Sump/Refugium

[aqualab]

I posted this in the reef discussion forum but have not gotten much feedback/info so I thought forum this may generate more feedback.

Does it matter which comes first off of the tank - sump then fuge or visa versa? Theory behind your decisions? Tank is on first floor, sump and fuge will be in basement. Gravity drain to basement off of an Oceanic megaflow rated for 600 gph. I have two sumps, I am going to be converting one into a fuge and am still working on layout/plumbing, etc.... I own a Bio Rocker sump which is also rated at 600 gph, so I have little options on flow rate, retro-fitting the Bio Rocker setup, or the level in that sump. Is there a prefered depth/ water level for a fuge, deeper better, what water depth do you keep in your fuge? Flow rate through the fuge? I have read Melev's website - looking for more varied input from you guys out there with successful sump/fuge layouts.

Thanks,
Bill

 

[luke33]

The overflow should go to the sump. The refuge doesn't need alot of flow like the sump. I use a ball valve from my return to feed my fuge water. That way i can regulat the flow in there.

 

[aqualab]

I was looking at having a UV and chiller in-line after the sump's return pump to the tank, would you suggest putting a "T" with a valve to control intake to the fuge prior to those two pieces rather then after? UV may be detrimental to the pods, etc.... and the chiller may be too harsh? So basically I would have the drain into the sump and back up to the tank, the fuge would be essentially an off shoot with its overflow going back into the sump?

 

[luke33]

Correct about the sump to fuge. The UV needs to go before the fuge, correct about that. I'm not knowledgeable about chillers so someone else will have to fill ya in on that. Here's how mine is set up. I have my overflow coming down into mech and chem filtration, flowing over a couple baffle's, then my return, and then i have my fuge connected with pvc, and one pvc extends to the top of the fuge where there's an overflow. Then my return pump in my sump pumps about 800gph to my tank with a "T" in the line and 100gph goes to my fuge per a ball valve. Hope that makes sense. It may not be the best set up, but i think it serves its purpose well.

 

[aqualab]

Thanks Luke33, yes it make sense, drawing out design right now - should keep me busy this weekend constructing bench and piping in equipment. I think though that the UV and chiller both need to be downstream of the valved "T" which will bleed off water to the fuge prior to going through the UV and chiller.

 

[luke33]

I agree with you and no prob!

 

[aqualab]

What about the skimmer - it is in sump type - is it alright to have prior to fuge?

 

[luke33]

Perfectly alright.