Will a Hob skimmer work in a sump?

Glock23 · 03/12/2012, 11:15 AM

Have a 55 gallon with a eshopps psk100HOB and wondering if it will work if i add a sump to my tank. Was thinking of hanging on the side of a sump. Will it work?

shaginwagon13 · 03/12/2012, 11:24 AM

I have never used a HOB skimmer, but I really don't see why it would not work. As long as it is skimming the water and taking out dirt, I would assume it would be doing its job.

Peter T · 03/12/2012, 11:36 AM

Usually, a display will keep the same water level because all the evaporation effects will observed in the sump; assuming the person is using a sump. If the HOB skimmer requires a stable water level like the in-sump skimmers, you may need to employ an ATO to keep it running efficiently. The sump water level can vary depending on your top-off (ATO, manual) methods.

pscott99 · 03/12/2012, 11:53 AM

A sump has a lower water level to allow for power outage on the main tank to drain down. Your HOB intake may not reach down far enough. You could put it in the sump with some "macgyvering" though.

BigCountry74 · 03/12/2012, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pscott99

A sump has a lower water level to allow for power outage on the main tank to drain down. Your HOB intake may not reach down far enough. You could put it in the sump with some "macgyvering" though.

/this

Most HOBs will not work in a sump, unless you have a really high baffle section where your skimmer sits.

GPB · 03/12/2012, 01:15 PM

I use a remora on a 10 gal sump. Works fine.

vermonter310 · 03/12/2012, 04:59 PM

I also use a Remora, mines a pro, in my sump. It's in the first section which doesn't change level as much. I also extended the pump hose so that it sits on the bottom. No issues.

Thumbster · 03/12/2012, 06:47 PM

I use the Remora Pro in my sump also. It is in the first section of sump where the water level is highest. Seems to do a good job, I've had it about 10 years. I have to empty the cup every few days.

Palting · 03/12/2012, 07:08 PM

I used a HOB skimmer in the sump in my prior system. The pump sat in a stable water level just before the baffles separating it from the return section. Worked fine.

Sk8r · 03/12/2012, 10:20 PM

Unless you're running sps corals or a fish-only that needs some fierce help, you can get by on a less than killer skimmer. LPS corals and softies don't mind helping a skimmer out: they're fond of fish poo.

03/12/2012, 11:15 AM	#1
Glock23 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 34	Will a Hob skimmer work in a sump? Have a 55 gallon with a eshopps psk100HOB and wondering if it will work if i add a sump to my tank. Was thinking of hanging on the side of a sump. Will it work?

03/12/2012, 11:24 AM	#2
shaginwagon13 Chartered Accountant Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 2,219	I have never used a HOB skimmer, but I really don't see why it would not work. As long as it is skimming the water and taking out dirt, I would assume it would be doing its job. __________________ - Shaginwagon - Current Tank Info: 550 Gallon SPS Reef l 200 Gallon Sump l Skimmer: Vertex Alpha 250 l Return Pump: Reeflo Hammerhead l Tank Circulation: (2) Maxspect Gyre XF280 l Lighting: (3) 400w Halides & (3) AI Hydra 52 HD

03/12/2012, 11:36 AM	#3
Peter T Gallantly Forward Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 563	Usually, a display will keep the same water level because all the evaporation effects will observed in the sump; assuming the person is using a sump. If the HOB skimmer requires a stable water level like the in-sump skimmers, you may need to employ an ATO to keep it running efficiently. The sump water level can vary depending on your top-off (ATO, manual) methods. __________________ Foolproof systems do not take into account the ingenuity of fools - Gene Brown Current Tank Info: 24g Nano reef tank, 40b reef tank. Both fully stocked reef tank housing stomatopods (mantis shrimp)

03/12/2012, 01:15 PM	#6
GPB Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Washington DC Posts: 633	I use a remora on a 10 gal sump. Works fine. __________________ It is what it is! Current Tank Info: Oceanic 37g cube, AquaC Remora Skimmer, 6 x T5 ligts, SSB, 10g sump, GFO, GAC, Polyfilter

03/12/2012, 04:59 PM	#7
vermonter310 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 730	I also use a Remora, mines a pro, in my sump. It's in the first section which doesn't change level as much. I also extended the pump hose so that it sits on the bottom. No issues. __________________ Pain is temporary….. ……It only hurts ‘till you die Current Tank Info: 72g BF,

03/12/2012, 11:53 AM	#4
pscott99 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Stratford ON Posts: 241	A sump has a lower water level to allow for power outage on the main tank to drain down. Your HOB intake may not reach down far enough. You could put it in the sump with some "macgyvering" though.

03/12/2012, 06:47 PM	#8
Thumbster Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Eastern Indiana Posts: 155	I use the Remora Pro in my sump also. It is in the first section of sump where the water level is highest. Seems to do a good job, I've had it about 10 years. I have to empty the cup every few days. __________________ 75 gallon FOWLR with 10 gallon sump 2 Ocellaris Clowns 1 Yellow Tang

03/12/2012, 07:08 PM	#9
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	I used a HOB skimmer in the sump in my prior system. The pump sat in a stable water level just before the baffles separating it from the return section. Worked fine. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

03/12/2012, 10:20 PM	#10
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Unless you're running sps corals or a fish-only that needs some fierce help, you can get by on a less than killer skimmer. LPS corals and softies don't mind helping a skimmer out: they're fond of fish poo. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.