Need Some Advice Pleassse

phonecord_ · 01/05/2013, 06:28 AM

So I'm setting up a 40gal bow front FOWLR. I have been considering a HOB protein skimmer. But now am having second thoughts of their performance especially when it comes to removing surface crap that I HATE compared to an overflow/insump skimmer. Is this correct?

So, I haven't even considered a sump because of my lack of space. The largest container I could fit in my cabinet is 9.5" by 12.5" by 27" tall (height isn't the issue)

Now I'm starting to think about a small skimmer-only sump, with an overflow box. What do you guys think? I honestly have never had the opportunity to look at a protein skimmer in person and really have no idea of the location of the inlet and outlet and how the water gets pumped in and out of one. But from videos it seems that they are slightly submerged in water in peoples sumps.

Let me know what you guys think and what you would recommend. I think the small sump idea will create less clutter in the tank (surely ill be able to jam a heater in it) and it will also add a little more volume to my tank and make water top ups easier.

*edit: Iv just discovered "external protein skimmers". this may also be an option for me. I'm
just not sure how these get plumed to the tank, do they work like a simple fluval canister filter as far as plumbing or do they need an overflow box

fishgate · 01/05/2013, 07:03 AM

A sump is always a good idea if for nothing more then volume increase and hiding the heater. Your sump needs to be in a specific amount of water - like 9"-11", so find the skimmer that you want and then get a sump to match. You can always raise the skimmer if you have room but need at least the minimum depth.

Denbf58 · 01/05/2013, 08:02 AM

there are few ways to deal with the flim that builds up on the surface power head aimed at surface to break water tension. there is also adapters that can go on the pick up of the filter and some skimmers also have same type adapters. like this http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...3&pcatid=12703 the sump is also agood idea if for nothing more then extra water volume

fishgate · 01/05/2013, 08:29 AM

If by external you mean "hang on back (HOB)" these work fine. I have the BH2000 hang on back and it picks up a lot of nasty stuff. They simply hang on the back the same as HOB filters (not like canister filters). Nothing hard about setting them up. Mine has the pump outside the tank and the only inside the tank parts are the overflow/intake (with teeth) and the output which is just a pipe. Some have the pump inside the tank - I would avoid these they add heat and are visually very intrusive.

SKurj · 01/05/2013, 08:57 AM

I have a Hob SKimmer and a Hob refugium on a 40gal long. If you can do it go with a sump, so much nicer than having stuff hanging off the back. That being said I am pleased with the performance of the skimmer, and I never have had a surface film in the 9 months I have had this tank running.

Mine has the pump in the skimmer which is quieter, and where I live heat is never an issue.

01/05/2013, 06:28 AM	#1
phonecord_ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 26	Need Some Advice Pleassse So I'm setting up a 40gal bow front FOWLR. I have been considering a HOB protein skimmer. But now am having second thoughts of their performance especially when it comes to removing surface crap that I HATE compared to an overflow/insump skimmer. Is this correct? So, I haven't even considered a sump because of my lack of space. The largest container I could fit in my cabinet is 9.5" by 12.5" by 27" tall (height isn't the issue) Now I'm starting to think about a small skimmer-only sump, with an overflow box. What do you guys think? I honestly have never had the opportunity to look at a protein skimmer in person and really have no idea of the location of the inlet and outlet and how the water gets pumped in and out of one. But from videos it seems that they are slightly submerged in water in peoples sumps. Let me know what you guys think and what you would recommend. I think the small sump idea will create less clutter in the tank (surely ill be able to jam a heater in it) and it will also add a little more volume to my tank and make water top ups easier. edit: Iv just discovered "external protein skimmers". this may also be an option for me. I'm just not sure how these get plumed to the tank, do they work like a simple fluval canister filter as far as plumbing or do they need an overflow box Last edited by phonecord_; 01/05/2013 at 07:04 AM.*

01/05/2013, 07:03 AM	#2
fishgate Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Damascus, MD Posts: 3,340	A sump is always a good idea if for nothing more then volume increase and hiding the heater. Your sump needs to be in a specific amount of water - like 9"-11", so find the skimmer that you want and then get a sump to match. You can always raise the skimmer if you have room but need at least the minimum depth. __________________ 125RR in-wall, 40B Sump, CS180 BM Skimmer, ATI 4x80 watt, eheim 1262, custom wrap around rock wall, ReefKeeper Elite 120g in-wall, 40B Sump, PC 54wx4, Jabao DC-6000 (full siphon), future seahorse t Current Tank Info: 125g, 120g, 2x40b sumps, ATI 4x80 T5HO

01/05/2013, 08:02 AM	#3
Denbf58 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: selden N.Y. Posts: 885	there are few ways to deal with the flim that builds up on the surface power head aimed at surface to break water tension. there is also adapters that can go on the pick up of the filter and some skimmers also have same type adapters. like this http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...3&pcatid=12703 the sump is also agood idea if for nothing more then extra water volume __________________ Life is good Current Tank Info: 75gal reef ready koralia 3, 30g sump, 4b 48" t5s lighting, 29g reef with breeding pair clowns 55g reef 55g freshwater

01/05/2013, 08:29 AM	#4
fishgate Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Damascus, MD Posts: 3,340	If by external you mean "hang on back (HOB)" these work fine. I have the BH2000 hang on back and it picks up a lot of nasty stuff. They simply hang on the back the same as HOB filters (not like canister filters). Nothing hard about setting them up. Mine has the pump outside the tank and the only inside the tank parts are the overflow/intake (with teeth) and the output which is just a pipe. Some have the pump inside the tank - I would avoid these they add heat and are visually very intrusive. __________________ 125RR in-wall, 40B Sump, CS180 BM Skimmer, ATI 4x80 watt, eheim 1262, custom wrap around rock wall, ReefKeeper Elite 120g in-wall, 40B Sump, PC 54wx4, Jabao DC-6000 (full siphon), future seahorse t Current Tank Info: 125g, 120g, 2x40b sumps, ATI 4x80 T5HO

01/05/2013, 08:57 AM	#5
SKurj Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Oshawa Posts: 539	I have a Hob SKimmer and a Hob refugium on a 40gal long. If you can do it go with a sump, so much nicer than having stuff hanging off the back. That being said I am pleased with the performance of the skimmer, and I never have had a surface film in the 9 months I have had this tank running. Mine has the pump in the skimmer which is quieter, and where I live heat is never an issue. __________________ 40g Long since Mar 2012, 20lbs marco rocks, 25lb live rock, Aquamaxx HoB-1, sumpless, CPR Fuge, 4 tube T5HO, Mixed reef, softies and LPS Current Tank Info: 40g Long sumpless