Skimmer Placement

JR8999 · 03/03/2014, 09:08 PM

I have a small 11g sump. Because of space constraints I have to place the skimmer in the same chamber as the return pump. I've gotten some comments that there may be issues with that placement. Can anyone elaborate? Or let me know if it's okay?

Thanks!!

Reefmedic79 · 03/03/2014, 09:12 PM

Skimmer in the same compartment as the return pump will likely result in micro-bubbles ending up in your display tank.

There is a mindset that too many micro-bubbles can be detrimental to your corals and fish, though I believe most of it to be anecdotal, short of bubbles getting trapped in any sponges in the tank or on the underside of some corals such as M. capricornis or fungia

thegrun · 03/03/2014, 09:28 PM

The biggest problem with the skimmer in the return section is that the water level fluctuates in the return section. Even with a sensitive ATO float switch you are going to have a 1/4" water level variance. That water level variance will make it very difficult to get a consistent skimmer output since they are very touchy in regards to water level.

Crooked Reef · 03/03/2014, 10:25 PM

Have you thought of getting a hang on the back skimmer and hanging it off the side of the sump? That is how I have mine set up.

JR8999 · 03/04/2014, 05:34 AM

Does anyone run a skimmer in the same sump stage as return pump?

julie180 · 03/04/2014, 09:28 AM

Even worse than not skimming effectively is the potential for overflows.

cloak · 03/04/2014, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JR8999

I have a small 11g sump. Because of space constraints I have to place the skimmer in the same chamber as the return pump. I've gotten some comments that there may be issues with that placement. Can anyone elaborate? Or let me know if it's okay?

Thanks!!

I don't have any baffles, but here's a picture of my 10 gallon sump. No problems with micro bubbles in the DT, and the water level is kept somewhat constant via an ATO.

03/03/2014, 09:08 PM	#1
JR8999 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 345	Skimmer Placement I have a small 11g sump. Because of space constraints I have to place the skimmer in the same chamber as the return pump. I've gotten some comments that there may be issues with that placement. Can anyone elaborate? Or let me know if it's okay? Thanks!! __________________ 56g Column DT, 11g Aqueon sump with/socks, Lifereef overflow, Aqumaxx HOB-1 Skimmer, 2 Jaebo heaters, DT: 2 OC Clowns and 1 Royal Gramma along with various corals grown from frags. Current Tank Info: 56g Column

03/03/2014, 09:12 PM	#2
Reefmedic79 Life and Reef Saver Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Tavares, Florida Posts: 6,202	Skimmer in the same compartment as the return pump will likely result in micro-bubbles ending up in your display tank. There is a mindset that too many micro-bubbles can be detrimental to your corals and fish, though I believe most of it to be anecdotal, short of bubbles getting trapped in any sponges in the tank or on the underside of some corals such as M. capricornis or fungia __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸. ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> How much deeper would the ocean be if it didn't have sponges? P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way Sid Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder, 20L Sump, 10G Fuge, JBJ A.T.O, 4" Reef Octopus, DIY Stand & Canopy, RapidLED Dimmable 36 Kit on 3 6" MakersLED Heatsink, MP10es

03/04/2014, 05:34 AM	#5
JR8999 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 345	Does anyone run a skimmer in the same sump stage as return pump? __________________ 56g Column DT, 11g Aqueon sump with/socks, Lifereef overflow, Aqumaxx HOB-1 Skimmer, 2 Jaebo heaters, DT: 2 OC Clowns and 1 Royal Gramma along with various corals grown from frags. Current Tank Info: 56g Column

03/03/2014, 09:28 PM	#3
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	The biggest problem with the skimmer in the return section is that the water level fluctuates in the return section. Even with a sensitive ATO float switch you are going to have a 1/4" water level variance. That water level variance will make it very difficult to get a consistent skimmer output since they are very touchy in regards to water level.

03/03/2014, 10:25 PM	#4
Crooked Reef Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 1,765	Have you thought of getting a hang on the back skimmer and hanging it off the side of the sump? That is how I have mine set up.

03/04/2014, 09:28 AM	#6
julie180 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Raymore, MO Posts: 2,556	Even worse than not skimming effectively is the potential for overflows.