Help Me Choose A Sump Layout! AGA 180

[ghostrida3]

are u puttin this under the stand or somewhere else. ive gotta 6ft long 120 that i cant figure out what size aquarium to put underneath to convert into a sump.

 

[drummereef]

It will be underneath on a stand. This is an in-wall setup so no cabnet, just an open stand.

The size of your sump is really dependant on what it is going in. If it's a stand, then I'd say a 40 breeder perhaps? (36x18x16) Also depends if you are plumbing an internal or external pump. Have to leave enough room for plumbing. Internal is usually easier, but I've opted for the headache.

 

[ghostrida3]

not to hijack ur thread but i wanted to include the refugium inside of the sump as well do you think a 30 gal will b large enough?

 

[drummereef]

Yeah, a lot of people use 30 gallon tanks as sumps. Shouldn't be a problem. Just remember bigger is usually better. More space for equipment and more water volume. I'd still probably opt for the 40 breeder though.

 

[SteveOhh]

#2 with a "T" & ball valve coming back into the "return" area...........this way you can control return flow w/o throttling back the pump..........Don't want too much flow thru the fuge & you've already got the fuge supplied from the drain......

Steve

 

[drummereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9452742#post9452742 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SteveOhh
#2 with a "T" & ball valve coming back into the "return" area...........this way you can control return flow w/o throttling back the pump..........Don't want too much flow thru the fuge & you've already got the fuge supplied from the drain......

Steve

Would it create microbubbles into the return area plumbed this way? Do you think it would be a problem?

 

[LowerUnit]

IMHO I'm thinking #3 - would allow skimmed & filtered water to create the healthiest best water environment for the refugium. Also could adjust for higher bypass and less tank return if you calm flow during feeding (along with SteveOhh's return valve suggestion).

Would also suggest check valve between "T" and bypass - in case of power interruption to prevent sump overflow depending on returns being below water level in tank.

 

[GuySmilie]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9451798#post9451798 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drummereef
Is the reason for this so you don't have to dial back the return flow, you just direct it back to the fuge for more circulation?

Yep. That and it can also provide better control over the water level in your overflow box, if needed. I've never been a fan of choking back pumps from their intended flow rate. Sometimes they are just too much.
Guy

 

[chrismhaase]

I have a question about the input into the sump; if you have a sock to catch all solid materials, wouldn't catch the pods who got suck up to?