i used this skimmer be4 when i'm running my 2ft tank.. the skimmer is okie.. as for the pumb any normal pumb will do.. i used a adjustable pumb and i switch it to lowest also can work fine.. in fact for this skimmer the pumb ned not be too powerfull cause end up only got water go into the collection cup... take note do not keep on adjusting the cup.. cause the skimmer need at least 1hr to settle down, u will slowly see alot of foam collecting