Skimmer: in-line or pump-fed?

hyperfocal · 05/22/2007, 10:58 AM

Anyone have any thoughts about plumbing a skimmer in-line from the tank overflow vs. fed by it's own small pump in the sump? I've thought some about it and this is what jumps to mind:

Pro
----------
o More energy efficient
o Less heat into tank
o Dirtier source water
o Less likely to skim out 'pods

Con
----------
o Detritus build-up in skimmer?
o Skimmer failure could result in larger flood
o More difficult to keep "dialed in"?

I'd appreciate hearing about peoples' experiences...

manderx · 05/22/2007, 11:30 AM

it's the trendy thing to do at the moment so expect everyone to regurgitate that it's the only way to go.

i like that it's one less pump to deal with. i never noticed a difference as to better skimming performance back when i ran a recirc-needlewheel, but i was way oversized on the skimmer so maybe it makes a difference with underpowered skimmers that need all the help they can get.

one thing i don't like is it's more difficult to disconnect the main tank for whatever reason and then keep the skimmer going for the rest of the system.

05/22/2007, 10:58 AM	#1
hyperfocal Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Edge of oblivion Posts: 1,708	Skimmer: in-line or pump-fed? Anyone have any thoughts about plumbing a skimmer in-line from the tank overflow vs. fed by it's own small pump in the sump? I've thought some about it and this is what jumps to mind: Pro ---------- o More energy efficient o Less heat into tank o Dirtier source water o Less likely to skim out 'pods Con ---------- o Detritus build-up in skimmer? o Skimmer failure could result in larger flood o More difficult to keep "dialed in"? I'd appreciate hearing about peoples' experiences...

05/22/2007, 11:30 AM	#2
manderx Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Christiansburg, VA Posts: 4,893	it's the trendy thing to do at the moment so expect everyone to regurgitate that it's the only way to go. i like that it's one less pump to deal with. i never noticed a difference as to better skimming performance back when i ran a recirc-needlewheel, but i was way oversized on the skimmer so maybe it makes a difference with underpowered skimmers that need all the help they can get. one thing i don't like is it's more difficult to disconnect the main tank for whatever reason and then keep the skimmer going for the rest of the system.