Help me design a new filtration system

[JBuffetReefer]

Well, I've had this 120g tank for a few months now and I think I've come to the conclusion that the LFS did not give me the best advice on the proper filtration system for this tank.

Here is a picture of my current sump right now.

It is a megaflow sump 4 with a MSX 200 skimmer and a mag12 return pump. I have a filter pad in place of the bio balls and I added a baffle to keep my water level constant and then put carbon in the compartment next to the skimmer and the cabinet space is 4' wide.

I want to keep the skimmer and return pump but I am willing to redo everything else.

Please give me your ideas for a new sump. Photos of your sump or sketches of your design would be appreciated.

Money isn't a concern but I don't see it costing too much since I would be reusing my skimmer and return pump.

I currently have fish and a few corals and want to make this tank more of a reef tank.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[BurntOutReefer]

"Money isn't a concern "...
buy a 20foot RK2 and be done with it then

 

[MFX]

Hey,

I don't know if this will help you, but this is what I have seen used here in Aus' with very good results. Simple low maintenance. I don't really understand the need for so many baffles in the sump design they have you using?

Jeff.

 

[JBuffetReefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13051008#post13051008 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BurntOutReefer
"Money isn't a concern "...
buy a 20foot RK2 and be done with it then

What is a RK2?

 

[inachu]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13051795#post13051795 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JBuffetReefer
What is a RK2?

I never heard of an RK2 either. Perhaps its R2D2 sister.

 

[bsagecko]

for the best filteration system IMO i would make a refuge and algae turf scrubber in addition to an RDSB........it is all natural and really cheap.............

I dont see the need for the skimmer with this

Also bioballs never hurt anyone who knew how to use them

i would put in 2x 25 micron filter socks then bioballs then skimmer with return pump..........

then i would get 2x 5 gallon buckets one for RDSB and one for the Algae turf scrubber

then i would either get another 5 gallon bucket or go with a HOB for fuge

either that or divide the feed for the sump and make half filter w/ bioballs and skimmer and the other half the refuge with the return in the middle

basically you only what about 400gph in the fuge/RDSB/AT and you want high flow through everything else skimmer bioballs and all that

dont use bioballs without filter sock it will end badly with the rumored oh so dreaded nitrate factories from h*** that everyone hears about

 

[JBuffetReefer]

any other ideas?

 

[SantaMonica]

Try a DIY turf algae filter. Here is a DIY one I made in a bucket... brought Nitrate and Phosphate to zero in a week, is basically free to build, and you could have it running the same day. You could put it next to your sump, or farther away:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=12931276#post12931276

 

[discocarp]

MFX's design is a classic. Personally though, I prefer the skimmer before the refugium. I want as much out of the system as possible before the refugium gets the leftovers. I also don't want to skim the pods in addition to the return pump trip. It also significantly reduces microbubbles.

 

[discocarp]

I'm still playing with some organizational issues, but here is my layout (7'x2'x2.5' 265g tank):

Left:

Center:

Right:

You'll notice I don't exactly practice what I preach. Small regrets from a custom setup.