Input on sump design needed...

[JingoFresh]

I have the following tank setup:

So water is returned from the right sump to the tank, and via an overflow is returned to both sumps.

The sump on the left has crushed up and some solid live rock, and I would eventually like to use it as a refugium.

I'm about to add a protein skimmer to the tank on the right, and have found a few models that will fit nicely and are rated for about twice my tank size.

My concern is that any pods in the left sump will get sucked up and skimmed and won't be able to make it to the return pump, and thus to the main tank.

Is this a legitimate concern or not something to worry about? If it is a legitimate concern, do I have other options?

Should I take all the LR out of the left sump and have it in with the return pump, and have the skimmer in the left sump?

Will the return pump be damaged by sand and such?

Or, can I just have the pods in the main tank and plants in the refugium?

 

[Cymonous]

You should be fine with your first plan. Add macro algae to the left tank, skimmer to right tank. I would highly suggest an ATO to keep your water level constant. A constant water level is needed for a skimmer.

Edit: Pods should be fine. They can go in any chamber and any part of your tank and sump as long as there is saltwater.

 

[JingoFresh]

You should be fine with your first plan. Add macro algae to the left tank, skimmer to right tank. I would highly suggest an ATO to keep your water level constant. A constant water level is needed for a skimmer.

Edit: Pods should be fine. They can go in any chamber and any part of your tank and sump as long as there is saltwater.

Thank you muchly, was worried pods would all die by skimmer but that doesn't sound like an issue.

Will look into an ATO eventually, but it's hard because my tank is no where near a faucet.

 

[Cymonous]

I wouldn't use an ATO with a faucet or any tap water if that's what you mean.

Just get a ATO from autotopoff.com with a small pump. Put the ATO in your sump, pump in a bucket with RODI water. Tubing from pump to your sump.

 

[JingoFresh]

I wouldn't use an ATO with a faucet or any tap water if that's what you mean.

Just get a ATO from autotopoff.com with a small pump. Put the ATO in your sump, pump in a bucket with RODI water. Tubing from pump to your sump.

Well yeah that's what I mean, but still have to setup the pump and bucket full of RO/DI water. So it's something I'll look at after I actually have the skimmer up and running.

Thank you though