skimmer system going. I've been doing a ton of research over the last few months, but the problem is I think I've done too much because now I'm worried about buying the wrong equipment because something else might be better. So I am looking for some input, some suggestions, and a little reinforcement on a few areas.

- What flow rate am I looking for ideally in the sump and return system? 10X volume? 15X volume?

- Depending on the volume I am trying to target, what would be a good choice for an in sump return pump. I'll have about a 4' climb from the sump back into the tank.

- What are a good couple of options for skimmers for a 46G tank? What target turnover volume should I be looking for in a skimmer?

- I was debating making and using a U-Tube overflow vs buying a kit online to drill and add an overflow. I was thinking the money might be better spent towards getting a better skimmer and return pump. Any thoughts on U-Tube overflows, or is there another option I'm not thinking of?

I still don't have a ton of money to spend on the conversion, so I'd like to keep it as budget friendly as possible, but I don't want to buy total junk either. I'm just a bit overwhelmed with info at this point, so I'm hoping with some help from you guys I can move in the right direction and get my tank set up like it should be.

Thank you very much for any information and advice you can offer.

CRC88 · 09/12/2011, 09:32 AM

I am also very interested in this thread as well.

I am setting up a 55g display with a wet/dry converted to hold LR, Live Sand, and Macro algae. It's also got a 10gal sump. Total volume should be around 70g. I'm a student who's attempting to do this on a budget (and failing miserably) but I do have 3 assorted pumps rated anywhere from 400-900gph and I'm curious as to which I should use to achieve maximum filter efficiency.

I've always assumed to just use the largest pump to get the highest amount of water turnover, but is there any reason why I'd be wrong in the assumption?

09/11/2011, 10:40 PM	#1
MarinePaethor Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 94	Need suggestions on skimmer and return pump I have a 46 gallon bow front I originally set up back in the end of last year. I didn't do enough research, and took the advice of a couple of friends who didn't really know what they were talking about. I ended up starting the tank with a canister filter, not a sump with a skimmer. Unfortunately for me I didn't discover my mistake until I had everything up and running. I wanted to fix things then, but lost my job right after, so I haven't had the money to redo everything. I've had a new job for a few months now, so I finally have a little extra cash to change things. I've built a new stand to accommodate a sump. I plan on swapping stands and getting a sump and skimmer system going. I've been doing a ton of research over the last few months, but the problem is I think I've done too much because now I'm worried about buying the wrong equipment because something else might be better. So I am looking for some input, some suggestions, and a little reinforcement on a few areas. - What flow rate am I looking for ideally in the sump and return system? 10X volume? 15X volume? - Depending on the volume I am trying to target, what would be a good choice for an in sump return pump. I'll have about a 4' climb from the sump back into the tank. - What are a good couple of options for skimmers for a 46G tank? What target turnover volume should I be looking for in a skimmer? - I was debating making and using a U-Tube overflow vs buying a kit online to drill and add an overflow. I was thinking the money might be better spent towards getting a better skimmer and return pump. Any thoughts on U-Tube overflows, or is there another option I'm not thinking of? I still don't have a ton of money to spend on the conversion, so I'd like to keep it as budget friendly as possible, but I don't want to buy total junk either. I'm just a bit overwhelmed with info at this point, so I'm hoping with some help from you guys I can move in the right direction and get my tank set up like it should be. Thank you very much for any information and advice you can offer.

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09/12/2011, 09:32 AM	#2
CRC88 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Delaware Posts: 182	I am also very interested in this thread as well. I am setting up a 55g display with a wet/dry converted to hold LR, Live Sand, and Macro algae. It's also got a 10gal sump. Total volume should be around 70g. I'm a student who's attempting to do this on a budget (and failing miserably) but I do have 3 assorted pumps rated anywhere from 400-900gph and I'm curious as to which I should use to achieve maximum filter efficiency. I've always assumed to just use the largest pump to get the highest amount of water turnover, but is there any reason why I'd be wrong in the assumption?