TommyPickles
Aquarium Advice Newbie
I am in the process of getting my 75g salt water started. I was given a Sea Reef wet/dry sump for free from someone that was getting out of the hobby. I am working through modding it to have some tumbling chaeto instead of using BB (I'm aware that's a whole other topic), and now planning for the return section.
I have heard both good and bad things about the SeaClone 100 protein skimmer, but I decided to give it a shot. It was on sale at my LFS from $129 to $57. I also had a 15% off coupon so I got it for a great price whether it ends up working or not.
One of the main reasons I purchased it was because it can be used as HOB or in sump. I almost want to use it for both at the same time to save space and would love some advice before I go hacking things up.
The return section of the sump is rather small. Way too small for me to fit my return pump and the skimmer comfortably sitting on the sump bottom. While using it as HOB, I'd like to elongate the pump side of the j-tube so my water level doesn't have to be almost to the top in the sump. Obviously I would need extra space for water to collect when the return pump is turned off.
This is how it sits
As you can see, there is plenty of room in the sump for my pumps and equipment, but the skimmer's pump is simply way too high. I'd like to cut the tube and slide some clear flex tubing in its place so the pump is almost sitting on the floor of the sump while the skimmer is still hanging on the side.
I would have to get a longer air hose as well, but my concern is that I will destroy the pumps ability to skim properly (if it even does to begin with)
I'm wondering if maybe it will help in a way that it will cut down on possible microbubbles in the sump as many people report. Due to the longer tubing from the pump, I don't want to hurt the performance with air going into the skimmer and pushing sludge up it.
I understand there are far better skimmers out there. I am on a slight budget and will get another skimmer at some point in the future, I do know that. I just could not pass up on the opportunity due to the price and feel like trying. If the thing doesn't work then hey I tried.
I appreciate all and any thoughts. Merry Christmas!!
I have heard both good and bad things about the SeaClone 100 protein skimmer, but I decided to give it a shot. It was on sale at my LFS from $129 to $57. I also had a 15% off coupon so I got it for a great price whether it ends up working or not.
One of the main reasons I purchased it was because it can be used as HOB or in sump. I almost want to use it for both at the same time to save space and would love some advice before I go hacking things up.
The return section of the sump is rather small. Way too small for me to fit my return pump and the skimmer comfortably sitting on the sump bottom. While using it as HOB, I'd like to elongate the pump side of the j-tube so my water level doesn't have to be almost to the top in the sump. Obviously I would need extra space for water to collect when the return pump is turned off.
This is how it sits
As you can see, there is plenty of room in the sump for my pumps and equipment, but the skimmer's pump is simply way too high. I'd like to cut the tube and slide some clear flex tubing in its place so the pump is almost sitting on the floor of the sump while the skimmer is still hanging on the side.
I would have to get a longer air hose as well, but my concern is that I will destroy the pumps ability to skim properly (if it even does to begin with)
I'm wondering if maybe it will help in a way that it will cut down on possible microbubbles in the sump as many people report. Due to the longer tubing from the pump, I don't want to hurt the performance with air going into the skimmer and pushing sludge up it.
I understand there are far better skimmers out there. I am on a slight budget and will get another skimmer at some point in the future, I do know that. I just could not pass up on the opportunity due to the price and feel like trying. If the thing doesn't work then hey I tried.
I appreciate all and any thoughts. Merry Christmas!!