Skimmer/Sump Question

[Keimaxbode]

I've never had a skimmer and sump before - have been in saltwater for just over a year now and recently upgraded to a larger display with a DIY 55 gallon sump, made with the typical 3 sections for intake/skimmer, refugium, and return pump. The display is a 100 gallon Clarity Plus Acrylic that has been up and running for about 2 months now. I have been searching for a good, used skimmer to add to the sump since I got the tank. I just found a OCTX-200; however, the footprint is too large for the skimmer area of my sump. Could I set it in my refugium section and still use the same section as a refugium or is there any way to modify the compartments to make the skimmer section larger with it already running? I suspect not, but just thought I would ask. I know if there is an answer, someone here will know. Otherwise does anyone have a suggestion for another good skimmer in the same price range (I will have to find it used) that will fit in a 12"x10" sump area? I also have another area about the same size externally in my cabinet that I could use if necessary.

 

[bavass]

the best thing to do is make the sump fit the skimmer you want, get a good skimmer and build the section to fit

 

[Keimaxbode]

I realize that now, but the sump is already built and running. Is there anything I can do now to make room for it?

 

[carey]

I use an esopps psk 150 in my 125g and my sump section for a skimmer is quite small. Check out this link, they have the footprints of all the skimmers so you may find one that will fit.

Protein Skimmer, Protein Skimmers - AquaCave.com

 

[Keimaxbode]

Thanks, Carey. So there isn't anything I can do that will allow me to use this Octopus?

 

[carey]

I wouldnt put the skimmer in the refugium section if you have macro and rock in it already. It will suck up the pods and other stuff thats in that section.

I have the same dilemma, I want a bigger skimmer but it wont fit in my skimmer section and I didnt really wanna ditch the refugium so I ended up staying with the eshopps. The eshopps I have is only 12 by 6 inches so that might fit, yes? And thats the psk 150, if you went down a size then it would be even smaller.

 

[Keimaxbode]

Right. Maybe I should ask in the DIY section and see if anyone there might have any ideas. I hate to pass up this deal. I've been watching for two months now. Thanks again for responding!

 

[David S]

what sizes do you have for the 3 sections,do you have a photo of your sump

 

[Keimaxbode]

Sorry for delay in response. Here are pics but think I'll just keep looking for skimmer that will fit instead of trying to modify this one. It was just a good deal on a good skimmer. I'll just have to be more flexible since I have to buy used.

Here are pics:

 

[bavass]

What size area do you have? You could take all that media run it in reactors and hang them that would open that area for a skimmer. Media would be more efficient in a reactor cause they force water through the media. In bags water has a tendency to flow around not through. Law of least resistance

 

[Keimaxbode]

I don't have the funds to buy reactors, but will be removing the media and replacing it with a skimmer and filter sock when I find a good used one for what I can afford. That has been my problem. There aren't many good used ones available locally.

The first section is 10 x 12. I made the fuge area the largest because I thought that was supposed to be as large as possible. Then the return section is 10 x 12.

I was told the activated carbon should go in the filter sock; it that correct?

 

[bavass]

Warner Marine MF skimmers are great and small foot print. I have a 181 i think its 9x9 foot print they have smaller. But the are great skimmers nit cheap though

 

[Keimaxbode]

That's the problem. I need good AND cheap AND local since I'm buying used. Makes it difficult and why it's taking so long. Found a Red Sea close by for $50 but read they are hard to adjust.

 

[bavass]

Save your money and buy a good skimmer!

 

[Keimaxbode]

That's what I'm doing. Which one would you suggest? My space isn't large enough for an Octopus. I was looking at a Euro, Eshopps, or CSS. Would I be safe in buying used?

 

[carey]

I have 2 eshopps in sump skimmers and I really really like them. they are pretty small so they fit in any sump almost and they don't release a million little micro bubbles like my reef octopus does. lol

If you find a good deal on one used i would grab it! hehe...although new they are only like $150 anyways, but used will work too

 

[Keimaxbode]

I have 2 eshopps in sump skimmers and I really really like them. they are pretty small so they fit in any sump almost and they don't release a million little micro bubbles like my reef octopus does. lol

If you find a good deal on one used i would grab it! hehe...although new they are only like $150 anyways, but used will work too

Would one be enough for 100g display & 55g sump?

 

[carey]

The eshopps psk 150 is rated for 150g. The rule of thumb with skimmer is usually to get one that is rated for 1.5-2.0 X your water volume. BUT having said that, I find the 150 works really well on my 125g reef. I need to empty the cup every other day or so and it pulls a VERY nasty skim. lol

Like I said too i was limited in space in my sump so the eshopps with its small footprint was the only thing i could fit in the section of the sump. lol

Bottom line on the eshopps skimmer is that I had one and liked it so much i just bought a second one for my 60g tank. lol I have a reef octopus on one tank and unlike any one else, I am not a big fan.

Hope that helps!

 

[Keimaxbode]

It sure does. Thanks!