I need some advice on return pump/sump design

[bobafet1]

Alright, so I'm in the process of building my new tank stand for my 360 gallon acrylic tank. Problem is that I'm not sure what the best design would be for my new sump. Total cabinet space is going to be 47" wide by 35" deep. I'd like to incorporate a refugium, filter socks, probe holders, and a spot for my SWC skimmer. I currently have a Reeflo Dart that I was thinking of using however now that I have the chance to start fresh I'm wondering if I should go with an internal return pump so that I can take advantage of the heat it would put out versus relying on my heaters. Then again are there any internal pumps that match/beat the performance (gph/electricity) of my Dart? I've been out of the loop for a while so I don't know what the latest/greatest is. I just need to get all this figured out asap since I just noticed my current sump sprung a leak this morning. =(

 

[bobafet1]

A few more questions. Is there an ideal sump location for probes and heaters?

 

[iSeeMax101]

I had a large sump I was giving away for free a few weeks back! Baffles and all. Well at least this is all happening while the tank is down. Reeflo makes a great pump. Plus the ability to dial it back is always great but not too sure about internal pumps at the moment

 

[LesPaulPlayer]

Seems like most manufactures put the probe holders in the skimmer section.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

If your looking for an awesome proven pump, look at the Fluval Sea SP pumps. They can be ran internal or external, and use an Askoll motor block. (Laguna, red dragon, Flowstar)

If your looking for a good design for a sump, talk to john at advanced acrylics. He can help you design and build whatever you want. He's done my last 4-5 sumps, and they all came out great.

Here is a pic of my current sump. Only complaint is that he didn't make the section going from the skimmer to the fuge an over under style.








Here's another one john did for me

 

[bobafet1]

those are pretty sick!!
I just left his office and gave him my sketch. He's going to improve it and whip something up for me. =)

 

[SchnitzelReef]

those are pretty sick!!
I just left his office and gave him my sketch. He's going to improve it and whip something up for me. =)

Let's see your sketch.

 

[pandimus]

Let's see your sketch.

 

[bobafet1]

This is a crappy photo of it but here you go.
The drain lines start in the skimmer area and the flow of water goes counter clockwise from there.

 

[thegrun]

Be sure your return pump section is big enough to hold all the drain down water when the pump is off. I slightly oversize mine to avoid the drain down water raising the water level in the refugium so you don't get macro algae floating over the separation baffle and getting into your return pump.

 

[rickztahone]

Be sure your return pump section is big enough to hold all the drain down water when the pump is off. I slightly oversize mine to avoid the drain down water raising the water level in the refugium so you don't get macro algae floating over the separation baffle and getting into your return pump.

That is an excellent point and one I had not considered myself. TFS

 

[bobafet1]

Be sure your return pump section is big enough to hold all the drain down water when the pump is off. I slightly oversize mine to avoid the drain down water raising the water level in the refugium so you don't get macro algae floating over the separation baffle and getting into your return pump.

I remember Jason pointing something like that out. Also, to avoid a grip of drain water I usually drill holes on my return lines just a bit above the water level in the main tank so that suction breaks right away.

 

[bobafet1]

I hear my tank is almost done and sump may be ready by Monday. So excited!! Time to start my build thread. I'm not too far off from being done with my stand.

 

[bobafet1]

Front View.