Filtration and Sump Upgrade

[PhilipOSU]

I have a new MSX 2S cone skimmer on order that I will have on Friday. Here is my preliminary sump design that I am posting for opinions.

I have the livestock section in the sump is for acclimation, the second is the ability to isolate tank bullies or victims, and finally I have a pair of clowns the have been producing eggs and this area would also give me the ability to take my hand at breeding. I am also considering putting a 6" sand bed in the refugium. Let me know what you think.

 

[Ed Reef]

I like it....looks' great!!

 

[bag151]

Philip, how do you access the filter socks in the tray? through the side or out of the top?

I have the same skimmer filter sock setup on my tank and it is a pain to change the socks, because you can't get to them through the skimmer. Harder it is to get to them the less likely you are to change them. Also you will want to put in some more baffles as bubble traps.

 

[PhilipOSU]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14586806#post14586806 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bag151
Philip, how do you access the filter socks in the tray? through the side or out of the top?

I have the same skimmer filter sock setup on my tank and it is a pain to change the socks, because you can't get to them through the skimmer. Harder it is to get to them the less likely you are to change them. Also you will want to put in some more baffles as bubble traps.

Brett - great thought on the access to the filter socks. This is a basement sump system so I will have access to 3 sides of the platform that the sump sits on. In this revision I added a 3 baffle bubble trap between the refugium and the return section. I also added in the prop tank and the return pump on the platform. The area in front of the sump is designed as a space for my equipment to sit for easy access. Any further suggestions/opinions are always welcome. Oh also to make the changes in this revision I added 5" to the width of the sump making it now 3'5"W by 4'L

 

[bag151]

I would leave your livestock isolation areas where they were and turn the other side into a large skimmer zone, make sure to plan for the largest skimmer that you might upgrade to, that way you are not kicking yourself later for not adding that extra inch and you can move your skimmer to one side of the zone so you can access your filter socks easier and have easier access to the skimmer pumps.