Sump Design

[Icewing726]

Hi, bout to put the sump together and I was hoping to get some input. I had a few questions as well.
1) Bioballs or life rock?
2) Should I isolate the skimmer or is it ok to have that area open to the refugium as well?
3) Is the baffle on the other side of the refugium needed before the bubble trap?
4) Is 1.5 in too much, too little, just right for baffle seperations?
5) How much room should I give the return pump? Enough to fit or is there a gallon requirement?

Another question not in the picture, can I put my heaters in the sump or should it be in the tank?

BTW I calced my overflow drains height with the size of the tank to compute that I need 7 inches of space if the return fails which is why I marked 12 inches on the side of the image.

Any and all advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Reef noob_]

1) live rock
2) isolated
3) no
4) good, I usually do 1"
5) measure the one you'll be getting and give it just a little wiggle room.

6) heaters definitely in sump, in the tank is just ugly and if you have the space why not?


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[ryeguyy84]

Keep in mind the height requirement your skimmer will need. Mine sits in 8 inches of water. In the case of your sump it would sit in 10 inches. Might be too high for some skimmers.


1) Bioballs or life rock? if you must live rock but it's more cleaning since things will fall under it. I put a block of marinepure next to my return pump.
the overflow section gets a little messy especially if you're not using filter socks.
2) Should I isolate the skimmer or is it ok to have that area open to the refugium as well? Isolate
3) Is the baffle on the other side of the refugium needed before the bubble trap? I don't think so
4) Is 1.5 in too much, too little, just right for baffle seperations? thats fine
5) How much room should I give the return pump? Enough to fit or is there a gallon requirement? measure the return pump and give room for upgrades. Also think about top off since this is the area that will notice it. if you make it too small the pump will run more often, not a big deal just something to consider if you forget to fill your reservoir it will take longer before your return pump goes dry (not a good thing)

 

[Icewing726]

Thanks for the replies.

You mention if you must on the live rock or bio balls. Should I just make the refugium area larger and utilize filter media in that area? Something different?

I plan on making a container to hold the rock in so I can lift it out and clean. Also was planning on vacuuming underneath through the baffle/ adding a sponge on top with a filter sock.

As for an auto top off, any tips?

 

[Reef noob_]

As for an auto top off, any tips?

Tunze osmolator. Period.


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