External Skimmer Placement

[niccumec]

After being out of the hobby for ~20 years, I am setting up a new system and interested in running a Regal 200-EXT skimmer on my 168gal DT. With a sump like the Synergy SK-60 below, I am planning on using both the Refugium chamber and the internal skimmer chamber as “dual refugium” to get better refugium volume (15%) to run Triton method, with chaeto in the first chamber and other macro algae in the 2nd (skimmer chamber). I realize this sump is overkill for a 168 gal DT and I realize that Triton method does not require/need mechanical filtration, but I like the versatility of this type of sump should I choose to abort Triton and install fleeece rollers or socks. And this time around, I have the space - not limited to under tank. My biggest frustration with the hobby first time around was limited sump options and space!

Will this setup work?

With this sump, where is best placement for Reef Octopus Regal 200-EXTERNAL recirculating skimmer suction and return? Recirc rate 792-1056 gph suggested. I plan to run DT return pumps at 10x or ~1700 gph.

I assume I should take suction from the sump return chamber, but where would be the optimal placement for the skimmer return?
1. All the way back to the sump Inlet crash box?
2. Empty Filter chamber?
3. Refugium 1?
4. Refugium 2 (internal skimmer chamber)? This is where I was thinking.
5. Return chamber? Worried about micro bubbles to DT.

I am looking to run external DC return pumps and external recirc skimmer as I want the skimmer chamber space for fuge 2 and I don’t like the idea of adding all the pump heat to the water, being in Austin, TX.

 

[blaxsun]

So are you going with any filtration in the first chamber? Because I see an extra chamber where you could run an internal skimmer.

 

[niccumec]

I am going to attempt true Triton method, so will start off with no mechanical filtration to allow all the “nutrients” to get to the refugium. Triton method recommends skimmer suction after refugium.

I also prefer external recirculating skimmer that does not require particular sump water level, claims to be better tunable, and will not add as much pump heat to the water.

 

[blaxsun]

I am going to attempt true Triton method, so will start off with no mechanical filtration to allow all the “nutrients” to get to the refugium. Triton method recommends skimmer suction after refugium.

I also prefer external recirculating skimmer that does not require particular sump water level, claims to be better tunable, and will not add as much pump heat to the water.

So will you be drilling a hole in the sump to connect the external skimmer?

 

[CK00020]

You are still going to have a pump, a bigger pump with an external skimmer

 

[niccumec]

So will you be drilling a hole in the sump to connect the external skimmer?

Yes, bulkheads for the main DT return pump and the skimmer recirc pump from the sump return section. Skimmer return dumps back into one of the chambers.

 

[Jason_MrFrags]

I use to run my external off of main return maifold.

 

[blaxsun]

Yes, bulkheads for the main DT return pump and the skimmer recirc pump from the sump return section. Skimmer return dumps back into one of the chambers.

For simplicity you could dump it back into the return pump chamber.

 

[niccumec]

You are still going to have a pump, a bigger pump with an external skimmer

Yeah, you are right. Unfortunately, the refugium section is only a ~12 gal volume so I would like to use the skimmer section as additional refugium, which would take me up to 15% of DT volume, which is another reason for the external skimmer.

 

[niccumec]

I use to run my external off of main return maifold.

Utilizing same DT return pump, just branch off with a gate valve?

I like the idea of having a dedicated DC pump so I can easily dial the skimmer recirc rate up or down as needed. Just not sure the best place to dump the skimmer outlet.

 

[niccumec]

For simplicity you could dump it back into the return pump chamber.

That would be ideal, but I have heard people complain about getting micro-bubbles back to DT dumping into return pump chamber…