proper way to install skimmer?

[silentm]

i have a wet/dry filter and my lfs said to just put the skimmer in the sump part of it...my question is do i hook up my return pump to it?or does my return pump just set in the sump to?im confused how to hook it up.in case ya havent noticed im new to the hobby lol

 

[acrylic51]

Hi and Welcome to the Hobby.....What type of skimmer are you referring to hooking up....Different skimmers are designed to be run different ways....Is the skimmer and insump or can it be run external?

 

[silentm]

oh sorry..i know its an excalibur in sump skimmer with built in pump.im just really confused as how to plumb it.

 

[rockies]

In-sump skimmers just need to be put in the sump assuming it has it's own pump. I belive the Excalibur model shave a RIO pump included.
The water is sucked from the sump into the PS via the Rio pump and back into the sump from the PS return. Eventually the cleaner water makes it way out of the sump the same way it did before you had the PS (a return pump I assume).

 

[rockies]

Not certain what you mean by 'plumb it'. Typically you would just ensure the pump is fully submersed and the foam is at the right height. Some skimmers need a height adjustment to ensure the foam is at the right height (if the water level of the sump is too high compared to how the PS is built).

 

[silentm]

by "plumb" i figured it would be hooked up to the return pump from the exhaust port..but i guess it just spits the skimed water back into the sump area.it seemd like it wouldnt effectivly clean that way but i guess it does...so thnx for the help^^

 

[wax32]

Just don't forget to empty the cup, or it will overflow the sludge back into your sump.