Skimmer Plumbing

poiromaniax

poiromaniax

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Hey guys,

Got me a new setup and skimmer (DNW 200 recirc) and now Im wondering the best way to plumb it:

Should I run the skimmer using a feed pump or tee off the overflow pipe, add a ball valve and run the skimmer from that.

Something like this super advanced hand drawn sketch that took me 3.5 hours to complete (including all the details) :p

skim.jpg


Advantage of not using a feed pump (that I can think of)

Less heat transfer
Less power consumption
I can make a larger DSB
Can finely tune water input
Cleaner sump appearance
Lower cost involved (dont have to buy a pump)

Disadvantage:

Ball valves can get blocked, reducing skimmer efficiency
Higher cost of plumbing
There is the problem of skimmer "burps" and the level rising and falling - hopefully the ballvalve would prevent that

Those are all I can think of and so far its looking like there are much more advantages. Can anybody offer some input?
 
It's most important to make sure the skimmer gets water from the tank or else it does not work as well I am told that's the first thing the rest not so sure about :lol:
 
vatso said:
It's most important to make sure the skimmer gets water from the tank or else it does not work as well I am told that's the first thing the rest not so sure about :lol:
Click to expand...

haha, nah dude - some people make plumbing look like an art, I never have, thats why im asking the pros ;)
 
Ziyaad, would I be able to use the pump from my TS1 to feed the skimmer? or is it too small?
 
Guys have told me I should be feeding it with 1500LPH, think the 3000 will be way too powerful?
 
I had the same issue when I installed mine. I actually duel plumbed my overflow to go to sump as well as skimmer and also added a 1000L/hour pump to feed to skimmer. so I can feed from just the overflow, or just the pump or both. The problem with sending water directly from overflow is that your rate of flow is never constant. Not good for skimming.

If you install a pump, don't go higher than 1000L/hour. You need the contact time in the skimmer.
 
JD do you also have the DNW 200?

How did you plumb from the overflow? directly or with a ballvalve?
 
Yup, DNW200. Mine plits in two with two ballvalves. Currently the flow is to the sump and is then pumped to the skimmer with a 1000L/h pump. The valve from the overflow to the skimmer is currently closed. I found the pump gives better water level stability than using the direct method.
 
So you rate an OTP1000 will be more than enough? thats good, then I can just use my TS1 Pump (With a normal impellor)
 
oh on the 1000 as long as you dont have a crazy head height i prefred to use soft tubing instead of pvc with 90Degree elbows
 
How would I connect soft tubing to the inlet though?

Head height will be like 400mm, so dont think it will be much of an issue?
 
A guy on an overseas forum just posted this.

This is actually what I was trying to draw in paint
003-1.jpg



This way the water will back up into the pipe and using the ball valve, I can tune the water.

What do you guys think is better, this or a pump? (Bearing in mind I wanna have a very clean looking sump - or at least try :p )
 
poiromaniax said:
How would I connect soft tubing to the inlet though?

Head height will be like 400mm, so dont think it will be much of an issue?
Click to expand...

u get a sorta nipple that would fit onto the skimmer and u could push the soft piping in there 400 would be fine. I still say feed with the pump, But try with a ballvalve and see what happens
 
Thanks guys, Im not 100% sure which route I will take, I will just have to make a decision and stick with it
 
My Deltec skimmer is plumbed directly to the tank overflow, with a bypass loop, as per your drawing. IMHO this is the best way to feed your skimmer.

I would recommend that you install a valve in the bypass loop, and in the skimmer feed pipe.

I will try to post some pics of my setup during the weekend.

Hennie
 
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