Skimmer question

[Wildman]

Has anyone used an out of pump Skimmer. I don't have room in my sump for an in sump skimmer and the water level is to low to use a hang on back. I was wondering what others have used and how well they worked.

Thanks,
Travis

 

[cee]

Yes, a DAS EX-3, 3 pump recirculating. Worked well with no leaks and was a real beast. Plumbing was a bit more involved than an in-sump. Make sure you get a good one that doesn't leak as a small leak can turn into a big problem. They tend to cost more $$ though due to all the extra water-tight seals required.

 

[EvilMel]

I think Chris former ETRCer and current MTRCer used an out-of-sump skimmer.

 

[Engloid]

Its always a good idea to put your skimmer in a place that leaks and overflows will go back into the sump. For example, rig a drain from the collection cup and have it go to a cup that sits in or over the sump....or place the skimmer above the sump.

I set my out of sump skimmer on top of one of the 55g drums I use for sumps.

 

[Wildman]

Good idea. I am thinking about some kind of generic small tub to set it in.
Dave, I can only find that skimmer by DAS. Do they make smaller ones?

Engloid, how does being above or below the water level of the sump affect setting the performance.

 

[Engloid]

I only have experience with the MRC-3 as for out of sump skimmers, and it is above the sump. I would think that elevation, relative to the sump, isn't a big factor, as far as function goes.....since the pump will dictate the flow of water into the skimmer. However, most out of sump skimmers need to have a gravity outlet which becomes tricky to plumb up with the skimmer below the skimmer.

In case I lost you on it, the pump controls water flow in, but a gate valve will slow the water exiting. As water height in the chamber increases, pressure forcing down increases...and the gate valve combines to allow you to adjust water height in the chamber.

 

[Wildman]

I follow you. I am looking at one with recirculating pumps so they are gravity fed on the in and out. I am thinking about building a new stand and getting it above water line would then be possible.

 

[cee]

They made an EX1 and 2 (single and double pump). I fed mine from a tee off the main return from the tank and the output of the skimmer was above the sump water level. This makes the setup insensitive to water levels. Jeff (volreefer) bought it when I shut the big tank down. Not sure if he's using it or not.

 

[Engloid]

They made an EX1 and 2 (single and double pump). I fed mine from a tee off the main return from the tank and the output of the skimmer was above the sump water level. This makes the setup insensitive to water levels.

How did you control how much water came through the tee in the return (into the skimmer)? Gate valve? I'm assuming you had two gate valves....one before and one after the skimmer, correct?

 

[cee]

How did you control how much water came through the tee in the return (into the skimmer)? Gate valve? I'm assuming you had two gate valves....one before and one after the skimmer, correct?

Correct