Aqueon Modular ProFlex Sump Filtration
- Thread starter MrGoodbar
- Start date
lacosta28
Premium Member
Go to this page http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=22133
If you scroll down in the details box it gives you more detailed dimensions. I have model 3 and I love it.
If you scroll down in the details box it gives you more detailed dimensions. I have model 3 and I love it.
aussie_chicago
New member
I have model 2 and also love it. There would be room in the center section for a decent skimmer, but i have it set up as e fuge, with a hob aero force skimmer, all seems to work pretty well. if you get a pro flex, use some putty to keep the sliding plastic section up, as every time you turn off the return pump, this drops, and you have to pull it up each time. Also check thoroughly for leaks when setting up, my first one had a leak , had to return it for a replacement, no problems on the second one. Also, get yourself a second set of socks, makes cleaning easier.
I will be selling my pro flex 2 soon if interested, I upgraded to a 125 tank, so wont be needing it.
I will be selling my pro flex 2 soon if interested, I upgraded to a 125 tank, so wont be needing it.
Palting
New member
I've looked at this before for my set-up, Brwestern. The problem with the skimmer in the return section is that the water level will not be constant. When I was considering this sump, I was going to use the middle section for the skimmer, and have a separate refugium/remote DSB. An excellent sump if used as designed, IMO. But I went with something else.
evoi19
New member
I have the model 3 and it's ok for what it is. I use it as a sump so my skimmer is in the middle section and my return pump and heater are in the 3rd section. It's decent, but lacks room for other equipment. If i could do it over again, i would've probably have gotten something wider.
artman18944
New member
i have the model 1 on a 36 gallon bowfront....the center section is very small and is only 4.5 inches wide but I was able to fit a asm mini g in there...overall it works great....
Brwestern
New member
I think it's because I'm retarded, but why would the level be different? Wouldn't it stay relatively the same since it has a constant flow from over the refugium wall? I mean, what would make the center section any more consistent?
Palting
New member
No, not retarded 
. I didn't know this either until I actually saw some different sumps in action.
The water in the center section has to reach the level of the overflow wall before it overflows. So that water level in that section is constant, equivalent to the height of that wall. The water level in the return section, however, gets lower as the water in the system eveporates. As an example, my system loses about 3 gallons of water a day from evaporation. The ATO replaces the evaporated water, but the water still has to fluctuate between the low level, where the ATO is activated, and the high or full level, where the ATO is shut off. Theoretically, the return section can completey run dry from evaporation, but the skimmer section will only get depleted up to the height of the overflow wall, after which it just stops flowing.
. I didn't know this either until I actually saw some different sumps in action.The water in the center section has to reach the level of the overflow wall before it overflows. So that water level in that section is constant, equivalent to the height of that wall. The water level in the return section, however, gets lower as the water in the system eveporates. As an example, my system loses about 3 gallons of water a day from evaporation. The ATO replaces the evaporated water, but the water still has to fluctuate between the low level, where the ATO is activated, and the high or full level, where the ATO is shut off. Theoretically, the return section can completey run dry from evaporation, but the skimmer section will only get depleted up to the height of the overflow wall, after which it just stops flowing.
greech
New member
A baffle keeps the level constant.
Evaporation always happens in the return chamber first. Come to think of it I have never figured out why that it is. Assume it would be from the heat of the return pump but this section is usually the lowest point where water collects in the system. Would be interested to know why this is.
Evaporation always happens in the return chamber first. Come to think of it I have never figured out why that it is
. Assume it would be from the heat of the return pump but this section is usually the lowest point where water collects in the system. Would be interested to know why this is.Mike Ordner
Active member
The baffle to the last compartment will keep the center at a constant level at the same height as this baffle, but water will decrease in the last section due to evaporation. An ATO will help keep last section constant, but it will still be the place the water level changes.
Brwestern
New member
If all that is true, which I do believe you, why do they make a product so inherently poorly designed? It's right in their description to have the fuge in the middle, and return pump and skimmer in the last section...son of a..... Lol
Well, here's a question then, I'm looking for a sump that has filter socks, a fuge and obviously a section for pump, heater, skimmer etc... Wh is the proper order then, drain-->skimmer--->fuge, where does the return pump go? After the skimmer, so 4 sections?
I hate DIY projects btw
Well, here's a question then, I'm looking for a sump that has filter socks, a fuge and obviously a section for pump, heater, skimmer etc... Wh is the proper order then, drain-->skimmer--->fuge, where does the return pump go? After the skimmer, so 4 sections?
I hate DIY projects btw
greech
New member
Lots of ways to setup a sump. Drain (with skimmer)>fuge>return, drain>return>fuge (fuge fed by "T/valve" of main return line), remote fuge gravity fed to main sump. Checkout www.melevsreef.com.
jump629shot
New member
I think that the Proflex Sump is great. I am not too crafty of a person so instead of building a sump, I decided to buy the Model 1 for underneath my 54 Corner. I felt the center was too small for a skimmer so I have decided to set up a refugium and it is coming along great. I was just able to squeeze in a Mag 7 for a return pump with the prefilter on it in the last chamber. Overall, this is a great sump or refugium and it is a good, solid overall design.
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thcmusic
New member
I have the model 4 Proflex sump. It has worked very well for me so far. I have had an AquaC EV120 in it for a skimmer as well as an Octopus XP2000i in it. They both fit. I was using the optional bioball insert instead of ther refugium but will probably be eliminating the bioballs soon and putting in cheato instead.
Brwestern
New member
Have you found that your water level for the skimmer is a hassle?
thcmusic
New member
By the way, I used the last section for the skimmer. I also use an external return pump. I also have three small pumps in the last section, one for a UV filter one for a GFO reacvtor and one for a carbon reactor. The heater is in there as well.
I found that an ATO was required with the XP2000 slimmer since it is so sensitive to water height. Needless to say I decided to go back to the AquaC EV120 set external to the sump since it was a bit crowded in that last compartment.
I found that an ATO was required with the XP2000 slimmer since it is so sensitive to water height. Needless to say I decided to go back to the AquaC EV120 set external to the sump since it was a bit crowded in that last compartment.
thcmusic
New member
With the AquaC EV120, the water height was not a problem since it can run internal to the sump or external to the sump.
Even with the ATO, I overflowed a few times with the XP2000 (I never could figure out why because it happend when I was not around) which is why I decided to go back and use the AquaC instead. ATO is now not a necessity, just a convenience instead of manually adding makeup water.
Palting
New member
Unfortunately, the 4 section sump does not seem to be commercially available at an affordable price, especially if you factor in shipping. Most of it is custom. At least this was true a year ago when I was shopping. I ended up getting a sump simillar in design to the Aqueon, used the central portion as a skimmer section, then plumbed in a separate refugium. It's actually a pretty easy DIY.
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