External pumps on both counts. I think I read Panworld first and assumed ext. is what you were really looking for pump-wise. I forget if you mentioned - what pump ran the skimmer before?
If you're looking for a submersible I think you have more good options!
Even from the discount bin since there's a chance this skimmer might not be needed long-term.
I've had pretty darned good luck with the Eco+ pumps. I know Reef Dynamics used them as their primary skimmer pump, so that's something too.
- Check out something like the Eco+ 1267 (1300 gph) or 1584 (1600 gph)....they seem to go for $65 and $75 respectively. For example.
I have also had great experiences using Quiet One and Mag Drive pumps in a similar role and they should be much more available...maybe even locally!! Even pond and hydroponics shops might have them in stock.
- A Quiet One 4000 (1000 gph) seems to go for around $65. A QO 5000 (1400 gph) seems to be more expensive - based on the flow charts, probably worth it - at $105.
- A Mag 9.5 (900 gph) is $114 and a Mag 12 (1200 gph) is about $150.
I'd be pretty comfortable running that skimmer on any of those pumps.
Don't forget to account for the plumbing between the pump and skimmer, as it can have a huge impact on the pump's performance even in short distances. Lookging at the flow charts for these, you could need the Mag 18 or Quiet One 6000.
In fact, from looking at the Panworld chart (attached), it looks like it's JUST able to deliver 1100 gph (18.3 gpm) at a small, reasonable amount of headloss. I suspect you might want the ~1500 gph the Panworld 200 will do. At $250 - $280 those are you premium options, for sure.
