double sump layout

[sammysalt]

I have been reading and studying different sump layouts for some time now. The area in which I have placed my 55 gal tank will require me to use two 10 gal sumps, one over the other.
I have gathered that I really dont want to use bioballs, but I may want to get a few clowns and maybe another interesting reef friendly fish, so will I want them?
Also, I want to slow the flow of water thru my refugium. Can I do that with the exhaust from my skimmer, or is that water depleted of nutrients? Should my skimmer be the last unit of the sump to remove any remaining waste?
Should I go main tank to mechanical drip filter, thru bioballs, thru liverock and refugium to skimmer and return pump?

 

[Devaji108]

I would skip the bio balls and just use LR. another thought is how are you going to stack the 10 gal on top of each other? you would probably need support under the top tank so the weight is not on the bottom. are you going to drill the top tank and use a bulk head?

 

[sammysalt]

Oh yeah, there will be a separation between the two. I am drilling the top one to fall into the lower one.
I want to fill the top tank with LR and have a refugium in the lower with room for the skimmer and return pumps.
Hey! Thanks

 

[ati70cutlass]

i think you would get more nutrient export from running chaeto and bio beads. i only have LR in my main tank , both tanks, and run chaeto in the sump. i feed heavily and never had a nitrate issue