protein skimmer in sump?

[flachef2]

The Protein skimmer I have is by aquarium systems (by Instant Ocean) with a venturi tube on it (powerhead that introduces air).
I didn't get any instructions with it, but I see that it can be used as a hang on or in sump. My question is this, since the water in take arm on the skimmer is leaking slightly at the bend, if I use it in the wet/dry sump can it go in the wet section after the water passes through the bio-balls? Or does the filtration through the bio balls remove the properties that cause your protein skimmer to produce the waste that your trying to remove?
So in other words to simplify my question can I place the protein skimmer in the wet section of the wet dry after the bio balls?
Also question #2 my tank is 150 gallons, and the skimmer is rated for 100 gallons can I use two skimmers, or should I just start over and get 1 large skimmer? and for 3rd quick question can I use wet/dry system and also use
a 350 cannister magnum filter? or will that be robbing the wet dry of nutrients to build up the bio balls effectiveness? Or is it just overkill to use them both?
Thanks for your help.

 

[1journeyman]

Nope, you did nothing wrong... in all honesty I'm just not a big equipment expert so I was avoiding it

I'll throw out my opinions though.
I have an in sump skimmer so I don't use a wet/dry setup. First off i'd say go to the website of the manufacturer of your skimmer. If the directions aren't online i'm sure a quick email will get them to answer you.
Personally, if you can afford it, I'd go with a bigger skimmer. Just be sure to check measurements (including the height neccessary to remove collection cup). Skimming is very important and most skimmers in actuality can't really handle the max. size tank they say they can.
I don't think it will hurt to put the skimmer after the bio-balls.
Now, as for cannister filters and bio balls. No, I don't think using both would be an overkill nor will one hurt the other. Do research them both, however. If you don't maintain both properly they can lead to a build up of nitrates.

Hope that helps. Don't worry, we're not very formal around here. If you don't get a reply it's probably becasue no one knoews the answer or feels comfortable answering.
Aslo, be sure to use the search feature. Sometimes you can find exactly what you need to know from a previous post!

 

[flachef2]

thanks Journey

 

[1journeyman]

Originally Posted by flachef2
thanks Journey
Of course. Sorry it wasn't too much help. I'm sure once the holiday is over you'll get some more opinions posted on here. You might also pick up "A Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Fenner. Great book, they sell it here. It does a good job of explaining filtration options. For my tank I went with a sump, skimmer, brisk water flow in display tank, refugium with macro algae and live rock and sand. That's why I'm hesitant to post on equipment threads as I don't really use much.