Need advice on how to setup a external protein skimmer

conceptvip · 05/01/2012, 09:41 PM

I need to get a new skimmer since the one I'm currently using is worthless. I do not have space in my refugium for a large skimmer so I have no choice but to get an external skimmer. I want to get a Reef Octopus SUPER SRO 3000EXT for my 210gal tank and I’m trying my best not to put it outside the stand.

I wish I knew the height of the water outlet of the skimmer but cannot find any details on the height. If the height of the outlet is above my water level in my sump I THINK I could just use a uniseal and pipe it through the sump. (I have never used an external skimmer so I don’t know if this will work).

If someone has any ideas if this setup will work I will greatly appreciate it!

tkeracer619 · 05/01/2012, 10:37 PM

nice photochop!!!

It will work but you want to minimize the horizontal run.

Going down first then over would IME be a better choice. They seem more consitant when the output is unrestricted. If you put a tee right after the output with a standpipe going up for a vent and then plum down a few inches and into your sump you would relieve that back pressure from the horizontal run.

You could even increase the plumbing size there to help if it ends up requiring a large run. Use a bulkhead. Uni-seals are best kept for round or hard to get into spaces. They are darn good but a bulkhead is a better solution for your sump.

05/01/2012, 09:41 PM	#1
conceptvip Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: plainfield IL Posts: 25	Need advice on how to setup a external protein skimmer I need to get a new skimmer since the one I'm currently using is worthless. I do not have space in my refugium for a large skimmer so I have no choice but to get an external skimmer. I want to get a Reef Octopus SUPER SRO 3000EXT for my 210gal tank and I’m trying my best not to put it outside the stand. I wish I knew the height of the water outlet of the skimmer but cannot find any details on the height. If the height of the outlet is above my water level in my sump I THINK I could just use a uniseal and pipe it through the sump. (I have never used an external skimmer so I don’t know if this will work). If someone has any ideas if this setup will work I will greatly appreciate it!

05/01/2012, 10:37 PM	#2
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	nice photochop!!! It will work but you want to minimize the horizontal run. Going down first then over would IME be a better choice. They seem more consitant when the output is unrestricted. If you put a tee right after the output with a standpipe going up for a vent and then plum down a few inches and into your sump you would relieve that back pressure from the horizontal run. You could even increase the plumbing size there to help if it ends up requiring a large run. Use a bulkhead. Uni-seals are best kept for round or hard to get into spaces. They are darn good but a bulkhead is a better solution for your sump. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.