Advice please...

[rustypixel]

I'm in the process of designing my own all-in-one tank and would like some input on the rear portion of the tank. I have my basic dimensions set and the only thing I'm not sure of is how to set up the rear sump area of the tank. I have sketched out the two options I'm thinking about and would like for everyone here to post their opinions and what they would add/not add to the set up. Please forgive me with the image part of this doesn't go smoothly... this is my first attempt at uploading an image. There are 2 images to see. I appreciate all the feedback and suggestions I'm given.

Thanks.


http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/rustypixel/Sumpdetail.jpg


http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/rustypixel/BasicDimensions.jpg

 

[rustypixel]

Anyone with any input/suggestions/advice?

 

[LBCBJ]

What size tank is it. If you're going to do a chamber I would go with option one. The middle chamber like you said could used for carbon or bubble trap, or also as a small refugium. I don't have any back chamber on my nano, I didnt really see the need for one, just another area to collect detritus that you have to clean, and also the potential to get clogged up and flood.

 

[rustypixel]

The tank will be roughly 40 gallons. The chambers in the back will be three sheets of acrylic set so the water will flow oever the first part next to where the skimmer would go, under the center part and lastly over the last part into where the return and chiller pumps will be. I don't think there will be much of a concern with clogging as the center part will be about 2" off the bottom. I have no plans for a refugium. My main reason for having the chamber is to reduce or eliminate any bubbles that come from the skimmer and to lend for some suport of the whole back wall. I would appreciate further suggestion and comments.

Thanks.

 

[phenom5]

well, if it were me, i'd probably go with a small refuge w/ macro in the first chamber, skimmer in the second with a sml bubble trap after the skimmer and then the return.

out of curiousity...why? why not just setup a 40g breeder, drill it, and have a below tank sump/ fuge?

 

[rustypixel]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7535144#post7535144 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by phenom5
well, if it were me, i'd probably go with a small refuge w/ macro in the first chamber, skimmer in the second with a sml bubble trap after the skimmer and then the return.

out of curiousity...why? why not just setup a 40g breeder, drill it, and have a below tank sump/ fuge?

I'm trying to keep this thing as self-contained as possible as it will be a "small" tank that will be in the kitchen. I maintained a 30G with sump in the past and no matter how neat and carefull one tries to be, there will be salt creep. The Mrs. is OK with all of this with the understanding that salt creep and a general "mess" is kept to a minimum. I have an in the wall 90 planned for the basement where the tank will be in a utility room and that will have a sump and can be as messy as I want it to be only because it's in a part of the basement that no one sees.
This cube will be right in the middle (sort of) of a high traffic area in the kitchen. I figured if I can have a kind of sump large enough to get a good/decent skimmer/pump in there and have all the cabinet room underneath for a powerstrip, a chiller, the light balast and all my supplies.
I want this thing to be as tight and self-contained as I can get it and incorporating a sump in the rear is my first step.

I would still like more input on my plans.

Thanks!

 

[phenom5]

I want this thing to be as tight and self-contained as I can get it and incorporating a sump in the rear is my first step.

fair enough, makes sense to me. like i said, i still go refuge--->skimmer--->return.

 

[rustypixel]

Just a bump. Would really like more input.

Thanks.

 

[calvin415]

Here's an example of one I had a while ago... First chamber was for a skimmer, second was for additional mechanical filtration along with carbon trickling over bio-balls (which I quickly removed)... Third was for the return pump.

The second chamber could be used as a refug for cheato instead, or in my case I drilled it and turned it into a CL area... Bottom hole is a screened drain which fed a pair of MJ pumps fit to some loc-lines...