-ADVICE NEEDED- Anyone using an external skimmer ?

[Livinlocal]

I am in a little bit of a bind with my new system. I upgraded to a 220 gallon tank and stand, from my 180, but to keep a long story short, the sump I want to use is very tall, the problem here is that I only have 9 inch clearance from the top of my sunp, to the top of the inside of my stand. This limits me on my choice of skimmers. I was wondering if anybody has experience running external skimmers? I have always been intrigued by them, but am absolutely terrified of them leaking and not being inside the sump if they leaked.

If you could please share your experiences, and what external skimmers you like, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

 

[norfolkgarden]

We don't have a sump or skimmer.
Following along.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have a Reef Octopus Diablo EXT with Reef octo variable speed control.
You just have to assure all couplings are tight. I did have seepage when I started it up and tightened and placed a thin bead of aquarium silicone around All joints.

 

[Muttley000]

I run an mtc external hsa-1000. My skimmate goes to a container. That container has a float in it that blocks the air flow if it gets full. This kills the foam head and stops it from overflowing. I have an apex so I have a switch that turns off the pump too just for extra safety.

 

[tidefanjam]

i have the reef octopus classic 2000 HOB, had it running for a year now, so far so good, i had the same problem, no room between my sump and bottom of my stand.

 

[roberthu526]

I have two relatively big external skimmers running at the moment. Both are reef octopus. An SRO 6000 is in the garage so I don't worry too much about it. The other is a Regal 300 that is in the fish room and I put a float switch on the collection cup so if the cup is full the switch will shut off the pump to stop foaming. I also have the collection cups hooked to buckets so I don't have to clean the cups every few days. Auto neck cleaner is almost a must with big systems.