skimmer pump - seperate or main?

spragro · 12/15/2007, 03:22 PM

I have a 180 gallon tank - my skimmer is plumbed to the main pump - the skimmer never seems to put out that much gunk - would it be better to have it run off of a separate pump?

Also how often should the main pump be broken down and cleaned?

bhdmc · 12/16/2007, 10:39 AM

Some skimmers requires a specific size pump(GPH), like downdraft or beckett type skimmer to work correctly. Some skimmers just need a feed pump. They have a separate built-in pump that produces the fine bubbles in the skimmer. What skimmer are you using?

spragro · 12/16/2007, 01:13 PM

it was custom built by the LFS - the feed pump pumps water into the skimmer and air is fed into the skimmer body via some piping - there is no other pump

bhdmc · 12/17/2007, 04:56 PM

If this is a new skimmer, the skimmer may not produce skimmate for days or weeks. There is a break-in period. Your best bet before spending money on a new pump is to speak with the builder to see if you have the correct GPH flow. If you have a venturi type skimmer, the venturi valve may need to be clean. The air inlet sometime gets block with dust or salt. Just run some RO/DI water thru the air inlet of the venturi valve.

12/15/2007, 03:22 PM	#1
spragro Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 42	skimmer pump - seperate or main? I have a 180 gallon tank - my skimmer is plumbed to the main pump - the skimmer never seems to put out that much gunk - would it be better to have it run off of a separate pump? Also how often should the main pump be broken down and cleaned?

12/16/2007, 10:39 AM	#2
bhdmc Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Posts: 956	Some skimmers requires a specific size pump(GPH), like downdraft or beckett type skimmer to work correctly. Some skimmers just need a feed pump. They have a separate built-in pump that produces the fine bubbles in the skimmer. What skimmer are you using?

12/16/2007, 01:13 PM	#3
spragro Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 42	it was custom built by the LFS - the feed pump pumps water into the skimmer and air is fed into the skimmer body via some piping - there is no other pump

12/17/2007, 04:56 PM	#4
bhdmc Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Posts: 956	If this is a new skimmer, the skimmer may not produce skimmate for days or weeks. There is a break-in period. Your best bet before spending money on a new pump is to speak with the builder to see if you have the correct GPH flow. If you have a venturi type skimmer, the venturi valve may need to be clean. The air inlet sometime gets block with dust or salt. Just run some RO/DI water thru the air inlet of the venturi valve.