Advice on DIY sump build

[apstreck]

[Reposted from the Equipment section]

Hello,
I'm completely new the the SW game and I'm starting totally from scratch. I know there are similar questions out there, and I have read many threads on this. Using what I've learned I have sketched up my own design for a 20L sump. The DT is 75 gallons.

Here's what I came up with

(Forgive my typo in the image, first section should say "Drain + Skimmer."


I don't see the value of having 3 baffles for a bubble trap, so someone correct me if I'm wrong there. Also I have seen conflicting opinions of flow through the sump. A number I have seen a lot is 3-5x DT volume which would put me at 225-375 GPH. I was looking at an EHEIM pump rated to 528 GPH. And yes, I plan to supplement the DT flow with circulation pumps.

Skimmer is going to be Octo NWB 150 or Eshopps S-120, leaning towards the octo but I like that the Eshopps uses a Sicce pump. The reef octo is supposed to work at 250 gph flow.

Any help would be appreciated.

P.S. Has anyone used the glass-holes complete in-n-out kit?

 

[Cyclist]

Check out the Bubbble Mag Curve 5

 

[wreafer]

You don't have to have three baffles for the bubble trap but you do need to have the baffles in the fuge section both siliiconed to the bottom of the sump. Otherwise you won't be able to put sand in your fuge. So from the fuge the water flows over the second baffle and then under the third that's raised up to the return section

 

[apstreck]

Well I might not even be doing sand for the fuge, but good point. I like the curve 5 a lot... its a bit cheaper, and it takes up less space... is it big enough for 75+20? Or do I need the curve 7?

 

[apstreck]

Also I'm seeing good feedback on the SCA-302

 

[Sammykonga]

Curve 5 would serve you well here. Great skimmers IMO. My sump is similar in design. I too use the double baffle rather than the three from my overflow/skimmer section. My return is in the middle (between fuge and overflow) and I use a single pane between fuge and return. Works well for me.

 

[Cyclist]

Curve 5 would serve you well here. Great skimmers IMO. My sump is similar in design. I too use the double baffle rather than the three from my overflow/skimmer section. My return is in the middle (between fuge and overflow) and I use a single pane between fuge and return. Works well for me.

Hey can we see pictures of your sump?

 

[SeedlessOne]

Id skip the fuge. With a 20l its going to be too small to be effective.

Plus it leaves more room for your skimmer.

 

[Ryan2013]

Your design is very similar to mine. I do have sand in my fuge section because its really just something else to show people when they look at the tank. I have a four foot sump and the refugium is still only 10gallons. If you're using it for pod culture then it may help you some, but for filtration it wouldn't really have much of an impact. Just keep up on your water changes to reduce nitrates and replenish trace elements and you should be fine. I agree with expanding the skimmer section to at least 16 inches and then either use the middle for media reactors or expand the return section if you don't have an ATO. With the size of that section, your pump will most likely draw air after a few days of evaporation.

 

[dson78]

I would keep the fuge, especially if you are going to try and sustain copepods. Its a good standard design that works and if as for a skimmer i would get the sro 2000.

 

[Cyclist]

I would put your return in the center and feed your fuge from the main drain line. Put a ball valve on it so you can control the flow.

 

[apstreck]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm gonna keep the fuge but just use some LR and chaeto, if nothing else for the pids. I think I've got this part pretty well nailed down.... now my task shifts toward figuring out the overflow.

I've looked into several options, and I'm stuck.
Option 1 : overflow box - I like not having to drill, but for $120 for the lifereef its actually the most expensive
Option 2 : glass holes kit - all in one, but relying on one single drain seems scary
Option 3 : diy beananimal - safest but I really don't need to process 2000gph, I'm probably going to be more in the 300-500 range

 

[Mrramsey]

Option 3. You don't actually run it at 2000gph. I run my 120g at about 700gph. I had a 72 that ran at about 600gph using all 3/4" drains.

 

[apstreck]

It just seems like overkill for what I plan on doing...

 

[Mrramsey]

It just seems like overkill for what I plan on doing...

But the peace of mind is priceless. There are minimal maintenance requirements, very quiet, self balancing and then there are the failsafes. I will never use anything else again.

don't recall what size tank you said you had but you can scale it back if needed. like I said my 72gbowfront had all 3/4 bulkheads and pipe. ran great and never had an issue.

 

[apstreck]

do you run the c2c going to an external overflow, or plumb into the internal box?

 

[Mrramsey]

I run a c2c internal per bean animals design.