[rjd0521]

Hey guys.

I bought and received this skimmer last night. It's a reef octopus dual 6 recirculating skimmer.

http://www.amazon.com/Reef-Octopus-Recirculating-Protein-Skimmer/dp/B005EMMKPW

My problem is that the output of the skimmer is 3 inches shorter than my sump. I can't raise the skimmer itself because I don't have enough room in my stand where the sump is. I can't leave the skimmer outside the stand because I have kids running around all day long. My question is:

1. Can I raise the output of the skimmer so that the skimmer can drain in the sump?

2. It is powered by 2 OTP2000. Are those powerhead submersible?

3. Can I put that skimmer inside the sump? I know it's an external model but I read story about people putting external skimmer in the sump with no problems.

If there is no solution then I will be forced to sell it.

 

[Raeloni]

I'm not sure on this model, i have a small one that I had the same issue with. I raised the pipe, though it was hard to find one that fit, I had to go with black PVC. It works fine now. I just figured it couldn't hurt to try it..

 

[FutureDoc]

1) Yes, but it will alter the lower water level limit

2) Yes, those pumps are submersable

3) Yes, often this is recommended because external skimmers can leak or overflow. It is better to overflow into the sump than the living room.

 

[rjd0521]

@FutureDoc I have a spare Sedra 5000 needle wheel impeller pump rated at 500gph. Can I use it as a feeding pump for the Reef Octopus Skimmer? I know that the feeding pump needs to draw 1 to 1.5 time the volume of the system. I have a 185 gallon tank so I would need around 280gph feed. If the Sedra is too strong, can I use a ball valve to restrict the flow into the skimmer?

 

[FutureDoc]

Just responded to the PM.

A pump modified for skimmer use (that needle wheel) is not the best pump for water-only pumping especially against the head pressure caused by the ball valve.

I would recommend the Cobalt (Maxi-Jet) 1200 as it is right in line with your GPH window