[Doodaa]

Is it better to have a protein skimmer skim from a sump that is fed from an overflow box in the main tank or skim from the main tank itself?

I understand the aesthetics and all, but I am wondering if most of the "stuff" a skimmer will pull out actually floats and ends up in my sump or if it would work better pulling say midway down in my main tank. Or is it just that the whole water column has everything pretty much dissolved evenly and doesn't really matter?

Thanks for the info in advance

[scubadude]

Hi Doodaa

I really liked your question, it has merit, and is very valid In my experience I would say yes it is more beneficial to skim from the sump from O-flow from the main tank, however this can cause problems if you dont have enough flow in your main tank (usually shows up as film algae on your SB or in areas where flow is stagnant) detritus buildup because its not being kept into circulation. You may be thinking well what if I just make a closed loop and draw from the bottom near the "detritus fall out zone", well that contradicts most reef tanks cuz you want more flow dispersed in your tank wich provides for healther/happier corals/fish/inverts etc.

[Ninong]

Foam fractionators are called "skimmers" for a reason.

It makes no difference whether you skim from the surface water of the tank or if you allow that surface water to overflow into a sump and then skim from the sump. By definition, the word "skimmer" refers to removing pollutants that accumulate on the surface. That's not all they do but that's how they got the name "skimmer."

[Doodaa]

Thanks for the advice....the reason I asked is cause I just purchased an MR-2 and was contemplating how to plumb it. The sump was where I was planning on using it...I just wanted some confirmations with my thoughts.

Thanks!
Al