single pump, skimmer and return

[kaskiles]

Hi,

I'm thinking of replacing my current sump and pump, and was wondering if anyone had any experience trying to use tee off their return pump to feed their skimmer. Is it more trouble than it's worth? Too much of a balancing act? I'd assume all that would be necessary is a gate valve between the tee outlet and the skimmer intake for control.

Here is the sump/pump/skimmer combination I'm considering for this:
BS-1 sump;
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumP ... _sump.html
AquaC EV-120 skimmer;
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~ ... C1131.html
Danner Mag-Drive 18
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumP ... preme.html

I guessed at the Mag-Drive 18 size due to:
1. AquaC EV-120 skimmer advert suggesting a Mag-Drive 5 for no head
feed
2. My current Eheim 1262 (~800 gph @ 4ft head)sump pump not having enough flow for my system - overflow chamber won't keep water in it with a 1 inch drain line (have to choke it down to about 1/2"...)
3. Tank overflow rated to be about 800 gph @ 1/2 from top of combs.

Thanks.

 

[kaskiles]

Ok, I've been searching through our forum posts on this and have decided to look at a different skimmer and return pump.

Skimmer:
Octopus DNW-110 Recirculating
http://www.aquacave.com/octopus-dnw-110 ... r-983.html

Return Pump:
Ocean Runner 6500
http://www.aquacave.com/ocean-runner-65 ... c-557.html

I noticed in the picture of the Octopus, that the outlet seems to have a ball valve. Should I order a gate valve to replace it (I'm thinking that was a skimmer mod. but I cannot find the posts now)?

Any thoughts on feeding this skimmer with the leftover flow from the Ocean Runner 6500?

Also, does anyone have any experience with the Ocean Runner 6500 performance, reliability, noise, peanut gallery comments, etc.?

Thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi kaskiles, I have a pump for each. In my opinion, more flow is always better.

 

[kaskiles]

Just in case anyone else was looking for the size of this pump, I had to email Aqua Medic to get the physical dimensions of the Ocean Runner 6500:
8" x 6.52" x 8.5"

I think it'll be too large for the pump compartment on that BS-1 sump (5" width).

Danner Mag-Drive 18 (and 12) is:
6.4" x 4.5" x 4.6"

Even that will be a tight squeeze, only 1/2 " to spare...

 

[Scoopy]

what size tank is it?? that sump looks pretty small

Sam

 

[kaskiles]

Hi Sam,

Tenecor Tank
36" L x 18" W x 16" H (10368 in^3 44.88 gal)
780 gph @ 1/2" from top of combs (13)

Thanks, Kenneth.

 

[Anonymous]

IMHO, separate pump is more reliable, and much easier to deal with.