skimmer size for sump design

[JamesThomas]

Im doing a layout of my 40gal sump. it looks like the design has an area 9" by 16" for the skimmer area. Is this enough? Ive seen different footprint sized and didnt know if there was a rule of thumb.
Im setting up the sump for a 140gal tank

 

[mcgyvr]

Plenty of room

 

[nereefpat]

It depends on the footprint of the skimmer you are going to use.

The 16" is definitely fine. The 9" may or may not be.

 

[JamesThomas]

Well I don't have the skimmer yet. Maybe I should bump the skimmer area up to 10" leaving a smaller return chamber

 

[RobZilla04]

A better bet is to get the equipment you plan to use then finalize the sump layout. You can use rough measurements to select equipment sizes but the final placement and divider installation would be best done once all equipment has arrived.

 

[mcgyvr]

Well I don't have the skimmer yet. Maybe I should bump the skimmer area up to 10" leaving a smaller return chamber

A smart move would be to simply start looking at skimmers and write down the footprints of the ones you might be interested in and then size as needed..

 

[JamesThomas]

Ok I've begun looking. I hear good things about the reef octopus

 

[JamesThomas]

Do we have any area for used equipment? I’ll need a skimmer for 150 gal aggressive fish only

 

[mcgyvr]

Do we have any area for used equipment? I’ll need a skimmer for 150 gal aggressive fish only

There is but rules of this forum don't allow you there until 50 posts and like 90 days membership or something...

Might I suggest a Bubble Magus Curve 7 Skimmer for your tank if you plan on decently stocking it or the Curve 5 if lightly stocked..

I am very happy with my Curve 5 on my 80g tank.. Its quiet and performs very well..

 

[JamesThomas]

Ok I’ve read about that model. I’ll check it out. Thanks for the direction!

 

[oldhead]

The other thing you will have to check is skimmer depth. I made my sump and had originally decided on a bubble magus. I made the sump chamber 11" deep to their deepest spec. I then changed my mind and bought a reef octopus. The depth that is running at is 6 1/2". I just had to build an egg crate stand. You may or may not have adjustable baffles if your sump is store bought.

 

[on the spot]

Do we have any area for used equipment?..

There is but rules of this forum don't allow you there until 50 posts and like 90 days membership or something...

I believe you can visit your local forums - you often find the sale threads posted there first.

See if there is a group near where you live.

HTH

 

[JamesThomas]

found a reef octopus 300 for $250. sounds pretty good?

 

[mcgyvr]

found a reef octopus 300 for $250. sounds pretty good?

Which 300 model?

Way too big IMO for a 140g tank if its one of their 300SSs/INT,etc... models..as they are rated like 500g I though.. or so..

 

[JamesThomas]

oh I thought bigger was better. lol. I was reading that they are noiseyand more difficult to tune.
maybe Ill keep looking at the Magus curve. seems solid and really quiet. just seems like it needs such a high water level...11in

 

[JamesThomas]

Ill have the height available so maybe Ill just put the baffles in after, like everyone is suggesting

 

[mcgyvr]

FWIW my curve 5 works best in far less than the stated water level..I think mine is in like 6" or less...

 

[JamesThomas]

thanks for the info. I think Im going with the Curve. looks like a great piece of equiptment
How many gallons are you running thru it? not sure if I need the 5 or 7. Ill have 180 gal total with predator fish

 

[mcgyvr]

I'd get the 7 if I were you..