Lets examine my skimmer/sump setup

[Berggy]

OK... so I built the simple/cheap Geoff skimmer and sump using a $12 tub and a bunch of PVC.

Inside the sump, I had to raise the skimmer feed pump to get more flow ... nearly all the water goes through the skimmer and a bit trickles over the side now. I find that the inner tub keeps the skimmer flow consistent.

I use a bit of sponge to trap large particles and silence the water flow down from the main tank.

I never use a flow restriction on the skimmer return because my old skimmer would always flood when I did.

Tonight though I changed the setup. I removed the sponge because I wanted the skimmer to do more work. I put the supply piping under water to shut it up and placed a cover over it.

Then I added a flow return valve to raise the level in the skimmer ... it was down about 9" and now it is down about 3" in the collection cup.

I hope it does not flood anything.

I had a thought that if instead of a valve, we use a turned up 90 degree elbow. Do not glue it but rather leave it loose on the end of the return nipple. Swivel the elbow up enough to raise the water column in the skimmer to where you want it. If pump pressure increases, water will just flow harder out though the elbow with a minimal increase in the water column height.

Where as with a valve ... the flow will be restricted the same or more if a clog develops around the valve.

Thoughts?