Do skimmers have to be raised?

[Danno]

Everyone that I speak with seems to have their skimmers raised above the sump, but I wish to keep all of my equipment in the stand, which is 30" tall.

Can I get a beckett skimmer that I can plumb into my sump without raising it?

Thanks for your help.

[codetrick]

Hmm.. I thought that everyone keeps their skimmers in the sump now. I heard someone mention that no one wants to use the skimmers on the side of the tanks due to the fine bubbles getting into the main tank. With a skimmer that sits in the sump its easier to control bubbles by redirecting the cleaned water back through the sump.

[DennisW]

I think what he is refering to is putting a "sump" skimmer in the sump but raising it up a bit so that the output is above the water level. I think. Im not sure. Also, I dont know why this is done.

Lots of help huh!
Dennis

[Danno]

That is exactly right dennis. The reason is so the water can exit the skimmer output easier, but if the water is pumped in at such a high velocity, it seems as though there would be no problem to me. But I hear otherwise.

That is why I am asking for others' experiences.

[MyReef]

I am biased, but I will give you the info that I know. It depends on the skimmer. Skimmers seem to be better these days than they used to. I know on my old ETSS skimmer, it only had a 1" gate valve for a drain. I had to raise it 5-6". Now you don't see anything less than 1 1/4" on high end skimmers and you are seeing some 1 1/2" gate valves. Most good high end skimmers with a 1 1/2" gate valve, you would only have to raise the skimmer if the water level in the sump exceeded the water level in the skimmer. SO if you know the height of water in your sump, you should them look at the skimmer and ask the mfg with this level, would I have to raise the skimmer. HTH

[DennisW]

MyReef,

Now I think you make skimmers, is that correct? I very much trust your knowledge in this area!

On a skimmer like an Amiricle, where the pvc elbo comes off the output at the bottom. Then a straight piece of pvc goes straight up from there. This is suppose to be "self leveling". How does this work? Is there a way to take this off and adjust the level in the skimmer with the pump? Would this be a case where you would raise the skimmer? Does this make any sence what so ever? LOL

Thanks!
Dennis

[MyReef]

Yep, I make skimmer....The only thing I know about Americle skimmers is, it's a miracle they work! LOL j/k. I don't know anything about that particular skimmer, but I have seen the self leveling LifeReef skimmer and I assume it works on the same premise. From what I understand it is self leveling because the gate valve is raised. The water level should be at the point of exit. The LifeReef skimmer still utilizes a gate valve, so even though "self leveling" the water line can still be raised. I still like to put a gate valve on my pump even though there is one on my skimmer. This way I can adjust water in and out. I can adjust the water level either way. The times I have seen people raise skimmers is when the back pressure on the skimmer is not allowing enough water pass through the valve. In this case a larger gate valve would allow more water to pass and therefore allowing you to keep the skimmer lower in the system. By raising the skimmer above the water line, the skimmer has no limitations as to the pressure keeping the water in the skimmer box or tube.

I am assuming, that you have an Americle skimmer. Does it have a gate valve at the output? What problems are you having with it?Hope my above ramblings make sense...let me know if not...I will try to be less confusing. LOL

[DennisW]

Yes it does make sence. "Its a miricle if it works", like I've never heard that before!!!!lol. Actually....it dosent work!!!!!!

Since Ive modified it, it works better. The pipe that rises up from the output, I had to cut shorter. This brought the level down in the reaction chamber. Now a nice head of foam can build before going into collection cup. I also removed the venturi and put in 2 limewood airstones. I change these regularly and they are working awsome. The skimmer looks like some of those high end jobs where they say there are so many bubbles, it looks like white PVC.

This skimmer has been the only one Ive had for the past 3 years on this tank. The tank looks pretty good so I guess it's working.

Thanks for the info myreef!

Dennis