Stringer you were right where I was several months ago. I did a lot of
reading.
Check out what I did. http://www.geocities.com/bryg30/AquarDiary7.html I
bought a squid though to send water two different directions. That isn't
necessary.

Yes you'll need a hang on overflow box to send the water down. Make sure it
will fit in the back of your aquarium near the wall and between other
equipment. A 1" tube down to a sump will flow about 600gph so make sure
your pump going upwards will (at least) do that with the length of hose
going up to the main tank. Charts are often online or in the box with the
pump.

The valves I built are so I can perfectly match the water going up with the
water going down without restricting the pump from being able to flow the
amount it's made to do.

But ya know, to be honest, a low-tech aquarium is fun and less hassle. I
like the building part so I did it but my tank was in great shape without it
as well. A hang on skimmer doesn't grab right from the surface of the water
so it will help but won't be perfect as you can tell. IMO, before buying
anything, try turning one of your current power heads a little upward to
break up the water surface. Your skimmer will be able to get more of the
tanks water from there. If you like the outcome but need your powerhead
where it was originally for good tank flow then yes, buy a 3rd powerhead.

B

"StringerBell" wrote in message
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"Pszemol" wrote in message
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Do you have the sump/overflow ?
This kind of setup is great for skimming the water surface.

No---I have a basic system: Just a Skimmer and a bunch O`rock. Should I
get a 3rd powerhead to aim up at the surface to break it up?
I was actually pondering adding a 20 gallon refugium for under the
cabinet. I have a basic tank, I would need an overflow box for that,
right? How do you prevent floods, by not filling the refugium to capacity?