Skimmer and sump advice needed

Double J · Nov 19, 2015

So I have decided to drill my tank and add a sump. Question is does anyone have experience with a sea life systems wet dry? I can pick one up used for $60. Not sure if wet dry is any good or if I can convert it to a sump, or if it would be better to use a 20 gal tank and build a sump?
Skimmer question is I already have an aqua c remora skimmer, would it be possible, or at least not stupid to try and use it as a hang on in the sump? Or is it better to sell it and get an in sump model?
Tank is a 50 gal.
Thanks

Reefing Madness · Nov 20, 2015

lyrical · Nov 21, 2015

I hated my Aqua C it did absolutely nothing for a setup I had long ago. My advice would be to build your own sump with the biggest size tank you can fit in your stand and get an internal skimmer. Lots of different ones at different price points as well. Lots of people with 50g tanks don't even use a skimmer just large water changes. I personally like having skimmers on my tanks but many do not.

Dtackett · Nov 21, 2015

if you gut the wet dry... you have a sump. I would use, and do use, a SCA-301 protein skimmer. works awesome. great customer service.

TheEngineer · Nov 21, 2015

I had that skimmer too. Hated it. The problem with using it in a sump is that the pump sits too high. You won't have head room for backflow from your tank.

joshkirkland83 · Nov 21, 2015

Real reefers build their sump. That way its exactly what you want and you KNOW it was built right.

Double J · Nov 21, 2015

Thanks for the replies, I have been thinking of using a 20 gallon for the sump which should give me some good room for extra goodies. Anyone have any experience with simplicity aquatics skimmers? Looking at the dc120 model. Or spend the extra $ on the equivalent size reef octopus?

Double J · Nov 21, 2015

My last tank I had a sea clone skimmer, it did ok for me, so thought the remora would be really good, so thanks for the input! What would be a good in sump skimmer? Would like to stay under $200 if possible

TheEngineer · Nov 21, 2015

SCA skimmers are inexpensive and work well. I have one in my 50g and I'm happy with it.

Double J · Nov 23, 2015

One more ? Has anyone ever heard of or used an h2 overflow? I'm thinking this might be the way to go on my tank, just looking for suggestions. I don't want to have too big of an overflow box. And my tank has a blue back panel, so don't want it to be too ugly either