Skimmer power?

[zeltar]

How do you power your skimmer?
With a tee from your main pump or dedicated pump?
If dedicated is it internal or external?

Debating on new pump purchase and want to see what others do for their skimmers.
My old system tee'd off the main return to feed the skimmer, it worked Ok I guess.
I am setting up from ground zero and get to re-plumb the entire system (woohoo,
almost my most favorite part of "tanking")

Thanks in advance.
--Eric

 

[jks1]

I run a dedicated MAG7 for my EV180- works great!

 

[esmith]

I am running a dedicated RIO2500 (only temporary) while I decide on either a MAG or Sedra to replace this with.

I would definately recommend running a dedicated pump so that you can maximize your skimmers capabilities in removing waste from the water.

Eliyah

 

[Fly n Reef]

I am setting up my 180 now and just got a ETSS 800 skimmer with a dedicated Iwaki 55RLT pump. I hope to have it plumbed in the the near future. I beleive you get more out of your skimmer with a dedicated pump from all my reading.
Good luck.
Karen

 

[wanareef]

My idea for the next tank is to use just one pump for the skimmer, return and whatever else I need. All this will be in a "manifold" of 1" pvc, with ball valves on every branch. Powered by a Sequence pump. Probably a 1000 series. The skimmer will be different and a non beckett nozzel but a Mazzei one. Much more efficient than a beckett, (since beckett nozzels will/are no longer available) but cost's 3 times more than a beckett. Hopefully I can get away with just using 2 pumps, return and closed loop both sequence pumps thought. Not only trying to save on the electricity but when you go bigger tank, it just cost more.

 

[DonW]

If it helps my skimmer input comes directly from the overflows then the excess goes to the sump. This way gravity does most of the work for you and lets you use a smaller less expensive pump. With this set up I have to close the valve way down because of to much flow. But the real benefit is that the nastiest water goes directly into the skimmer.

Don

 

[zeltar]

If it helps my skimmer input comes directly from the overflows then the excess goes to the sump. This way gravity does most of the work for you and lets you use a smaller less expensive pump. With this set up I have to close the valve way down because of to much flow. But the real benefit is that the nastiest water goes directly into the skimmer.

Don

I understand you theroy but do you have a pic or diagram explaining this? Do you have a primary sump that catches you overflow output and that is where you have the pump for you skimmer? I like the idea but being left handed requires the need for lots of pictures!!!! :lol:

thanks

 

[jks1]

hey- Im a lefty and I got it...lol

 

[DonW]

I'll get you a pic up later.

Don

 

[DonW]

Pic, second pipe and valve from the rignt. Notice it drops straight into the skimmer. It has a elbow just under the valve so that excess goes to sump. The key is the skimmer input is a straight shot down. Hope this helps.