get one of those acrylic sock holders and put it in with the skimmer. You don't want any large particulate matter getting into the sump at all. It will eventually build up on the bottom, and will be hard to remove. Most people's sumps are in the stand and they can't get a siphon hose in there to vacuum. You'll have to find a self priming pump to do this. It's just easier to use the filter sock.