Recommended Sump configurations for SPS Dominant Tank

[StrangeRabbit]

I just upgraded from my first 8 gallon nano to a 60 gal cube. =D

Going to be setting it up over the next few weeks and I would really love some advice from you experienced SPS reefers because I want an SPS dominant tank. oh and a lot of zoas.... can't go wrong this those.

The sump is a 25 gallon cube with 3 chambers. What are some recommended configurations in the sump that you've had a lot of success with? As in, would you recommend a deep sand bed or miracle mud or even a sand bed at all? Also, yes or no on live rock, chaeto, mangroves, bio balls?? Should I run it with a sock or other filter media? What type of skimmer? Any thing else I should be aware of lol?

This is my first tank/sump set up so naturally I have a lot of questions and I'm going to be very rather "anal" with how I go about it and I want to do it right.

I would truly appreciate your valuable input with this and also with any other aspects such as lighting, water quality, etc..

Thanks so much in advance, happy reefing!!

 

[reefgeezer]

Skimmer in bay 1 - nothing in bay 2 - return bay 3

 

[greaps]

Chamber #1 Socks and Skimmer
Chamber #2 Marine Pure Block 1-2
Chamber #3 Return Pump
Chamber #4 ATO

Or...
Chamber #1 Socks and Skimmer
Chamber #2 Return Pump
Chamber #3 ATO

Advanced Acrylics has some sumps, along with synergy, should give you some ideas.

 

[Mikesmith34]

Chamber #1 Socks and Skimmer
Chamber #2 Marine Pure Block 1-2
Chamber #3 Return Pump
Chamber #4 ATO

Or...
Chamber #1 Socks and Skimmer
Chamber #2 Return Pump
Chamber #3 ATO

Advanced Acrylics has some sumps, along with synergy, should give you some ideas.

+1 on option 1

 

[DiscusHeckel]

This is how I run my sump:

Chamber 1

Skimmer, heater acnd fist size live rocks (this chamber is dark to encourage sponge growth)

Chamber 2

Chaeto

Chamber 3

Return pump, and GFO and GAC reactors, various probes and sensors, such as pH probe, temperature sensor and ATO Infra red sensor, and more fist size live rocks