Aqueon Modular ProFlex Sump Filtration
- Thread starter MrGoodbar
- Start date
Palting
New member
There are as many ways to plumb a sump as there are people in this world 
. What I used as factors in deciding how to plumb was that I wanted ALL the drain to go to the skimmer section, but have lower flow to the refugium for better refugium efficiency. So, after the drains go through the mechanical filters (filter tower for mine, socks for the Aqueon), all the water goes to the skimmer section. I put a pump into the skimmer section downstream from the skimmer to pick up the flow I wanted to the refugium. The refugium then drains back to the return section of the sump hrough holes I drilled in the 20 gal refugium and side of the sump. The return pump section receives both the output from the refugium and the residual skimmer section output and returns it to the DT.
The reason there are so many ways to plumb is that none of them are perfect. In my set-up, for example, the pods output from my refugium has to go through the return pump, and I may lose some pods. Some also say that the refugium should receive raw drainage for the refugium to do well. Just read though as much as you can, pick a design, accept the compromises, and go with it. Surprisingly, despite all this "nothing is perfect", they ALL work very well!!
. What I used as factors in deciding how to plumb was that I wanted ALL the drain to go to the skimmer section, but have lower flow to the refugium for better refugium efficiency. So, after the drains go through the mechanical filters (filter tower for mine, socks for the Aqueon), all the water goes to the skimmer section. I put a pump into the skimmer section downstream from the skimmer to pick up the flow I wanted to the refugium. The refugium then drains back to the return section of the sump hrough holes I drilled in the 20 gal refugium and side of the sump. The return pump section receives both the output from the refugium and the residual skimmer section output and returns it to the DT.The reason there are so many ways to plumb is that none of them are perfect. In my set-up, for example, the pods output from my refugium has to go through the return pump, and I may lose some pods. Some also say that the refugium should receive raw drainage for the refugium to do well. Just read though as much as you can, pick a design, accept the compromises, and go with it. Surprisingly, despite all this "nothing is perfect", they ALL work very well!!
MrGoodbar
Member
Thanks guys! I just got my tank in today 75g overflow from my LFS and it came with a flyer that has the aqueon sump on it for a rebate of 50$ so i think i will defiantly go with it. Do i need to go with model 2 or 3 since model 2 says its good up to 75g and model 3 is good for up to 120g?
I personally would go with the 3 if you can swing it. I have the 4 on a 120 gallon set up and think it's perfect.
jimrawr
New member
For everyone who has the skimmer inside the last chamber, how do you prevent micro bubbles from returning to the main tank? I have my sump down stairs right now doing a water test, and breaking in the skimmer. The SWC 180 is putting out so many micro bubbles, and they are all staying in that last chamber where my return pump will go. I fear that my tank will be extremely cloudy with these micro bubbles..
Anyways, how do you guys avoid this?
Anyways, how do you guys avoid this?
MrGoodbar
Member
Brwestern, here is a picture. I have a AquaC EV-180 w/9.5 mag, Two heaters, Powerhead for carbon and a Mag 18 as a return. I have a cheap (25.00) ATO.
Picture is from when it was new, more stuff added as mentioned above.
What model number do you have for your proflex?
foxrazr
Member
Looks like a model 4. Which is the one I have. Try raising the blue sponge up to where the waterfall begins. This has made the sump nearly silent and you don't have to hear the annoying waterfall sound.
SI_rEEfer
Member
Here is a picture of mine. I modded it a little. Drilled some holes and added an DIY acrylic probe and Float Switch holders. I also purchased the dual T5 lighting fixture that is available for it.
My pumps are located underneath the sump. Bulkheads are in the bottom of the ProFlex sump
My pumps are located underneath the sump. Bulkheads are in the bottom of the ProFlex sump
MrGoodbar
Member
Ok so i got my proflex sump in today and im pumped. I got the model 3. So i am having trouble deciding on what skimmer to get because the 3rd chamber isnt very big. They recommend a skimmer for it which is a coralife pro skimmer 125. So my question is do i really want to go with that one? i like Reef Octopus Extreme XS 160 but i think it will be really snug in the third chamber. I know i could move the skimmer to the 2nd chamber but then i would lose the refugium. Any ideas/suggestions im all ears.
BigRedNole
New member
I have the ProFlex 3 as well. I am new, so nothing to really compare it to. Very easy setup. The 3rd chamber is very small and I have looked at options for an internal skimmer. It is not an easy option unless you have an external return pump IMO. My skimmer is external, so it provides more room to play with there.
lacosta28
Premium Member
I also have the Proflex model 3 sump. I have managed to put a rio 2500 return pump and Reef Octopus xs 160 skimmer in the last section. I did have to buy some pvc elbows to modify the direction of the water coming out of the skimmer so that it falls where the blue sponge is. Also since it is metric on the skimmer I had to buy a rubber boot to fit the pvc elbows. It costed around 6 dollars to do this.
lacosta28
Premium Member
It's pretty snug but not that bad really. What makes it snug is the control valve on the skimmer. It sticks up out the side. The base and the pump all have room though. I will take a picture of the setup for you when I get home from work this afternoon. BTW: I love that skimmer. It did make microbubbles the first 4 days but since then they have stopped. All I have are snails in my DT and it still pulls out dark almost black stuff in the collection cup.
I found a site with the dimensions, I think 2 has a bigger last section but the refugium and first section are really small.
MrGoodbar
Member
Ok thanks that would help a ton!
MrGoodbar
Member
Ya thats pretty snug. not much room to add like a heater? Have you noticed a change in water level in the 3rd chamber since the space is so crowded and has this effected the skimmer in any way?
