In-sump to in-line skimmer?

[mr_X]

i was just wondering if i was to alter a skimmer to be in line instead of in sump, would i have to worry about the pump overheating, or would it just be a matter of piping water to the pump and a return line to the sump?

 

[Anonymous]

The skimmer need to have no back pressure to function correctly, otherwise the water going to spill over the skimmer cup.

This is why they drain directly into the sump or into the tank, with the skimmer cup way above the water level of the body of water it spill into.

 

[mr_X]

so, if i use the correct diameter pvc and 2 bends(off of the exhaust port, a turn, then another turn down into the sump, but let it drain slightly above the water level) do you think this will work, or will the 2 bends create too much back pressure?

 

[Anonymous]

I guess you have to try it or use a calculator to find out the back pressure.

BTW, that is not inline. It would be similar to a HOB skimmer.

 

[mr_X]

right...except i would be piping water straight from the overflow to it, and then straight to the sump via pvc.....you would call that hob? even sitting on the floor next to the tank?

 

[Anonymous]

Right, it is not hanging on anything. Just that the water slide/plumbing reminds me of a modified HOB skimmers.

 

[SnowManSnow]

ever consider an external skimmer? My Octopus recirc 150 runs GREAT outside the sump.. doesn't leak.. and is super quiet. The pump is also external so it doesn't heat the water.

 

[mr_X]

this is for my gf's 30 gallon cube. she has a HOB skimmer, but i'm very unhappy with it, and would like something that sits beside, or better yet, behind the tank. the sump is quite small and would not fit a sump skimmer. yes, an external skimmer is what i want. i just never saw one for sale anywhere. i thought you had to alter them for outside the sump.