Help with skimmer and fluval

[tapeworm]

I have a fluval 304 and a 55 gallon tank right now. I would like to add a 9A UV filter and a protein skimmer. I would like the protein skimmer to NOT hang on my tank.
Can I connect them in series? Protein skimmer to fluval to UV back to tank?
If so, would the fluval pump be sufficient or should I connect an extra pump to the cycle?
For this setup, which protein skimmer would you say is best?
Should I dump the fluval and just buy a wet/dry with built in skimmer?

 

[squidd]

Originally posted by TapeWorm
I have a fluval 304 and a 55 gallon tank right now. I would like to add a 9A UV filter and a protein skimmer. I would like the protein skimmer to NOT hang on my tank.
Can I connect them in series? Protein skimmer to fluval to UV back to tank?
>>>No, Not the skimmer...The UV could go on the output of the Fluval, then to tank, but the skimmer needs to be "open ended" to work properly..<<<
If so, would the fluval pump be sufficient or should I connect an extra pump to the cycle?
>>> again OK for the UV the slower flow is actually beneficial for UV efficiency <<<
For this setup, which protein skimmer would you say is best?
>>>No in line skimmer...Look below<<
Should I dump the fluval and just buy a wet/dry with built in skimmer?
>>>If you have sufficient Live Rock in your tank for biological filtration, you could "dump" the Fluval, Get a HOB overflow And build a sump...Hide the skimmer and other equipment in the sump, get a good return pump to increase circulation in the tank, and "T" off a small bypass for the UV...or run the UV in the sump with a small powerhead...Then your half way to adding a Large fuge for Killer nutrient removal...<<<