RC--external, what do they mean by 1-1.5X?

[drrich]

I am about to purchase the RC135 for my small tank, with about a total volume of 50 Gallons (35 + 15sump).(I'd rather overdo it)

I want to run the skimmer outside my small sump. Does this mean that I need a very small pump to the skimmer that only pumps less than 75 gallons per hour to the skimmer? The pumps which have such a low volume, also have less than 1/2 inch diameter outlet, which would be a plumbing problem if I wanted to use vinyl tubing.

What do you do/suggest?

HELP!!!!

[JetCat USA]

Yes you need to feed the skimmer 1-1.5 times the total system volume. FWIW a 35g tank with rock/sand/etc.. doesnt have 35g of volume, also your sump doesnt hold it's total volume unless you're running it at rim level, which you should NOT be doing.

[drrich]

Thank you for your response, but my point is that the flow that I need is miniscule compared to what most pumps put out. Besides getting a larger pump and starting with T's, what can I do if I need a flow of less than 50Gallons ?

[shawnz28]

there is a bit of debate of the perfect flow thru for a recirculating skimmer and it can vary depending on take size etc.... One school of thought and good rule of thumb to consider is a "dwell time" of 2 minutes. Which can be determined by calculating the skimmer volume and multipling by two. A RC135 probably holds about 2 or so gallons of water so by that method a flow thru of 75 gallons would work well. though on a larger tank some would speed up the flow thru to increase water throughput to process more water with a bit less "efficiency" for lack of a better term.

As for the plumbing you can get barbed fittings at the hardware store that can reduce/enlarge the hose size to run inline.

[JetCat USA]

use a mini-jet 404 pump, it's 20 to 106 gph and 10 bucks.

[drrich]

Thank you

[drrich]

Thank you

[JetCat USA]

You're Welcome, You're Welcome :)