Sump with external skimmer question

[riche]

I was browsing some pictures of bigger set ups and I noticed a few people running external skimmers and rubber maid tubs.

If you are running just a skimmer and ats on fish/rock only tank could I use just a empty tub or tank and use the external skimmer and ats and be ok?

Will have a auto top off so no worries about water level and with the external skimmer same thing

 

[143MPCo]

I don't see why not, the externals are not prone to issues with water level like internal skimmers are.

 

[riche]

I don't see why not, the externals are not prone to issues with water level like internal skimmers are.

Awesome thanks for the quick response. Also thanks for your service, I was 95b in the mid 90s Did my training at Fort McClellan

 

[143MPCo]

I was 95b in the mid 90s Did my training at Fort McClellan

WOW talk about a small world.... I was at Ft McClellan in 91 for basic and AIT... Thank you also for you service!

 

[riche]

Ok I have a 75 gallon tank that is drilled in the side and if I put my external skimmer next to it, it will plumb right to the bukhead on the side of the 75 gallon. Both the bulkhead and drain are 1-1/2"

So it would be like using a tub but its just a open tank.

This would work just the same I'm assuming?

Also if I put some rock in the sump it would help with micro bubbles as I would have the drain from the tank and the skimmer pointing towards the rock in the sump

 

[mrbee2828]

This probably won't work because it will a) cause back pressure on the exit and not allow you to adjust properly and b) possibly create a syphon based on water height inside the skimmer. That will cause the water to fluctuate inside it as it's sucked out, broken and filled up again. Make sense? The water needs to free fall into the sump at or lower than the exit tube. You can put a reverse durso on the drain to quiet it.