Skimmer Pump Size?

[Crabman]

Hello Reefing Community. I am fairly new to reef keeping, and love DIY projects. I am currently in process of drawing up a skimmer, that some what resembles the "Geoff" skimmer with a few mods of my own. How do I determine what size of pump I need? This will be for a 75gal tank, with 30gal tank for the sump. Any advice would help. Thanks

[Geoff]

start with deciding the air delivery system. this can determine the pump that is needed. if you are planning a normal venturi valve, than a Mag 5 and above should be fine. if you are planning a Beckett than a Mag 12 or above would be a better choice. if you are planning an eductor than a Mag 18 and above would be needed. these are just the pumps needed to power these delivery methods. i find a Mag 7 with a 1/2" venturi valve is a pretty nice combination.

G~

[Geoff]

OOps. forgot.

Welcome to TRT!!!



G~

[Crabman]

Thanks Geoff. This seems like smart group. I was planning on giving wharyat's DIY Venturi first, if that dosen't pan out I will get a kent 1/2" venturi valve. So roughly 500 gph?

[Geoff]

i am not a huge fan of the before pump venturi's. these are awfully picky about the water levels where they are located. i am in no way dissing wharyat's design i just find needlewheel type skimmers a lot more finicky than the pressure pump types.

G~

[Crabman]

What kinda problems can I expect to see if I go witha DIY Venturi valve?

[Geoff]

with the before pump venturi's. any change in water height will change the tuning of the skimmer. it will be running fine one minute, then the next it could be overflowing. they are just tough to keep running consistantly.

i would say make it, then if you do not like the way it behaves than try moving the venturi after the pump.

G~