DIY fuge - Which design?

[stewie24]

Hi fellow reefers..
I'm designing a fuge for my 10 gallon out of a 10 gallon tank. I have everything I need except a return pump and skimmer.
I've came up with 2 designs that i think would work. (i'm trying to make the fuge as big as possible yet eliminate microbubbles).
Which one do you think would be the best and why? the top or bottom?
Also, if you have any other recommendations, feel free to edit the design.
TIA,
Stewie

Note: baffles not to scale. I do plan on having them about an inch or so apart and the same height.

 

[stewie24]

25 views, not 1 reply.. ANY ideas people?
Stewie

 

[Dholmblad]

You dont want to have the skimmer next to the return pump.

 

[gussy]

Why bother with baffles? I don't think it's a big deal. I used a 29 gallon, direct the incoming water on one side and the return on the other side, and a skimmer in the middle....works. Save money and time.

 

[stewie24]

Dholmblad - Why wouldn't I want to have the skimmer next to the return pump? Hopefully there shouldn't be many microbubbles.
Gussy - Do you have sand in your fuge? Or is it just a sump? I dont think having a skimmer sitting on sand would be a good idea for the skimmer/sand.
Thanks
Stewie

 

[stewie24]

BUMP

 

[iceman5]

split your line in to 2 going to the sump 1 line going to the fug. (on one end) other end skimmer, middle is the return use a bubble trap on the skimmer side and fug side just cut lines like the overflow on your main tank you dont want to skimmer the water after your fug.just run the water slow thru the fug. side Andrew

 

[WanaLeime]

try this

try this

try this....

 

[stainlessdonkey]

That lower pic is exactly what i have and works good.

 

[WanaLeime]

sorry...forgot to attach....

sorry...forgot to attach....

Fuge diagram

 

[ChemE]

I like WanaLeime's design except for one thing. The lowest chamber is where evaporation will show up, and that lowest (last chamber) looks tiny. I'd suggest at least a few gallons so your ATO is kicking on and off every few hours.

 

[WanaLeime]

thanks ChemE...But I just kinda rushed that "drawing"...my actual set-up has a lot more room for play....

 

[stewie24]

I think i might go with the lower pic in my drawing. BUT I will make it like the top diagram first, test that out, then if it doesn't work as anticipated, i'll just turn the tank around, add the baffle before the return pump, and i'll be good to go.
Thanks all for your suggestions!
Stewie