Skimmer on main sump line

**marcom50** · 02-15-2002, 05:41 PM

I guess I should start by stating what I have in mind. I am going to run my system with an ecosystem filter. I have read many sources that say that even though ecosystem does not recommend skimming, it is wise to do so on an off and on basis. Unfortunately because of the amount of space, or lack of, I have under my cabinet, I can not use an in-sump skimmer. Because of my overflow box and intake pipes to the main tank I can not run a hang-on skimmer. Thus this leaves me with one choice, an external free-standing skimmer. I have narrowed down my options to five different skimmers:

1. Aquamedic T1000 w/pump for 209.00

2. CPR SR4 w/pump for 165.00

3. Kent Marine Nautilus without pump for 165.00

4. ETSS Super Reef Devil w/pump for 189.00 (It looks like it can be modified to run as an external, any input on this?)

5. Precision Marine Systems 426 without pump. 190.00 (I am not to thrilled about this one but if it is best for my application I will use it)

What I would like to do is plumb the skimmer through my main pump or through my chiller's line. This is where the problem comes up. I have called one of my LFS and they claimed that it should not be set up in that fashion, that the skimmer should have a dedicated pump, that it wouldn�t work otherwise. The person didn�t seem like he wanted to deal with me so I did not want to debate or ask why. I don�t mind having a dedicated pump, though I want to cut down on as much tubes and electrical plugs as possible. Any opinions out there????

Thanks for all the help,
Marco

**wastedincome420** · 02-15-2002, 09:17 PM

Well Its not on your "list" but I have an Berlin "hang on" and haveit so that it hangs on the side o my sump. I know tha some of the berlin's have had some problems(but I did a simple mod. and it work great now). I can post a picture if you would like to see it set up and running.;)

**marcom50** · 02-15-2002, 10:21 PM

Wastedincome,
Sure thing, My only concern is that my stand is only 24" high, so if the berlin wont fit underneath the cabinet its all for not.
Thanks,
Marco

**wastedincome420** · 02-16-2002, 04:53 AM

Well the Berlin is 18-20" tall so you should be able to fit it. I tried to post the pic but its too big of a file. give me you mail address and I will send the pic to you

**marcom50** · 02-16-2002, 11:26 AM

my email is mekaniks@attbi.com
Thanks

**wastedincome420** · 02-16-2002, 03:31 PM

Marcom: You got mail;)

**marcom50** · 02-16-2002, 04:17 PM

wastedincome:

Looks good, How much space does the skimmer actually take up, I have about nine inches between my wall and cabinet that i can use.

Thanks,
Marco

**wastedincome420** · 02-16-2002, 05:02 PM

I think your in luck the skimmer is 6 1/2" wide. The way i have mine plumbed, is with a power head in the sump hooked up to a bulk head the a 3/4" line from the bulkhead to the skimmer. it works well.

**marcom50** · 02-16-2002, 05:17 PM

Looks clean and simple, is red sea the manu. of the berlin you are using???

Marco

**wastedincome420** · 02-16-2002, 05:21 PM

Yes RedSea id the maker of Berlin skimmers. Some people have had bad luck using them but with a simple modifacation they work AWESOME

**marcom50** · 02-16-2002, 05:40 PM

I'll check it out.

Marco

**wastedincome420** · 02-16-2002, 05:42 PM

good you do that. I'm sure there is better skimmers out there but they come with alot higher price tag.;)

**wastedincome420** · 02-17-2002, 01:43 AM

Well Here is a pic Marco see the clear tubing....That runs from a powerhead in the sump to the skimmer. The stock Hang on version has a pipe from the skimmer in-let that goes up and over.
Oh ya that red thing in the clear line is the lil' mod I did. The stock venturi wasn't really cuttin it so I took it out and replaced it with that red one i got from work.
I'm not saying tha Berlins are the best or anything, But for the $$ its not a bad deal;)

**marcom50** · 02-17-2002, 02:13 AM

Nice modification, I understand that the berlins arent the best skimmers, but for a small set up like mine, I cant see spending ~300.00. From the feedback and research I have received on the berlins, it seems like a good deal.

**marcom50** · 02-17-2002, 02:35 AM

where can i find and what type of venturi adapter did you use. For future reference.

**wastedincome420** · 02-17-2002, 04:09 PM

If you do decide to go with Berlin you should able to find a good deal on one new or used. I paid $175 for mine brand new.
The venturi works great. I got mine at work but they are made by Mazzei. If you cant find one and need one let me know. I can hook you up;)

**marcom50** · 02-17-2002, 06:06 PM

Thanks for the info on the venturi, I am going to look it up. I have not made up my mind just yet on the skimmer. I am also looking into the aquac remora's, but I think I am going to go with a aquamedic turboflotor1000 HO. From what I have gathered aquamedic actaully makes the RedSea Berlins, but they are marketed primarily for american aquariast. The tf1000 HO tend to run pricey, though I found one on sale for $189.00. I cant pass that up

**marcom50** · 02-17-2002, 06:38 PM

Do you know the model of the mazzie injector??? how much does it run??
Thanks,
Marco

**wastedincome420** · 02-17-2002, 07:25 PM

Hey marco
Mazzei Injecter Corp, Bakersfield-Cali.
Model=684k
Hope this helps
Mark

**marcom50** · 02-17-2002, 08:35 PM

sure does, thanks,
Marco

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