Skimmer Selection

Afrorod · 09/16/2010, 06:33 PM

I am new to reef keeping and I am going to purchase a protein skimmer soon. I want one that can go under may tank so you can't see or hear it, but I don't want a submerged pump because my tank is already around 80 degrees and I don't want to add any heat. I was looking at E-shopps PSK 75 for my 55 gal tank. Do I need to get the in sump model or HOB? I also realize I might be on the wrong track completely so if you have any better suggestions I'm open to them.

Lynnmw1208 · 09/16/2010, 06:40 PM

I orderd a eshopps in sump skimmer the psk 200 for my 125g. if only it wasn't on backorder I could tell ya how it worked. I would imagine that the pump would give off some heat. maybe you could look at either a chiller or a skimmer that can sit on the outside of the sump.

reefgeezer · 09/16/2010, 06:59 PM

It really depends on what you are going to keep. The Eshopps would be fine for a moderate bioload of fish, mushrooms, and soft corals. A better skimmer might be advisable if you plan on keeping clams and hard corals or a heavy bioload. I like Reef Octopus skimmers for the money, but thay are slightly noisey.

Col. Buendia · 09/16/2010, 08:47 PM

I just got my reef octopus in the mail the other day. Seems pretty solid. I haven't built the sump yet so no reports on how it runs.

schoch79 · 09/16/2010, 09:10 PM

For what it's worth whether you have an in sump or out of sump skimmer with the pump in or out of the water it should still add about the same amount of heat. The water still has to travel through the heated pump and if the water didn't dissipate the heat from the pump the pump would simply overheat. A pump that is open to the air may add just a tad less heat to the water since it is also losing heat to the surrounding air but in my opinion it would be negligable. Also I personally prefer the in sump models.

DJREEF · 09/16/2010, 11:57 PM

An easy way to net net the whole heat issue is to draw the air intake for the skimmer pump from outside the stand where the air is cooler. Also check pump wattage. Lower wattage/more efficient pumps put out less heat. I was able to knock 2-3 degrees off of my 115 gal system temp by replacing a 105 watt pump with (2) 15 watt pumps.

DJ

Afrorod · 09/18/2010, 06:28 PM

Thanks for all the helpful info. I only have 3 small fish, and only LPS corals so I think I'll stick with the E shopp. Since the heat added will be about the same I guess I'll go with the in sump. My "sump" is a wet/dry filter with the bioballs removed so I only have 2 chambers. The only real place it could go is next to my main pump, is this ok?

DJREEF · 09/18/2010, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Afrorod

Thanks for all the helpful info. I only have 3 small fish, and only LPS corals so I think I'll stick with the E shopp. Since the heat added will be about the same I guess I'll go with the in sump. My "sump" is a wet/dry filter with the bioballs removed so I only have 2 chambers. The only real place it could go is next to my main pump, is this ok?

It could be a problem if the water level in that chamber drops as a result of evaporation and return pump drawdown. Most skimmers need a pretty stable water level to maintain effluent output. I'd put the skimmer in the first chamber if you can. If you can't then modify so you can.

DJ

09/16/2010, 06:33 PM	#1
Afrorod Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 3	Skimmer Selection I am new to reef keeping and I am going to purchase a protein skimmer soon. I want one that can go under may tank so you can't see or hear it, but I don't want a submerged pump because my tank is already around 80 degrees and I don't want to add any heat. I was looking at E-shopps PSK 75 for my 55 gal tank. Do I need to get the in sump model or HOB? I also realize I might be on the wrong track completely so if you have any better suggestions I'm open to them.

09/16/2010, 09:10 PM	#5
schoch79 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: hegins,pa Posts: 1,071	For what it's worth whether you have an in sump or out of sump skimmer with the pump in or out of the water it should still add about the same amount of heat. The water still has to travel through the heated pump and if the water didn't dissipate the heat from the pump the pump would simply overheat. A pump that is open to the air may add just a tad less heat to the water since it is also losing heat to the surrounding air but in my opinion it would be negligable. Also I personally prefer the in sump models. __________________ We'd better get back, 'cause it'll be dark soon, and they mostly come at night... mostly.

09/16/2010, 11:57 PM	#6
DJREEF 25 & Over Club Join Date: May 2000 Location: Conroe, TX Posts: 1,737	An easy way to net net the whole heat issue is to draw the air intake for the skimmer pump from outside the stand where the air is cooler. Also check pump wattage. Lower wattage/more efficient pumps put out less heat. I was able to knock 2-3 degrees off of my 115 gal system temp by replacing a 105 watt pump with (2) 15 watt pumps. DJ __________________ = 8-->{I> Current Tank Info: FOWLR&SPS

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
trying to decide-SKimmer or Zeokit reactor first	WSI2406	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	6	09/28/2010 12:09 PM
Skimmer selection woes...	ambaratur	New to the Hobby	10	04/12/2006 08:56 AM
skimmer selection	louiemarsh	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	4	03/30/2006 07:43 PM
Skimmer selection	bamboozler	Tunze	5	12/06/2002 12:35 PM

09/16/2010, 06:40 PM	#2
Lynnmw1208 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Brunswick, Ohio Posts: 3,306	I orderd a eshopps in sump skimmer the psk 200 for my 125g. if only it wasn't on backorder I could tell ya how it worked. I would imagine that the pump would give off some heat. maybe you could look at either a chiller or a skimmer that can sit on the outside of the sump.

09/16/2010, 06:59 PM	#3
reefgeezer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 2,621	It really depends on what you are going to keep. The Eshopps would be fine for a moderate bioload of fish, mushrooms, and soft corals. A better skimmer might be advisable if you plan on keeping clams and hard corals or a heavy bioload. I like Reef Octopus skimmers for the money, but thay are slightly noisey.

09/16/2010, 08:47 PM	#4
Col. Buendia Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Takoma Park, MD Posts: 37	I just got my reef octopus in the mail the other day. Seems pretty solid. I haven't built the sump yet so no reports on how it runs.

09/18/2010, 06:28 PM	#7
Afrorod Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 3	Thanks for all the helpful info. I only have 3 small fish, and only LPS corals so I think I'll stick with the E shopp. Since the heat added will be about the same I guess I'll go with the in sump. My "sump" is a wet/dry filter with the bioballs removed so I only have 2 chambers. The only real place it could go is next to my main pump, is this ok?