Quote:
|
You mean external skimmer that's connected to the sump?
|
Yes, thats exactly what I'm talking about. They generally are larger, and consequently more effective since they can handle more water and have more contact time, which makes them more effecient. They do take up more space and cost more. Plus you need a dedicated pump to run them.
Quote:
|
In sump skimmer is not a good idea?
|
No they are fine. I dont particularly like them since they displace water in the sump, and in my opinion a sump is there to add to the total water volume in the system. but that is just my preference. There is nothing wrong w/ an in sump skimmer, its just a different way of doing things.
Quote:
|
Do you have any diagram of the DIY sump?
|
Not currently, but I can make one up quickly if you like...
Quote:
|
what size sump I need for 100 gallon tank?
|
Thats another question of personal preference. A friend of mine has a 75 gallon tank that has a 200 gallon sump. I know other people that dont use sumps at all.
A sump really has two purposes. The first is the most important in my opinion, and thats to add water volume to the system. All else being equal, a 175 gallon system is easier to keep stable than a 10 gallon. The reason being that you have more leeway before things get nasty in a larger system. Its all about dilution. A larger tank, will require more pollutants to foul than a smaller tank, (ammonia spike from overfeeding for example). And a sump is an easy way to turn a 75 gallon setup into a 175 gallon system. Getting back to your question about in sump skimmers. In that example, an in sump skimmer is going to displace such a small amount of water that it wont even be noticed, so its a moot point.
On my current 20 gallon set up, I have a 10 gallon sump/refugium which I didnt want to clutter w/ a skimmer. So I went w/ a HOB design.
The other purpose to a sump is to store things that you dont want visible in the aquarium for aesthetic reasons...like skimmers, reactors, heaters pumps etc.
So its all up to you. I would have the biggest sump you can comfortably fit (aesthetics can be a limiting factor, its okay

)
After all, its only there to make your life easier
Nick