External skimmer vs. Internal skimmer

[P.kapp]

I’m in the planning stages for a tank that will be between 350 and 400 gallons. I plan on a heavy bio load when the tank is ready for such. My equipment will be in a ‘fish room’ so there will be ample space. I like the idea of saving space by having the skimmer in the sump, and not having to worry about leaks. But I also like the idea of having my skimmer away from the refugium light and not growing corraline algae, as well as easy maintenance. What are the pros and cons for each as far as performance, cost, longevity, etc ?

 

[Ron Reefman]

I've done both and you are absolutely right, there are pros and cans to each. If I had the room, I'd do a remote skimmer and place it in a large holding tank in case of a leak or an overflow. Although new skimmers can come with automatic shut-off and an alarm in case an overflow is about to happen. Having it out of the sump just make maintenance so much easier.

 

[P.kapp]

I've done both and you are absolutely right, there are pros and cans to each. If I had the room, I'd do a remote skimmer and place it in a large holding tank in case of a leak or an overflow. Although new skimmers can come with automatic shut-off and an alarm in case an overflow is about to happen. Having it out of the sump just make maintenance so much easier.

Thanks for your response! I do like the idea of better access and easier maintenance. Is there any difference in performance that you noticed?

 

[ca1ore]

I have a 450, and a dedicated basement sump room, and I’ve always preferred a large external skimmer. About the only disadvantage is greater places for a leak. Also, my preferred skimmer isn’t really practical in the sump - too big, too tall. Hard to see why, all things equal, internal versus external would result in any performance differences.

 

[nitrodude]

Externals are generally recirculating while in sump are not.
I believe recirculating works better as there is more adjustability.
But to each their own.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I didn't see any real differences. But then whatever differences there might have been could be due to different skimmers rather than in or out of the sump.

 

[P.kapp]

Good info. Thanks for your responses! I will have a place next to my utility sink with about 18” of space. I’m hoping I could put one there and make cleaning a breeze

 

[mitch91175]

1000% go with a nice external skimmer versus the internal skimmer. I have an internal ReefOctopus 250 and would love to be able to have it external for numerous reasons (also have installed external). Leaks are not a concern at all for me personally since those are usually caused by the person installing the skimmer rather than the skimmer itself.

With the externals, maintenance is super simple, much easier to adjust and fine tune and remain consistent and also saves space in sump for something else. But usually when someone is going external with the skimmer, room isn't much of a concern at that point.