Beckett External skimmers

[robn]

Every skimmer I've ever owned has been an in-sump needlewheel....I am about to get my new 480gal tank and was needing to upgrade my skimmer. I was looking at a few Becketts.....I've seen a few pictures with the pumps on them.....is the sole purpose of this pump to recirculate the water that is in the skimmer body? How is water fed into a Beckett? Do you have to have a hole in your sump and have it gravity-feed the skimmer?
Thanks!

 

[sly]

If you're talking about a venturi skimmer then the pump will pick up the water and combine it with air then push it through the skimmer body and out the exhaust. The work very much like a needle wheel skimmer except they use a ventrui to make air bubbles rather than a needle wheel. Do you know the model name of the skimmer you are talking about?

 

[robn]

Thanks for the reply....I guess what I'm asking is this...if I have an external recirculating skimmer, how is the best way to feed it, "T" off one of the overflows or pump water from the sump into the skimmer?
Also, on alot of the skimmers I see, they have a gate valve at the bottom of them.....is this where water comes in, water goes out (doubtful) or where you hook the recirculating pump to?

 

[yeffre kix]

I beleive the beckett uses a strong pump to move a lot of water into the top of the skimmer. Some larger ones have two "down" tubes. I've been researching the trigger system model TS800 with dual tubes rated for up to 800 gallons for my 450 gal and it's very reasonable compared to other style skimmers. (It does need two 1000 gph pumps to run.) I've heard they are great for larger tanks. I say go above the manufacturers recomendation for your skimmer size so you have plenty of power.
If you use sumbmersible pumps you can plumb them over the side of your sump if you wish. My 36" stand is an issue because of ******** height. I want to keep the skimmer out of sight underneath.