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It would be 100% dwell time if it were in the main tank no different than it would be in the sump.
Return line plumbing question...
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It would be 100% dwell time if it were in the main tank no different than it would be in the sump.
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I think we are thinking in terms of dilution rate between the main tank and the sump and anything less than what the skimmer can process in an hour would be the only way there would be any significant difference in the two tanks.
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Are we assuming that our skimmers are 100% efficient? With longer dwell time, the skimmer has more chance to remove a higher percentage DOCs.
Some here have noticed that if they run skimmers larger than needed for their systems, they have periods of little skimmate production and normal skimmate production. I would think that if you use a larger skimmer, you could run higher flow through the sump.
Some here have noticed that if they run skimmers larger than needed for their systems, they have periods of little skimmate production and normal skimmate production. I would think that if you use a larger skimmer, you could run higher flow through the sump.
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I don't know how one would determine how efficient a certain skimmer is. John and I were trying to determine if the flow through the sump was equal to or higher than the water flow through the skimmer does it affect the water quality. Some feel that the water would be cleaner that was returned. I feel that it makes no difference so long as the flow is not less than the skimmer's since it is all one big loop anyway.
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see all yall in the am
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Ok, well how's this. I do notice that since I slowed the flow through my sump (by addition of a fuge and T'ing off the return) I have more detrius build up in the sump, meaning that stuff isn't returned to the tank, which is good, IMO.
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Yeah...but it was my post!
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Lol, I think it's been discussed many times at length, maybe not always here.
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Ahh which raises another question. Why that does facilitate an easier means of removal ,does it matter where the detritus is located in regards water quality since it is in the sames water as the main tank? Much like a filter sock.
Personally, I don't think it makes a lot of difference in the long run regarding flow rate thru the sump and skimmer function.
Assuming you have an adequately sized skimmer, the general function of the skimmer over time is that it is going to find a point of equilibrium with the organic levels it is pulling out. The skimmer is not always going to be playing catch up with the system, as most systems will probably reach a point where the level of organics produced by the tank is pretty consistent.
I assume it is like this: Organics = any uneaten fish/coral food + fish/coral products of metabolism (poo and and other secretions) + all other biological end products. If your maintenance habits are consistent, like regular water changes, cleaning filter socks (if you use them), amount of food you give, then the amount of organics made daily is going to be pretty stable.
Your skimmer is processing 1x,2x,3x the system volume every hour, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So how fast the water passes thru the sump it is in probably doesn't mean a lot in the long run, as the skimmer is only having to catch the daily organics made by the system.
Before my tank upgrade, my reef system was about 300 net gallons. My Orca 200 was fed by a Mag 5 (500 gph), which for argument sake, passed 400 gph thru the skimmer, that totals 32 times the entire system volume a day, and 224 times a week.
Whether my sump is slow flow or higher flow doesn't seem like it would make a difference in the long run.
Regarding detritus, the sump flow rate would have an effect on how much you see in your sump. You'll have more stuff settle out in a low flow setup, as the water is not moving fast enough to keep the detritus in suspension to pass back to the return pump.
Assuming you have an adequately sized skimmer, the general function of the skimmer over time is that it is going to find a point of equilibrium with the organic levels it is pulling out. The skimmer is not always going to be playing catch up with the system, as most systems will probably reach a point where the level of organics produced by the tank is pretty consistent.
I assume it is like this: Organics = any uneaten fish/coral food + fish/coral products of metabolism (poo and and other secretions) + all other biological end products. If your maintenance habits are consistent, like regular water changes, cleaning filter socks (if you use them), amount of food you give, then the amount of organics made daily is going to be pretty stable.
Your skimmer is processing 1x,2x,3x the system volume every hour, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So how fast the water passes thru the sump it is in probably doesn't mean a lot in the long run, as the skimmer is only having to catch the daily organics made by the system.
Before my tank upgrade, my reef system was about 300 net gallons. My Orca 200 was fed by a Mag 5 (500 gph), which for argument sake, passed 400 gph thru the skimmer, that totals 32 times the entire system volume a day, and 224 times a week.
Whether my sump is slow flow or higher flow doesn't seem like it would make a difference in the long run.
Regarding detritus, the sump flow rate would have an effect on how much you see in your sump. You'll have more stuff settle out in a low flow setup, as the water is not moving fast enough to keep the detritus in suspension to pass back to the return pump.
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Thanks Dave better said than I could have ever done.
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