Hang-on skimmer and/or filter in sump

bluto

bluto

Member
I'm currently running a 90g which has been up for almost a year. I have a 4" DSB, Emperor 400 filter, Remora Pro hang-on skimmer, and 30-40lbs LR.
I very interested in incorporating a sump and/or refugium into my system...to increase efficiency, water volume, grow macroalgae, and get the hang-on equipment out of my main tank.
MY question is: Is there anything wrong with using hang-on equipment in a sump?
With regard to the skimmer, I have absolutely NO complaints about the performance of the Remora Pro and would rather not have to replace a $200 skimmer which does a great job (it just looks awfull with the Rio pump in the main tank, and the skimmer box isn't much better).
As far as the Emperor 400 goes...I don't have enough LR to handle my whole system yet, so I need to keep the bio-wheels, at least for awhile. I'd like to be able to use the Emperor in the sump because otherwise I'd have to "break-in" some other media (bio-balls for instance), and I can't help but think that would probably create a nutrient spike of some sort?
I'm envisioning two to three 15-20g DIY sumps (one of them a refugium) strung together in my basement directly below my main tank.
Just wondering if anyone has run into any problems using hang-on equipment in this manner.
Thanks.
Bluto
 
reeferx

reeferx

Member
The only thing wrong is that the water level in the sump would be much lower than in the tank. Therefore you would have to extend the in and out pipes on the skimmer to compensate.
The only other thing I can think of is that you may not have room in your stand to hang a skimmer off the sump.
Either way I would be curious to hear what you come up with.
Good luck!
matt rogers
<a href="http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com" target="_blank">http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com</a>
 
bluto

bluto

Member
Matt,
I've kind of been tossing that problem around too (hanging a 20" tall skimmer off a 15g tank). The best idea I've come up with so far is to set up the sump system (contraption??) on a table in my basement (directly below the tank in my living room) and position the sump which will incorporate the skimmer close to the edge of the table.
I'll let you know if it works.
Thanks,
Bluto
BTW, any and all ideas from anyone would be GREATLY appreciated.
 
reeferx

reeferx

Member
Whoa Bluto. Going through the floor seems pretty

[hr]
. The money you might save by not buying a stand-alone skimmer might be lost buying a 1/2 horsepower pump to get the water back up.
I used to work at a fish store that had similar rigs. The sumps in the basements were actually 'kiddy' pools.
Just a thought.
Keep me posted....
Matt Rogers
<a href="http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com" target="_blank">http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com</a>
 
bluto

bluto

Member
I know, but the piece of furniture my tank is currently on (very sturdy, but not a real tank cabinet) doesn't really support the use of a sump directly beneath the tank.
I've thought about doing multiple small sumps/refugiums on a stand next to the main tank, but if I suspend 2 or 3 small sumps over one another...then I'll just need another 1 or 2 overflow siphons (which, for just a piece of plastic...aren't that cheap either).
I guess the problems with trying to design the "perfect" (or as close as I'll ever get to perfect) system are complex...but that's what makes it fun and interesting.
Thanks,
Bluto
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top