Reefs.org Forums

[fishermann]

Has anybody used the Deltec in sump skimmers verses the external ones? I am looking at using the 1060s turbo in sump verses the AP702. I don't know if I like that sponge, seems to be a nitrate spot unless you clean it all the time. Was wondering about effectivness of in sump verses external?

[AF Founder]

Has anybody used the Deltec in sump skimmers verses the external ones? I am looking at using the 1060s turbo in sump verses the AP702. I don't know if I like that sponge, seems to be a nitrate spot unless you clean it all the time. Was wondering about effectivness of in sump verses external?

This is a very difficult question to answer for many reasons, but in general skimmer efficiency is related to the size of the bubbles and the contact time that the tank water is in contact with the small bubbles. So, in this respect external skimmers can more easily be more efficient, but take up more space.
What do you want your skimmer to do? I ask because it is possible to overskim a tank that has inverts. that feed on phytoplankton, and phytoplankton is a major part of skimmate.

[dwayne12]

Yeah unless the proper reasons are specified the answer to this question can be rather difficult to answer. For me I usually use a different technique to overskim a tank that has inverts. Now this depends on the individual as to which one he is using. Therefore I hope you got this point and be a little more elaborate the next time.