Plumbing Question

[clerjfo]

I have actually started on my stand for my 75 gallon R/R (yeah no more siphon).

I have a question as to the plumbing.

Right now my skimmer hangs on the back of my sump, with the return pump, and heater inside the sump.

I am looking to upgrade (?) to a Berlin Skimmer which will not allow me to put everything in the sump. I think I might be able to get the heater and shoehorn the skimmer with the pump into the sump. (putting the skimmer into the sump was mentioned in case there were any leaks).

Is this the best design or should drill the sump (acrylic) for both the return and the skimmer. Does it matter where the holes go?

The sump is a pretty basic design; it is 10.5" x 22" and 14" tall. It has two sections separated by a set of baffles. The drain goes into the one side were I have some macro algae and a light on at night.

I do have a spare 10-gallon tank lying around which I could use.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance

[jules77]

If your sump is acrylic I would put bulk heads in and plumb the skimmer external. I would think of something more current than a berlin skimmer, maybe a used ER or some sort of a beckett. My skimmer says that the outlet of the skimmer should dump above the water line, and that the plumbing needs be straight or at a down angle so that the water level inside the skimmer can be easily adjusted. Sometimes you have to work with what you have so you need to figure out where you are going to place the skimmer and will you be able to service it where you have decided it will be located.

[the_colonel]

If the sump is acrylic, and your considering drilling to plumb the skimmer external, as jules77 recommended, you might as well go ahead and drill another hole to make your return pump external. This would also free up some room in the sump.

[redwinger]

Plus moving the pumps externally will create less heat in the tank.