Skimmer location in sump

[Matt Ziemer]

I built a three compartment sump with the right compartment accommodating the inlet water from the tank, a filter sock, and my protein skimmer. The center compartment houses a head of chaeto algae. The left compartment has an auto top-off float, and a return pump back to the tank.

I have been told, "Oh, your skimmer is in the wrong spot, it should be in the last compartment." I have also seen plenty of sump designs that put the skimmer in the first compartment.

I am now getting ready to move to a larger tank, and to upsize my sump as well. Should I take this opportunity to move my skimmer?

 

[Eric B]

You want the skimmer in the chamber where the water level stays the most consistent. It would no work in your 3rd section as that level will fluctuate with evaporation/top off. If it is in your first section and working good then leave it as I have a friend who runs his in the first chamber and has no issues.

 

[Eric B]

When you upsize your system if building a custom sump just build a skimmer section if you have room. Just want that section to stay at a constant water height so that you are not having to fight the skimmer.

 

[Matt Ziemer]

Thanks, Ed. Very good point! And yes, everything is working very well as it is currently configured (why else would I want to change everything?

 

[bvff3343]

"You want the skimmer in the chamber where the water level stays the most consistent"- Agree!

You can also buy a skimmer stand if the water is too high. I bought one online and it works great!

 

[kateater]

I place my skimmer in first section pull as much out before it gets to the refugium. Also most consistent water level

 

[O.Buckshank]

You definitely want your skimmer in the first section. This allows the filter sock to get the bug stuff, then the skimmer can do its thing with the dissolved organics. Not only will the water level be consistent as other people said, but the microbubbles have a chance to be dissipated in the fuge section and bubble trap if you have one between chamber 2 and 3...


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