OK I am not really interested in moving up to an ER skimmer right away, as I have a coralife needlewheel skimmer to try first.
I have decided to move the sump to beside the tank instead of underneath it. The space there is not really any bigger but I have no overhead clearance issues, so it will be easier to get at , and hopefully will be a less daunting task for maintenance which should increase the chances of me keeping up with it.
What is the main advantage of an External return pump , instead of an internal MAG type? It just seems that plumbing an in sump return pump would be a lot easier?
Robb