Skimmer depth

[atnixon]

Hello All..

Am just, finally, getting ready to launch my new DIY build on thursday and have a question about my skimmer...On the old tank i had it hanging on the back, on the new setup its going in the sump...

Skimmer is a seaclone 100

My question is...if i can get it out right..Does anybody know how deep the skimmer should be submerged to? Attached a drawing to help me to explain this...As it stands, if i just put the skimmer into the sump, it will be 9" deep in water, is this too deep for the skimmer to operate? i know some sump skimmers have been installed with an egg crate or box to raise the height of it in the sump...

Can anybody help me?

Niko

 

[Len]

Hi Niko,

Due to the design of the Seaclone, I think any partial submersion will have a big impact on its performance. I haven't tried this myself (this skimmer is designed for external hang-on use) but because the output is at the bottom of the skimmer, any pressure from submersion will result in wetter skimming (could be to the point of overflowing). I would not recommend the type of installation you are looking to do.

To be honest, I'd ditch the Seaclone altogether and get decent in-sump needlewheel like ASM or Octopus or even Coralife's. These don't cost much more but do a much better job.

 

[atnixon]

Hiya Len, thanks for your input matey...

The output of the skimmer is 3/4 way up the tube ( about 4 or so inches off the top) as the seaclone 100 is designed for either hang on or sump install according to the manual...you just have to remove the "J" tube...

But it says nothing about how deep the main body chamber can be submerged to...

I may well have to ditch the skimmer and take your advice mate, but, for the time being, i will have to stick with it as i cant afford for another month or so to buy another...

Any idea's mate?

Niko

 

[Len]

Ah. It might be okay to submerse it about halfway then. I've never tried myself.

 

[atnixon]

cheers matey, i was kind of thinking about 4 or 5 inches deep, but am just not sure...think its gonna be a little trial and error to start off with aint it..

Niko