View Full Version : Skimming question
robrich342
03/12/2011, 10:47 AM
I was in the SPS forum discussing proper flow for SPS. I mentioned I had 1700- 1800 GPH from my return pump ( Sequence Reeflo Barracuda at 14 foot of head )
anyway he said with that much return flow ...my skimminmg is probably not what it should be.
My quest is : If I have that much return flow but have a 100 gallon sump. Is this still too much return flow ?
:bounce3:
Justdrew
03/12/2011, 11:17 AM
The ideal ratio is to keep your turnover GPH less than the processing GPH of your skimmer. This allows more water to be processed through the skimmer while in the sump. You will never process all of the water due to flow dynamics around the skimmer. The most efficient setup is a recirc skimmer fed completely by the overflow. This way all of the water passes through the skimmer.
Drew
robrich342
03/12/2011, 11:56 AM
wow ! I never heard that before. I mean a 120 gallon tank with two 1 inch drains would be returning at least 1600 gph even if you cut it in half its still 800 gph. My Cone SRO with the bubble blaster only pumps 300 GPH . Are you telling me I should not be pumping more than 300 gallons per hour out of my sump return ?:blown:
Justdrew
03/12/2011, 12:43 PM
It's not a perfect comparison, but the majority of your turnover should be coming from powerheads or closed loops and the like. IMO a huge return pump that is used only for return from sump and not driving other items can be an unnecessary expense on your electric bill. If it driving multiple items such as reactors, remote fuge, skimmer, etc., then it makes sense to me to use 1 large pump. IMO and alot of others on here you only need 3x-5x turnover from sump to tank.
Drew
robrich342
03/12/2011, 12:46 PM
Hey thanks for your input !
reefsurfing
03/12/2011, 01:30 PM
Robrich342
I tend to agree and changed my setup to match my skimmer. Originally I had a mag 9.5 with a very decent octopus 110 skimmer. So after experiencing some issues with that much return flow and a small skimmer; algea was a problem even when I added vortechs.
So I switched out my equipment and purchased the tunze 734gph and a 500gph octo cone skimmer and my the change was "night and day". Less noise, algae and more solids coming out via the skimmer.
slief
03/12/2011, 03:02 PM
Rob and Drew, you both have the same amount of posts! LOL
I have a Reeflo Hammerhead as my return pump. My sump and fuge are about 180G combined. I use Alpha 300 in my sump which has lots of flow (4000-5000GPH). While it may be ideal to have slower flow in the sump for the skimmer, my skimmer is very happy and skims great.
My theory is that with the higher flow rate into the sump and higher turnover from the tank, the skimmer is still seeing plenty of water in need of skimming. I wet skim anyways so I dont think having slower flow in my case would make much a difference. That said, I also have a very efficient high end skimmer.
If you have a mediocre skimmer, than the results might be different.
robrich342
03/12/2011, 06:33 PM
Well I have a Cone SRO 3000 with a total water volume of 220 gallons. It I get a lot of crap out of it once a week.
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