couple of newbie questions

[barngeatbayman]

I am in the planning stages of a FOWLR tank with a sump/refrugium. I am starting to look at in sump protien skimmers and return pumps what do you all suggest. Looking for the best type of skimmer and brand. The tank I am looking at will be a 75-105 Oceanic with built in sump also what brand return pumps are best.
thanks in advance

 

[nicetry]

As far as skimmers go, there are several to choose from. For an in-sump model, I'd look at EuroReef, Deltec or Tunze. Pricey but worth the money compared to lower end units.
With regards to the return pump, are you looking for an internal (submergible) pump, or external? Much also depends on how much flow you want. I run a mag 9.5 on my 120 FOWLR. You could go higher and dial back the flow a bit if it was too much.

 

[mx mr bean]

From my experience, I find that my Current (thats the brand name) skimmer is very effeicent and reliable. I highly reccommend them. Good luck with your FOWLR tank.

 

[barngeatbayman]

what are the advantages/disadvantages of a submerisible vs. external pump? Not sure what sump I am going with or if I will design my own so I guess I can go with whatever pump is more advantageous

 

[mx mr bean]

well especially if you are creating your own sump i highly reccommend a submersible skimmer. With externals most of the time you would hang it on your display tank (you could hang it on the edge of your sump ) but it also requires an aristone which requires replacement every so often. Unless you dont have any room in the sump i would go with the submersible.