Plumbing overflow directly into skimmer

BuddhaKiss · 08/03/2008, 02:24 PM

I've heard of some people plumbing there system so their overflow goes directly into the skimmer. Obviously, the biggest advantage is everything gets skimmed rather than just a portion of the water. What are other advantages? What are the cons?

More importantly, how can I get a 1" pvc pipe fit into a 1/2" pipe on my Aqua C Remora?

Lightsluvr · 08/03/2008, 03:11 PM

Most folks put a "T" fitting with a valve to control flow to the skimmer. The remaining flow goes to your sump in the usual manner.

Example: From Overflow 1 INCH PVC to a 1 INCH "T" fitting. One side of T to a 1" Ball or Gate valve to control flow to skimmer. From valve to a reducer from 1" to size required for your skimmer intake. Other side of T straight into your sump.

I know there are other ways, but this should work...

LL

crvz · 08/03/2008, 03:16 PM

Well one con is that you've got match the return flow with the recommended flow rate for the skimmer. In your case, that may be hard to do, especially if the pump is what's drawing in air to skim. I think that's best used as intake for recirculating skimmers.

BuddhaKiss · 08/03/2008, 03:28 PM

Thanks guys! Yea, I think my return pump is not strong enough, its a Mag 2 which is rated 250 GPH not counting head loss. I wanted low flow through my fuge for proper nutrient export. The stock Remora comes with a Maxijet 1200 rated at 295. Could I get something like a Mag 5 and use a ball valve on the return to control flow and hopefully match the Remora's intake for efficient skimming? The Remora's use a "Spray Induction System" so I don't think drawing in air to skim would be a problem...unless I'm missing something.

08/03/2008, 02:24 PM	#1
BuddhaKiss Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Northern Va Posts: 1,068	Plumbing overflow directly into skimmer I've heard of some people plumbing there system so their overflow goes directly into the skimmer. Obviously, the biggest advantage is everything gets skimmed rather than just a portion of the water. What are other advantages? What are the cons? More importantly, how can I get a 1" pvc pipe fit into a 1/2" pipe on my Aqua C Remora?

08/03/2008, 03:11 PM	#2
Lightsluvr Tangaroa to 500 gallons Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,855	T it Most folks put a "T" fitting with a valve to control flow to the skimmer. The remaining flow goes to your sump in the usual manner. Example: From Overflow 1 INCH PVC to a 1 INCH "T" fitting. One side of T to a 1" Ball or Gate valve to control flow to skimmer. From valve to a reducer from 1" to size required for your skimmer intake. Other side of T straight into your sump. I know there are other ways, but this should work... LL Last edited by Lightsluvr; 08/03/2008 at 03:17 PM.

08/03/2008, 03:16 PM	#3
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	Well one con is that you've got match the return flow with the recommended flow rate for the skimmer. In your case, that may be hard to do, especially if the pump is what's drawing in air to skim. I think that's best used as intake for recirculating skimmers. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

08/03/2008, 03:28 PM	#4
BuddhaKiss Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Northern Va Posts: 1,068	Thanks guys! Yea, I think my return pump is not strong enough, its a Mag 2 which is rated 250 GPH not counting head loss. I wanted low flow through my fuge for proper nutrient export. The stock Remora comes with a Maxijet 1200 rated at 295. Could I get something like a Mag 5 and use a ball valve on the return to control flow and hopefully match the Remora's intake for efficient skimming? The Remora's use a "Spray Induction System" so I don't think drawing in air to skim would be a problem...unless I'm missing something.