In sump skimmer question

[weinie]

In an insump skimmer setup, does the return from the skimmer empty back into the same sump water that the intake line is in or does the return line connect directly to the pump for the tank return? If this is the case, won't the return pump suck the skimmer dry?

Or is it better to have the skimmer empty into a second sump whereby a submersible pump returns the water to the tank?

 

[Fatal Morgana]

Typicall skimmer will empty into the sump so that the internal pressure will be constant no matter what type of return pump you have. There is no need for a "second" sump since the internal circulation of the water within the sump pretty much make the water homogenious.

 

[weinie]

So it picks up water in the sump and puts it back after skimming it, back in the same place?

Dosn't this reduce the effectiveness of it since it may be skimming water that has just been skimmed?

 

[WannaBeReefer]

Yep! and nope! Your return pump will be pushing alot of water, so the exchange is nothing to worry about.

 

[Fatal Morgana]

>...Dosn't this reduce the effectiveness of it since it may be skimming water that has just been skimmed?

Many people use a linear layout for their sump thinking that it is more efficient that way. But unless the input of the skimmer is almost completely closed with the output, it is not going to make much difference. As mentioned above, with high circulation return pump, the water is pretty much homogenious thru out the tank.

 

[weinie]

Thanks all!