Info needed on recirc skimmer

[Saltysteve]

I am running my recirculating DAS skimmer with a Maxi Jet 1200 pump. I bought a MAG pump recently (thanks Rich) but I am wondering, would it not be better to keep the smaller pump feeding the skimmer so the contact time is greater?

Thanks!

[TheReefGeek]

Yes, a re-circed skimmer will be more efficient, with no drawbacks except that you have to feed the skimmer with water somehow, in your case with the mj-1200.

[Griffin]

Give it shot both ways steve - i get alot of black sludge with the mag 2 running 24/7 although mine came with both pumps attached so i never tried any other pump to feed it.
Cheers
Rich

[TheReefGeek]

How would you get new water into the skimmer without a pump or drain line feeding it?

[Saltysteve]

The pump feeding it, is a Maxi Jet 1200. I am just wondering, because I have read, running a bigger pump improves skimming. I am doubting that this is true.

Big pump= replaces water in skimmer over and over.
Small pump= more contact with the bubbles for a longer period of time before the water gets replaced!

I may just have to test it out

[TheReefGeek]

Sorry SaltySteve, my questions was to Griffin, should have directed that one better.

Salty: You doubt that a bigger pump improves skimming, but this is why:

Bigger RECIRCULATING PUMP with the same FEED PUMP = same dwell time (water is being turned over the same rate) with more air bubbles being injected (due to the bigger pump)