In-Line Protein Skimmer

[CharAznable]

Does anyyone have any experience with using a Protein Skimmer in line? I am planning on getting an Octopus 200 Recirculating skimmer. Originally I thought I would need an external feed pump but I was told to run it "in-line" from the main water return feed. Any suggestions of where I could find out the right way to do this? Thanks in advance!

[McTeague]

Since the flow through a skimmer must be relatively slow and must be regulated and adjusted to produce good skimmate they are usually set up as a side path branch off of the main water path through the sump.

[CharAznable]

So maybe I should Tee Off the main return and then have a valve to cut back the flow? Will this keep me from losing as much head pressure?

[CharAznable]

I have more questions:

1. The pump is in the basement and the existing Tee is on the first floor. If I were to tee off of the returns for an in-line skimmer should I tet off in the basement or on the first floor beneath the display tank?

2. How should I plumb off from the tee to get good pressure for the skimmer without overwhelming it? If I put a single valve and close it off to maintain head pressure it will produce too much pressure in the skimmer won't it?

3. Should the skimmer return go into the tank, the return line or the drain line?

Does anyone knoe of any good online sources for information about In-line skimmer plumbing?