Need help building a sump/refugium

[Scuba Steve]

I am trying to build a sump/refugium for my 100 gallon fish tank. I need to know what height i should make my baffles/walls in the refugium for water flow. And how can I make the water in the refugium higher then my sump side. I have a Little Giant Gravity fed external 700 gal per hour pump. Also I need help engineering a filter sock inlet. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also looking for a place to purchase 4 inch filter socks for cheap. Im also looking for the thick blue bubble defusing sponges/blocks 2X4X8 or so.

 

[Lightsluvr]

The most critical thing in planning is to know how much backflow you will get from the DT when pumps are turned off, or if your power goes off. You don't want the DT siphoning into your sump and causing a flood. Once you get that level determined, you can place baffles to keep the proper water level in the sump. You will also have to consider the optimum operating water depth for your skimmer... I guess what I'm suggesting is measure the amount of water that flows out of the DT before you achieve a siphon break and measure your baffle heights from that point... If your sump baffles are designed right and your water flow not excessive, you might avoid the sponges - they are nitrate and detritus traps unless changed frequently. The filter sock will actually help with bubbles, too.
Here's a link to a sump makin' guru: http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

Good luck with your project.

LL

P.S. - if you're a COMAS member, chances are you could probably pick up a filter sock real cheap from another member...

 

[Scuba Steve]

Thanks for the help. The web site you provided is helpfull. The knowledge you provided is greatly appreciated. Thanks again!!!!

 

[Lytehouse]

Steve,

I use the sponges in sumps. I buy them in blue or black at Aquariums in Edmond. I haven't found them elsewhere except from Jeff at lifereef.

Someone else probably has seen them and will chime in....

Good luck on your build

 

[Scuba Steve]

Thanks again for the help. I will call Aquariums in Edmond for the sponges.

 

[eddybabyhd]

I buy black sponge on ebay in 24x24x2 inch sheets...comes in all sorts of densities...I would post a link...but you know

 

[Scuba Steve]

I will check it out. Thanks for the help.