Need help deciding on a skimmer

[crusty1]

I have a G3 running on 180G DT 70g sump and 33g fuge here are my thoughts

- I have read on ASMSkimmer.com some comments about the Sedra 5000 pump being rather noisy. I'm interested in hearing what CanReefers think about this. Would you agree? Is there an alternative, quieter pump that a G3 could be run on?
The pump is under water I don't think its any noisier than any other pump, however I keep the skimmer in a fish room in the basement.

- Are either of these mods really necessary?
I have considered the mods but I doubted for the cost vs. amount of difference it makes would be small.

- How do you adjust the skimmer without the mod(s)?
There is no airline adjustment. To change the consistancy of skimmate, you just raise and lower the sliding discharge tube.

- Has anyone modified their collection cup to feed a seperate bucket? Any problems there?
I was thinking about this. What I thought was that it would be a pain disconnecting the feed line from the cup to a bucket when you wanted to clean. Probably prone to clogging as well.

- Are you happy with it?
Definetely, I probably have to consider upgrading soon, but overall its been great.

-Where does the water return into the sump from?
The gate valve is replacing a sliding tube and foam, which controls the level inside the skimmer, and overflows through the tube

-Where exactly is the needle wheel? In the pump?
Yes, the needlewheel replaces the standard impeller

HTH
Chris