Skimmers - Page 2

BoisBlancBoy · 03/14/2008, 07:35 AM

Why can you have more flow with a more coarse substrate?

BoisBlancBoy · 03/14/2008, 07:40 AM

Also, is there any benefit to running a sump with a small fuge?

jimwat · 03/14/2008, 08:10 AM

Powerhead placement is always something you have to experiment with. Your basic goal is to try to get at least some flow everywhere in your tank (detritus will collect in "dead" flow areas). The finer the sand grain, the more likely that your powerheads will dig holes. Which is something you'll want to avoid with a DSB, as it needs to remain undisturbed in order to work effectively. Another advantage to NOT having a DSB, IMO, is being able to keep sand sifting creatures that keep your sand looking nice.

jimwat · 03/14/2008, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BoisBlancBoy
Also, is there any benefit to running a sump with a small fuge?

Yes. Increases water volume, can provide nutrient export, and a place to put your skimmer, heater, etc.

The basic idea of the planted fuge for nutrient export is that growing green stuff in a fuge (macro algae) will out-compete the green stuff in your main tank (hair algae, bryopsis, diatoms, etc.) for nutrients (nitrates, phosphates, silicates, etc.).

BoisBlancBoy · 03/14/2008, 08:35 AM

Why wont macro algae grow in the main tank, because of to much current?

If I have all the current that I need in the main tank, can I just get a small return pump for the sump if the skimmer is placed in the sump? or would I need a little higher flow to make sure I get enough crud flowing through there for the skimmer to collect it?

jimwat · 03/14/2008, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BoisBlancBoy
Why wont macro algae grow in the main tank, because of to much current?

It will and you can. But the macros that work best for this (fast growing), are not necessarily the best looking for your display tank. And, some macros can take over a tank if you are not careful.

Quote:

Originally posted by BoisBlancBoy
If I have all the current that I need in the main tank, can I just get a small return pump for the sump if the skimmer is placed in the sump?

Yes

Quote:

Originally posted by BoisBlancBoy
or would I need a little higher flow to make sure I get enough crud flowing through there for the skimmer to collect it?

You do not want detritus to settle in your sump either. If your return is not generating enough flow through your sump, you can put a powerhead in there as well.

BoisBlancBoy · 03/14/2008, 09:24 AM

Well i was just thinking if my return pump is moving a low volume the less crud that is going to be pulled down to the sump for the shimmer to catch.

jimwat · 03/14/2008, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BoisBlancBoy
Well i was just thinking if my return pump is moving a low volume the less crud that is going to be pulled down to the sump for the shimmer to catch.

Your skimmer will be moving less water than your return either way. However, more flow from your return definitely will not hurt.

03/14/2008, 08:10 AM	#28
jimwat Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,270	Powerhead placement is always something you have to experiment with. Your basic goal is to try to get at least some flow everywhere in your tank (detritus will collect in "dead" flow areas). The finer the sand grain, the more likely that your powerheads will dig holes. Which is something you'll want to avoid with a DSB, as it needs to remain undisturbed in order to work effectively. Another advantage to NOT having a DSB, IMO, is being able to keep sand sifting creatures that keep your sand looking nice. __________________ "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat all day and drink beer." Current Tank Info: 65 gal with 192w PC 10k, 192w VHO actinic, Blue-Moon LED, Tunze 6060 on WavySea, AquaController 3. 20gal sump, Natureef CDECX-1, Phosban Reactor, Remora, Kalk Drip, Ozone.

03/14/2008, 07:35 AM	#26
BoisBlancBoy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 258	Why can you have more flow with a more coarse substrate?

03/14/2008, 07:40 AM	#27
BoisBlancBoy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 258	Also, is there any benefit to running a sump with a small fuge?

03/14/2008, 08:35 AM	#30
BoisBlancBoy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 258	Why wont macro algae grow in the main tank, because of to much current? If I have all the current that I need in the main tank, can I just get a small return pump for the sump if the skimmer is placed in the sump? or would I need a little higher flow to make sure I get enough crud flowing through there for the skimmer to collect it?

03/14/2008, 09:24 AM	#32
BoisBlancBoy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 258	Well i was just thinking if my return pump is moving a low volume the less crud that is going to be pulled down to the sump for the shimmer to catch.