Feed pump or direct feed on skimmer?

[dbmtrman]

I just recently bought an Octopus DNW-200, and have it fed from a RIO 1100. I was wondering if it would be easier/better to put a T in one of my overflow lines and run water right into the skimmer.

I have a 180 with a 25 gallon sump (for now, next project is a new sump/refugium 42X20). How do I adjust the amount of water going into the skimmer (1 to 1.5 times system volume)?

[mg426]

I have fed my recirced G3 both ways. I found the direct fed method to be much better IMO. Put a tee on your overflow with a ball valve to regulate the flow to your skimmer. 1 to 1.5 times Tank volume/hr through the skimmer is a good amount to shoot for.

[pjf]

Here's a diagram from UCanDoIt's gallery:

[Konadog]

If power consumption means anything to you, direct feed is the way to go.


pjf, is that picture drawn with the latest version of CAD?

Another way to plumb it if you have a valve on the output of the skimmer is to lower the Tee to the top of the riser tube, so when you restrict too much, it overflows out the other tube.

[MattG]

Definitely gravity feed it. I have mine plumbed like the picture pjf posted.