Flow

[Troy F]

The problem for me is with the confines of a smaller tank I don't want a bunch of powerheads in there. I'm also going without a traditional hood so I don't want a tonne of plumbing going everywhere.

I don't quite follow the reasoning of slowing the water down in the sump to filter it. Once it's in your skimmer, it's in your skimmer and the volume doesn't change. If more water is changing over wouldn't it still get filtered? Now if your using your carbon passively I guess slower flow in the area would help.