In sump or external?

Discussion in 'Protein Skimmers' started by dienerman, Oct 15, 2014.

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  1. dienerman

    dienerman Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2011
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    719
    Location:
    West Chester, Pennsylvania
    Starting to research and or look for a skimmer for my current build which is a 200 gal tank with a 125 gal sump and 30 gal refugium. The sump will be in a dedicated room so space is not an issue. Any thoughts on doing an external skimmer? I have only had in sump skimmers in the past. Any thoughts or recommendations would be nice. This is a budget build so breaking the bank is not an option.
     
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  3. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    Dec 31, 2000
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    13,466
    Location:
    Berkeley, CA
    Safer in the sump. What is attracting you to external?
     
  4. RoloSaez

    RoloSaez Millepora

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2013
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    929
    Location:
    Wesley Chapel Fl
    I agree In sump seems like a safer choice. If your skimmer goes crazy and your cup overflows you would have to have it directed to a drain.
     
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  5. dienerman

    dienerman Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    Location:
    West Chester, Pennsylvania
    I have no specific reason for an external skimmer. It was just something to consider. Good point about the cup overflowing.
     
  6. rcflyer1388

    rcflyer1388 Bubble Tip Anemone

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    Jan 28, 2013
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    Queens, NYC
    I chose to have an external skimmer but I run it in my sump. The reason I went that route with my setup is because I wouldn't have to worry about the water level in the sump since the skimmer has a feed. So all I have to worry about is the skimmer adjustment. So far it's been working out pretty well and for the future if I ever want to run it external on a larger setup I can.