Sump plan, please critique

Mollie8400 · 07/11/2017, 03:35 PM

I'm building a sump for my 70g reef tank. Right now I have a small bio load, but I want to increase. I've drawn up a plan, but if anyone has any ideas please let me know.

FYI, the reactors in my plan are mounted on either side of a 2x4 beam on the stand.

FullBoreReefer · 07/11/2017, 03:48 PM

I would move the return pump to the middle(about how it is) but then build another set of baffles on the other side(like you did for the fuge side) so then your skimmer will be in a chamber that doesn't fluctuate water levels as opposed to being in the same chamber as a return pump. Just my opinion...

Lsufan · 07/11/2017, 07:18 PM

I would do like fullborereefer mentioned with the bubble trap. U want the skimmer in a section that can't flunctuate even the slightest. Also, the skimmer is where a few bubbles may come from so u would want a bubble trap between the skimmer & return so the return doesn't pull any bubbles.

U really only need a single baffle & not a bubble trap between the fuge & return. If bubbles get into the fuge it means your return is pulling bubbles which won't happen if u move the bubble trap to after the skimmer. It won't hurt anything having the bubble trap between the fuge & return but it will be taking up real estate that is not needed.

FugeReefer · 07/11/2017, 08:22 PM

I would have a baffle set 1.5 in. from the tank bottom between the filter sock and the skimmer chamber. Also the top of the baffle should be at least 2 in. from the top of the sump (more is better).

Move the bubble trap to separate the skimmer chamber and the return chamber. I recommend having a minimum of 2 in. between the baffles of your bubble trap, for two reasons. 1) It allows you to clean out the detritus that will get in there. 2) It gives room to place a piece of filter foam to help prevent anything getting into your return chamber from the drain side of the sump.

One single baffle to sperate the fuge chamber and the return chamber.

Make sure there is a ball valve installed on the line going down into the fuge to regulate the flow rate into the fuge (otherwise most of your return flow will go straight to your fuge and not your reef).

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Mollie8400 · 07/12/2017, 07:46 AM

Thanks all. I've included your suggestions, did I get them all?

FugeReefer · 07/12/2017, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollie8400

Thanks all. I've included your suggestions, did I get them all?

Looks like a good revision. What return pump are you planning to use?

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Mollie8400 · 07/12/2017, 11:57 AM

I have a 700gph dancer pond pump (never been used, but has been tested)

Mollie8400 · 07/12/2017, 11:58 AM

*danner not dancer

07/11/2017, 03:48 PM	#2
FullBoreReefer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Wooster, OH Posts: 1,862	I would move the return pump to the middle(about how it is) but then build another set of baffles on the other side(like you did for the fuge side) so then your skimmer will be in a chamber that doesn't fluctuate water levels as opposed to being in the same chamber as a return pump. Just my opinion... __________________ 60x36x24 mixed reef. 40b sump. Regal 250int Varios. 4xHydra26HDs+t5s. 4xMp40wes. Apex2016.

07/11/2017, 07:18 PM	#3
Lsufan Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 1,410	I would do like fullborereefer mentioned with the bubble trap. U want the skimmer in a section that can't flunctuate even the slightest. Also, the skimmer is where a few bubbles may come from so u would want a bubble trap between the skimmer & return so the return doesn't pull any bubbles. U really only need a single baffle & not a bubble trap between the fuge & return. If bubbles get into the fuge it means your return is pulling bubbles which won't happen if u move the bubble trap to after the skimmer. It won't hurt anything having the bubble trap between the fuge & return but it will be taking up real estate that is not needed.

07/11/2017, 08:22 PM	#4
FugeReefer Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Vero Beach, FL Posts: 5	I would have a baffle set 1.5 in. from the tank bottom between the filter sock and the skimmer chamber. Also the top of the baffle should be at least 2 in. from the top of the sump (more is better). Move the bubble trap to separate the skimmer chamber and the return chamber. I recommend having a minimum of 2 in. between the baffles of your bubble trap, for two reasons. 1) It allows you to clean out the detritus that will get in there. 2) It gives room to place a piece of filter foam to help prevent anything getting into your return chamber from the drain side of the sump. One single baffle to sperate the fuge chamber and the return chamber. Make sure there is a ball valve installed on the line going down into the fuge to regulate the flow rate into the fuge (otherwise most of your return flow will go straight to your fuge and not your reef). Sent using Tapatalk

07/12/2017, 11:57 AM	#7
Mollie8400 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Ottawa Posts: 5	I have a 700gph dancer pond pump (never been used, but has been tested)

07/12/2017, 11:58 AM	#8
Mollie8400 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Ottawa Posts: 5	*danner not dancer