pro-clear skimmer

I purchased this MPS 150 about 1 month ago and since my stand is low to the ground, i have set it up next to the sump add slightly longer input and output tubes and then plumbed it on a down slope into the sump. it has an adjustable pipe for the output to regulate water height, well that was leaking on and off.. so i shut it down and put silicone sealant "aqaurium safe" around the joint, and then another joint began to leak, again i just shut it down today and applied sealant. is all this trouble worth it, is it a good skimmer i paid $200 at a LFS here. or is there another good skimmer that can sit next to the sump? HOB is only possible if i move the tank away from wall... when it does skim i get a lot of output but i dont have anything to compare it to, to see its potential. know what i mean? Thanks Justin

PIC: the new design is not hard piped to the pump, it has a clear hose.

http://www.pro-clear.com/images/skimmers/mps150.gif

 

unfortunately many skimmers are designed to be put in the sump. This way leaks aren't an issue and therefore the skimmer can be built to a lower standard. If you are looking for a new skimmer look for a hang on or external

You can either seal all the joints and give another try with this skimmer but the simple fact is it was not designed to be 100% water tight

I'm not familiar with that skimmer but would imagine there are better ones out there.
Because you require a lower profile skimmer what about a Deltec MCE-300

 

well, i decided to seal the main elbow of the output and so far so good, but ill still look into the deltec then maybe Craigslist this one.

 

Great! Well if you do go looking for a new skimmer let us a 3reef help before you spend the $$$. there are a lot of people with a lot of different skimmers to lend there advice

J