First sump build

[Tonynlo]

I didnt get a response in the DIY section so I am reposting to possibly get some local help.

At the moment I am changing from a HOB/Sump setup to an all in sump setup. I'm building from a 30 long glass tank with ¼” glass baffles. Approx 36x12x16.


My skimmer seems to do well in about 8 ½ inches of water. I am plumbing my return 25% into the fuge 75% to display. My question is, with the fuge section being higher than all of the other sections, will I get a bunch of splashing in my return section? I have always been a believer in slow moving water (touch time) when it comes to the fuge so I would prefer to not have a short baffle supplemented with egg crate. The water height in my skimmer section will be 10 inches and I want the fuge to be around 12 or so inches high. The design is going to be similar to the popular Model F found on Melev’s site.

 

[xpxdx]

slow flow = no splashing

just make sure your return section is large enough, since that is where the evaporation will show, or use an auto top off...

 

[ReeferCatFish]

Hi Tonynlo!!

I converted a 55 into a "Melev model F" inspired sump by adding glass baffles just like you are describing, and I really like the way mine worked out. As melev suggests, I have (roughly) 25% of the flow going into the 'fuge section, it trickles slowly over the glass baffle into the return section, and doesn't seem to create many microbubbles at all. In fact, I have a larger problem with microbubbles coming through from my skimmer section, even though I made a three baffle bubble trap a la Melev. That said, I'm not really bothered by any of the bubbles anywhere in my system, in fact I really like the sump.

In my opinion, I wouldn't worry too much about the water coming out of the 'fuge section and cascading over the baffle into the return section. In my experience, the water is flowing too slowly to really make any bubbles. I would suggest you build the sump and see how it goes. If microbubbles coming out of the 'fuge section proves to be a problem for you, it would be simple enough to install something to help break the fall of the cascading water, thereby reducing any bubbles. Keep in mind that melev has done a lot of research and experimenting with his sump designs, he's gone to great lengths to minimize microbubbles elsewhere in his systems, yet even he sees no reason to worry about the water or any bubbles coming out of the 'fuge section.

I'll even add that while I followed the design of melev's model F sump very closley, I did raise the height of my 'fuge baffle to like 14", figuring that more 'fuge area was better. Even with my extra tall sump baffle I don't think there is any issue of microbubbles coming out of the 'fuge section.

That's certainly just my $0.02 based on the sump I made. I hope that helps, and good luck!!

-RCF