Newbie question: Sequence of filtration plumbing

[SuncrestReef]

Hello all. Long time reader, first time posting.

I am in the planning stages to set up my first reef tank, a Reefer XL 425, and plan to have a mixed coral/fish environment. I have been reading these and other forums for several months, following many build threads (in particular I appreciate the level of detail provided by Broadfield and ReefGrrl), and researching all the various options.

I think I have narrowed down my list of equipment, but the one thing I'm still unclear on is the sequence of water flow through the entire sump & filtering process. From my research, here is what I think is the proper sequence, but I have read conflicting advice on this topic. Please let me know if the following is correct, or at least acceptable, for the flow of water through the system:

1. Display Tank
2. Overflow
3. Sock Filters
4. Refugium
5. Skimmer
6. Return Pump
7. Reactors
8. UV Sterilizer
9. Dosing
10. Display Tank
(repeat)

Once I can finalize this sequence, I can plan my final plumbing design and begin my build. The display tank and cabinet/sump will be in my living room, and it will be plumbed through the wall to my garage where I'll have a saltwater mixing station and automatic water change & ATO system. I plan to publish my designs here prior to the build to get feedback from the forum community to make sure I'm not overlooking anything before pulling the trigger on this project.

Thanks to anyone who can provide advice, and I'm really looking forward to becoming part of this community!

-John

 

[bertoni]

[welcome]

I would use separate pumps for the reactors and UV sterilizer so that I could control the flow properly. I'm not certain what you mean, though. I would avoid putting all those items in a single line.

Dosing can be done directly into the display tank. That's what I would do.

 

[ReefNomad]

If you must do a UV, do it immediately after the socks so that the dead microorganisms are processed by the skimmer and refugium rather than returning to the display directly via the pump.
I agree that you want your reactors on a separate pump, and have them draw from near the socks and return to the refugium chamber.
I'd also suggest you're better off having the refugium after the skimmer in that sequence, so that you're not skimming out beneficial byproducts of the refugium like pods and plankton.

 

[thegrun]

1. Display Tank
2. Overflow
3. Sock Filters
4. Skimmer
5. Refugium
6. Return Pump
7. Reactors
8. UV Sterilizer
9. Dosing
10. Display Tank

I don't have issues using my return pump to supply my reactors. Just use good quality valves off your manifold feeding the reactors and you should be fine. I'm not big UV fan, but if you do want one then I would feed it with a separate pump located just after the socks.

 

[SuncrestReef]

Thanks for the input. This helps me a lot.