How can I add a skimmer to my setup?

[Snoogans]

Hi guys

I am eager to add a skimmer to my setup (have been looking at a red sea one) but am unsure how I can adapt it to my current system.

I am using a canister filter and my tank has an attached hood with built in lights (if i had my time again would have avoided this setup completely but am financially restricted to it at present). So I am unable to go the hang on option.

Any ideas about what I can do? Have considered a sump but limited cabinet room. If I do go a sump can i attach my filter to it in someway or would i no longer require it? Have plenty of live rock so it is essentially playing mechanical filtration role.

Cheers

 

[Dustin83]

Not quite sure about the protein skimmer option.. since you say HOB is not possible.

But to answer your question about sump, you probably won't need your canister once you have the sump. It's really personal preference, but if you'd like to have some sort of media for mechanical filtration, you can always add something into your sump design, for example, i designed mine so that the overflow water splits into two, one goes into the protein skimmer, and the other goes into sock filter. A lot of people won't even bother running a mechanical filter at all though. Again, I think it's more of personal preference. With that said, since your return pump will create plenty of water movement between the tank and the sump, there isn't really a point of keeping the canister. Only reason i can think of to keep the canister is if you just want that little bit of more current or if you want to design your sump without the mechanical filter, but still want one. Hope this helps!

 

[Snoogans]

Thanks mate about your thoughts on the sump. I was heading the same way. Any idea about minimal sump size and efficiency. I have a 213L tank (about 55gal i think).

 

[archer772]

A 29 gallon would make a nice sump for a 55. I would really look into a different skimmer than the Berlins or Sea Clones, a CSS 65 would be a good skimmer for the price.

 

[Dustin83]

Might also consider Remora Urchin. I haven't had one, but heard pretty good things about it. But then again, some people don't really like it. Bottom line, google protein skimmer review and find the one that's cost efficient yet performs well. I would also stay away from the Sea Clones.

As far as sump size goes, will you be buying a pre-made one with acrylics or use a standard tank like archer says? You have little bit more freedom if you go for a customized acrylic. If that's the case, I would try to go for the biggest possible that can fit in your cabinet while leaving some room for other supplies you might want to consider putting in later (i.e. chiller, calcium reactor, halide ballast, etc). Having bigger sump means more water which can only help.

 

[Snoogans]

As far the my approach goes I am currently slightly confused about the whole process involved so I am doing a bit of reading at present. Money is a slight issue so was thinking of trying to build my own based on some DIY projects i have read. Still trying to get my head around exactly how it works and what I will need. Trying to get it to fit with my current setup is my main issue

Thanks for the protein skimmer advice