hang on the back skimmer vs in sump

Ok my question is what is better or more efficient(with the same skimmer). would hang on the back be better because it could pick up more nutrients since its directly on the tank. or is the in sump more efficient because protein collects on the top of the water, that water then goes down the overflow.

 

Interesting question!
Probably splitting hairs, but I like the latter.
Easier maintenance and less of an eye-sore.

 

That's the reason most HOB skimmers now have their own in-the-tank overflow boxes (or at least as an option). To skim the water from the surface as opposed to from lower in the tank.

The DOC's and proteins that we want to get rid of are hydrophobic (water fearing) and they will always be found at the air-water interface. that's where they will be on the millions of bubbles in a protein skimmer too.....at the air-water interface (i.e. the surface of the bubble).

 

Yeah, I dont think there would be much of a difference efficiency wise. If anything, with the proteins on the surface, a HOB surface skimmer might have the edge being that it could collect it before it all gets mixed in randomly with the rest of the water column on the way to the sump.
I think it more comes down to personal preference dealing with asthetics/ease of care.

 

I think in the sump they work better, i took my ell cheepo hob skimmer off the back of tank and placed it in the sump and it works twice as good, more and darker skimmate was produced. not shore why I did not do any thing different just moved it from the tank back into the sump

 

Put it in the sump, you will like it much more!

 

Sump.

 

I will go for sump as well, considering HOB PS's still have the intake at about 3-4 inches down into the water, completing missing the surface layer. Sump PS's will collect the entire surface water and process it as it comes down into the sump.

 

Hang on back skimmers are bad at putting micro bubbles back into the tank plus I think it was mentioned but they're just an eyesore...

 

I have never had any problems with micro bubbles from my skimmer, I have a remora HOB. I do believe that an in sump skimmer is more efficient because it will be able to skim the film that forms on the top of the water. However, I have just recently created a lot of turbulence on the top of my water, from facing the power heads up instead of down. I have noticed that the skimate is much darker and thicker since I have done this. Also, the film on the top of the water is gone. Im assuming that the turbulence causes the proteins to be mixed back in with the water, which now my skimmer can pick up.