Mod SWC 120 Cone to be Recirculating?

[sphelps]

Not overly beneficial in terms of the skimmer already being sized well for your size of tank. An RC mod would ideally improve efficiency with increased contact time but this extra efficiency is not something you'll likely notice nor is the skimmer really designed for it in the first place.

Sealing the skimmer for external use will present two major causes for concern IMO, one being proper access for pump maintenance and the other relating to leaks from a variety of areas including skimmer cup overflow. Mods also hurt resale if this is a concern at all. The separate tank idea IMO is the best solution besides the new purchase of a sump or skimmer.

[Myka]

I believe you're looking to modify the skimmer to be an external skimmer, not a recirculating skimmer.

I would start by adding an o-ring to between the bottom plate and the skimmer body because it isn't a perfect seal. Then you just need to glue an input pipe to the pump input that sticks out the side of the skimmer and another pipe onto the output of the skimmer. Seal that hole around the pump input too (maybe a uniseal would work?).

As a side note, as someone suggested in another thread (very good idea) you could put an external skimmer into a small tub with a float switch so that if the skimmer overflows the float will cut power to the skimmer rather than pumping your sump dry (or causing the ATO to kick in and emptying your RO vessel).

Thanks to everyone for advertising for me.

[lockrookie]

myka is right an external is what your looking for

[Enigma]

Ah. I thought all recirculating skimmers we're external. Sorry for the confusion in the lingo, and what it was that I want to accomplish!

[Myka]

I'm not sure that all recirculating skimmers are external, although I can't think of any recircs that aren't external. Recirc skimmers employ a second pump on the side of the skimmer body that essentially works like a closed loop.