Still shopping for skimmer - Page 2

sambrinar · 06-25-2008, 08:26 PM

Very encouraging, thanks Steph, but back to my question.

What do you use for a return pump? or either pump for that matter?? Are there specific pumps for the sump (sounding like a poem, or redundency)

I very much like the idea of having the equipment out of site, (but not out of mind) it drives me crazy to have all that stuff hanging on the tank.

lcstorc · 06-25-2008, 08:48 PM

Well, I am certainly not a pump expert but you only need one. Gravity will take the water from the overflow down into the sump. Each overflow is rated to show how many gallons it processes. The return pumps will have a similar rating. Most people get a return pump rated for slightly higher than the overflow is rated and regulate the flow with a valve. When calculating the size of the return pump be sure to include head loss. (The pressure lost as the water goes through the pipes. The didtance up, across and any bends are relevant.
Others can give you more specifics but that is the general concept.

TurboSnail8898 · 06-25-2008, 08:49 PM

If you don't have the tank yet, go to a LFS and ask them if they can order you a Lee-Mar tank that has an overflow. Lee-Mar is a good company that sells reasonably priced tanks, they have much better quality then AGA, Oceanic and Perfecto. I would look into a 90 gallon tank, 48" long, 24" tall and 18" wide, its a good size and allows for some room for fish, coral and rock. A 30 gallon tank should fit under the stand and would allow for a skimmer area, return area and fuge. Eheim makes a good return pump that is quiet, efficient and has low heat and low maintenance. To make the compartments all you have to do is have some glass or acrylic cut to fit the tank and then silicon them in. For lighting, two 250 watt metal halides and a pair of 54 watt T5 actinics would be good.

sambrinar · 06-26-2008, 01:19 AM

EXCELLENT, thanks so much you guys for your input. I will check out the tank suggested etc by Matt.

Thanks for the very valuable opinions. Probably save me mucho dinero $$$!!!!

sambrinar · 06-26-2008, 01:21 AM

Matt I see you are in Tucson, I am going to PM you about LFS

06-25-2008, 08:48 PM	#17 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 20,003 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Still shopping for skimmer Well, I am certainly not a pump expert but you only need one. Gravity will take the water from the overflow down into the sump. Each overflow is rated to show how many gallons it processes. The return pumps will have a similar rating. Most people get a return pump rated for slightly higher than the overflow is rated and regulate the flow with a valve. When calculating the size of the return pump be sure to include head loss. (The pressure lost as the water goes through the pipes. The didtance up, across and any bends are relevant. Others can give you more specifics but that is the general concept. __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. In Loving Memory Of Z 01/22/07 - 08/19/08

06-25-2008, 08:49 PM	#18 (permalink)
TurboSnail8898 Tubeworm Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson. AZ Posts: 28 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Still shopping for skimmer If you don't have the tank yet, go to a LFS and ask them if they can order you a Lee-Mar tank that has an overflow. Lee-Mar is a good company that sells reasonably priced tanks, they have much better quality then AGA, Oceanic and Perfecto. I would look into a 90 gallon tank, 48" long, 24" tall and 18" wide, its a good size and allows for some room for fish, coral and rock. A 30 gallon tank should fit under the stand and would allow for a skimmer area, return area and fuge. Eheim makes a good return pump that is quiet, efficient and has low heat and low maintenance. To make the compartments all you have to do is have some glass or acrylic cut to fit the tank and then silicon them in. For lighting, two 250 watt metal halides and a pair of 54 watt T5 actinics would be good. __________________ Matt Patience is the best remedy for every trouble. Titus Maccius Plautus (254 BC - 184 BC), Rudens

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