how much space for skimmer in the sump?

[RL321]

I have a 30 gallon 36Lx12.5Dx16H for my sump, setup: skimmer/return/fuge.
Skimmer is AquaMaxx EcoMaxx EM200 "¢Footprint: 6.7" x 9.8". My question is
how much space should I give the skimmer? Im thinking 12x12.5 and the rest use for fuge and return. Also should the return have more volume than the fuge?





















AquaMaxx EcoMaxx EM200

 

[Coelli]

You'll want a couple of inches to either side of the skimmer so you can maneuver it. The return section doesn't need much room, enough to fit the pump and make sure it's covered with water. The return in my 20L sump probably only has 2-3 gallons in 4" of water. The fuge (on the left, return is in the middle, drain/skimmer on right) has the most volume of the 3.

 

[billdogg]

Because you should put the skimmer where the tank drains to, an area just big enough for both is plenty. No sense wasting valuable real estate! To actually be useful, the refugium needs to be as big as possible, but unless you have an ATO, you have to balance the needs of the return pump and evaporation with the intended purpose of the fuge.

I divided my 40b sump fairly equally into 3 sections, and use the refugium section as a live rock repository/pod factory.

hth.

 

[sandman4411]

Keep in mind you may want to upgrade later. So leave a little room for expansion the future. Had to redo sump because I made skimmer chamber to fit skimmer perfectly. Then my skimmer took a dump. Plan for a failure.

 

[dgt1128]

^^^ Just like sandman said. always plan for many upgrades. itll save you in the long run.