Sump/Fuge - Is it Worth it?

[lpsluver]

I am going to put a sump or fuge on my RSM. I only have limited space to work with. I can fit a 10 gallon tank in the stand but when I work the calcs for the space needed (per the equipment to be used) the sections turn out to be:

8" x 10" for the skimmer (7" x 9" footprint)
4.5" x 10" for the fuge and
4.5" x 10" for the return section (using a Mag5)

Is this even worth the effort or should I split the tank and make it a sump and use mechanical filtration (phosban reactor, etc.) instead of the fuge?

I am fixed in depth (max of about 20") but am somewhat flexible in height (up to 16-17") and width (up to about 14"). Any other ideas or does anyone know of a Rubbermaid-type container that would work here?

All opinions/advice welcome.

By the way...the original intent of the sump was a place to put a better skimmer. The one that comes with the RSM is a POS. I will be replacing it with a Octopus NW-110.

 

[pedromatic]

IMO, any fuge is better than no fuge. If you're concerned about size, there are some HOB fuges available (but expensive) so you could keep the 10g purely as a sump. Otherwise, just reserve a small area for some sand/mud, LR and some macroalgae.

 

[tperk9784]

IMO th sump is worth it if you plan on putting in better hardware.

The fuge is a toss up. Ask yourself why are you thinking of adding a fuge in the 1st place, do you need it?

Do you have animals that eat pods?

Lots of questions but I think the benefits of the sump far outweigh not having it.

 

[illal]

i thinks thats really small for the return section.. id be worried about evaporation IMO i would skip the fuge if you decide to use the 10g and maybe go with a HOB fuge instead

 

[lpsluver]

Because my tank is an All In One, HOB's are not really a viable option without ruining the look.

TPerk....Yes I have pod eaters. I have a couple of Pipefish that graze. They eat mysis but the additional pods would only be better.

The fuge would help with algae control. Got some hair algae and caulerpa that I'm removing by hand and would prefer using macro algae instead.

Anyone that can make a "custom" fuge for a decent price? I think 20 x 14 x 16 would be a decent size.

 

[titus164]

I have a fuge that has about 6 inches of space and since I changed the bulb out it has been helping minimize my ph swings. If you have a nice piece of cheato in there that grows like a weed its only going to help. I thought I'd mention that I have a filter sock, two filter sponges and I run a pure pad, in addition to my fuge.

 

[lpsluver]

Titus...Is your fuge 2 or 3 sections and are you running a skimmer? What size is it?

 

[carlosngloria]

u can put the hob fuge on the sump.

 

[gasman059]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10894815#post10894815 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lpsluver
Because my tank is an All In One, HOB's are not really a viable option without ruining the look.



Anyone that can make a "custom" fuge for a decent price? I think 20 x 14 x 16 would be a decent size.

Hey Bob
Sure anythings possible PM with the details and I'll get someone on it.

 

[saltwaterfishlover]

one question comes to mind ... you adding another skimmer to replace the one in the back? if not no need for skimmer section... bigger return and fuge

 

[lpsluver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10896148#post10896148 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gasman059
Hey Bob
Sure anythings possible PM with the details and I'll get someone on it.

PM sent

 

[gasman059]

PM REPLIED

 

[lpsluver]

A fuge it is. Here is what Manny made for me. It is my design but he made some improvements to it. It will be going into service in my RSM tonight.

Where can I get Cheato? Sand or live rock or both?

 

[gasman059]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11024531#post11024531 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lpsluver
A fuge it is. Here is what Manny made for me. It is my design but he made some improvements to it. It will be going into service in my RSM tonight.

Where can I get Cheato? Sand or live rock or both?

Bob call me I'll give u some cheato.
BTW great job.

 

[lpsluver]

Should I put live sand and/or LR in with the cheato? How about a small powerhead to tumble it?

 

[gasman059]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11025133#post11025133 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lpsluver
Should I put live sand and/or LR in with the cheato? How about a small powerhead to tumble it?

Bob u can have some of both I have both.
Def no need for PH.