ASM - can it be external?

[t-raptor]

I am currently looking at purchasing the ASM G4x. Secondary to the height of this skimmer being 30 inches, I am a little reluctant to buy it due to the amount of space under my tank.

If I do the reciruculation modification and drill a new input hole that will be fed directly from one of my drains with the output (gate valve modification) directed into my current sump can I make this an exteranl skimmer.

The only potential downfall I can see is if the reciruculating pump (sedra 9000 in this case) would need to be submerged, which I do not know why this would be or if the output side needs to have backpressure for the skimmer to work efficiently.

My knowledge is very limited at this point so there maybe a multitude of downfalls with the aforementioned. Therefore all opinions and any guidence in my attempt to make this an external skimmer is greatly appreciated .

[Fly Guy]

Not really.

I think it could probably be done......but you are going to have to mod the input and the drain, AND either drive it with a different pump or run that pump in sump through a bulkhead to the skimmer

I could be wrong...ive never thought about it that much but thats what i see needing to happen in order to run it externally

[dkh0331]

The modification you described is pretty much how my H&S skimmer is set up. I feed it directly from my drain line and the Aquabee recirc pump does not have to be submerged. I don't see why the Sedra would have to be submerged. And for my H&S, backpressure on the drain is not wanted. I don't see why it would on your mod.

Good luck and let us know if you do it and how it goes.

David

[t-raptor]

Thank you for the feedback FlyGuy and dkh0031. I think I will go ahead and order the skimmer and do the mods and see what happens. If all fails, I am sure I can just use a couple of pieces of bubble gum to fill in the holes I drill and use it as originally intended in the sump.

[wiszmaster]

as far as i have heard - the ASMs are best run inside a sump ... mostly due to ..... ... their desire to leak alot of times. ;-)

[teach]

My asm leaks.

[mcarver]

My ASM G4+ leaks too.. I would run it in a sump for sure.

[t-raptor]

Thanks again for all the replies. Where are most people finding their leaks (uniseals, collection cup etc.)?