Running skimmer from external return pump

[kris2001]

Question on running skimmer from external return pump! For my next build I'm running an iwaki 1100 gph pump to a 120g DT from a 100g stock tank.

Is anyone running skimmer from external return pump? If so can any skimmer be able to use this feature? I have a reef octopus diablo.

My confusion is skimmers use an airline tube to suck air from outside... how can that happen if it's running from a manifold from the external pump?

Thx

 

[Flippers4pups]

Unless you have a "beckett" style skimmer, it would be impossible to do.

Needle wheel pumps and a venturi allows your current skimmer to function.

 

[KStatefan]

Here is a good article on the different type of skimmers.

You will need to get a different skimmer to run it off your manifold.

 

[AlexG]

Technically I use my reeflo hammerhead which supplies my skimmer with water but it is gravity fed from the tank drain lines. My skimmer also have two separate recirculating pumps with needle wheels that handle air injection. If you use an external pump to supply water to a skimmer then you should have needle wheel pump(s) recirculating water in the skimmer body which would also handle the air injection or if you are using an air pump driven skimmer an external pump might be needed. Without knowing the exact model that you have its difficult to know if you could use or adapt the skimmer to use an external pump.