pump selection for 120 (1 Viewer)

[Guest]

I'm looking for a return pump for my 120...what is the collective thought from the group about running a single pump to supply both my skimmer and my return needs. I figure an ampmaster would be plenty for both the skimmer and the tank....just trying to keep the electric bills down. Have any of ya'll ever tried this kind of set up? I'd really like to avoid running three pumps at once, one for the skimmer, one for the return from the sump, and one for a close loop. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Chris

 

[Guest]

What kind of skimmer do you have? If it's a beckett, forget it - they need a dedicated pump (unless your pump is a massive pressure-rated one). If it's a basic venturi skimmer, you might be able to get by with using 1 pump.

The only problem with doing this is that you will probably find it hard to dial in the flow to the skimmer and keep it there. I tried to do this once with my Lifereef venturi skimmer, and never could get it dialed in right.