Skimmer and Sump Questions

[rayviv]

I am ready to set up my new sump and skimmer. The sump is a 75g tank and the skimmer is the octopus extreme 200.

What I want to know is how to set up the skimmer with out having to use half of the sump space. Can I use another tub for the skimmer or can I set the skimmer up on a pedestal in the sump somehow?

Also need input on the plumbing>>-- As it is now I have dbl overflows w/2 pumps and both return lines from sump to DT are the same length. I'm going with a GenX40 and need to know if I have one return line longer than the other will I have more flow on the shorter run. Or do I need to place the Y split in the middle so both lines are the same length?

I'm sure that others have had the same questions B-4 . Appreciate all input.

[jd]

What I want to know is how to set up the skimmer with out having to use half of the sump space. Can I use another tub for the skimmer or can I set the skimmer up on a pedestal in the sump somehow?

Yes, If you can find a rubber maid or glass tank that your skimmer fits in, you can run the overflow water to that tank, drill the tub/tank and let that water flow into your sump. This however adds a few failure points to the system that may or may-not be worth it to you. Namely making sure the sump can hold the tank's extra water and the skimmer tub's extra water in the event of a power outage. It also adds more drains that can become clogged and cause a flood.

Also need input on the plumbing>>-- As it is now I have dbl overflows w/2 pumps and both return lines from sump to DT are the same length. I'm going with a GenX40 and need to know if I have one return line longer than the other will I have more flow on the shorter run. Or do I need to place the Y split in the middle so both lines are the same length?

The closer the two runs are to the same the more equal their head pressure, and flow. A PVC Tee would help, but a better option is a Wye as it reduces head pressure.

[Viggen]

water will flow more gph to the side with the lowest pressure .... shortest run.... but it probably wouldn't be a huge difference.  On my 210g I have a velocity T4 pump T'd off going through my 2 internal overflow boxes.  I am sure one side gets more flow then the other but I can't tell which one gets more water.

I would also stay away from the Genx40 pump, I tried one several years ago & it sounded like a train going through my house.  I swapped my old iwaki pump back in it's place .........  There are MUCH better external pumps available that are also MUCH quieter.

Yea, you can throw it in another sump/bucket/whatever just be sure you plumb it so the water can flow freely into the sump where the return pump is located.