out-of-sump skimmer...

[Anonymous]

I'm planning a basement stock tank sump. In the past I have used in-sump skimmers, but it will be quite deep so that won't work out. I think Euro-reefs have to be in-sump, but not Aqua-C, correct? If the Aqua-c can be external, do I have to drill the sump or can it draw from over the rim? Thanks, Dan

 

[danmhippo]

Aqua-C can be used externally, the only restriction is the skimmer has to be above sump (elevated) so the effluent from the skimmer does not impede skimmer performance. In fact, my ex-EV-150 works better and produce more consistent skimmate above sump then in sump.

 

[sgotz]

I currently have an Aerofoamer that works out of the sump. The return is plumbed through a 1.5" bulkhead. Also with this skimmer I don't have to worry about it being higher than the sump, because the return can handle being submerged and the associated back pressure.

-Steve

 

[ReefLion]

I am facing this same problem right now. Currently my Aqua-C rests on a plastic shelf right next to my basement sump, with the overflow returning over the edge of the sump. It skims fine in this arrangement.

My problem is that I'm a redundancy freak, and with an external skimmer there's a possibility, however small, that 150 gallons of water could end up on the floor if it cracks, leaks etc. I plan to construct a little PVC "bay" that will rest inside the sump, and hold the skimmer inside the sump (inside the rim but above the water level). Hope that makes sense. Worst case scenario even with a total skimmer failure is that I end up pumping water around in a big rubbermaid.

ReefLion

 

[Ritteri&Bubbles]

Euro-reef makes both an insump skimmer and an External skimmer. They are identical except for the obvious plumbing modifications.