sump turnover vs. skimmer performance

[Lance]

Hmmm.

I've heard this argument many times before: "Does the turnover of water through the sump have any bearing on the performance of the skimmer?

Some people say that less turnover gives the skimmer more reaction time with the tank water and therefore skims better. Others say the more water from the DT available to the skimmer makes for more effective skimming. I have to say I leaned more to the third scenario: that it doesn't make any difference as to skimmer performance. While slower movement through the sump may be beneficial to the flora and fauna living in the sump, it doesn't affect sump performance.

After recently changing return pumps, I may have to change my opinion. My old pump was moving water through the sump at slightly less than twice the rate as the new pump. Skimmate is definitely darker and smellier with the slower water! 3 days, however, does not prove anything so I will monitor the skimmer closely over the next few weeks and see what happens. Thoughts?