Advice on Protein Skimmer/Pump compatibility in Sump

RH8198 · April 11, 2015

Hi, I am planning for a new 3ft marine tank set up with sump for a FOWLR with strong intentions to advance to LPS reef. SPS hopefully but I'll be more than happy up to LPS.

Having no experience with a marine tank nor a sump set-up, I need some advice here.

My main tank will be 92cm x 45cm x 50cm, which is about 43gallons. Sump is 68cm x 40cm x 30cm x 35cm (but sump water level only intending to be at 20cm (8") to fit most in-sump protein skimmer's recommended working depth. So at 20cm for sump water height, that is another 11gallons. So total 54gallons.

** You might notice that the sump length is very short at 68cm. I originally planned for 88cm length so I can have a much bigger refugium chamber but a helpful gentlemen at a tank maker reminded me of need for a chiller. I decided to leave a width of 20cm width in the cabinet for this.

So my questions are:

1) When a protein skimmer claims that is suitable for tank of 150gallons, did it mean the capacity of the tank only or does it include the sump volume as well?

2) I am considering using Eheim Universal Hobby Pump which has max output of 158gph, and the Vertex Omega 150 which has max. air draw of 158gph. so technically, both of them fit each other in terms of the flow and processing rate. Is this a good combination or should one of the above be stronger for better efficiency?

3) Is it advisable to get a protein skimmer with as high air draw as possible?

Appreciate any advise. Thank you!