sump setup

[saltwaterpicaso]

im making a new sump out of a 40g breeder tank. was wondering what everyone thought of this order for setup. the numbers will represent chambers.
1. filter sock
2. cheato
3 skimmer and return pump and gfo pump.

skimmer and gfo will be plumbed into the baffle before the chamber so no micro bubbles into DT

 

[emm0909]

Check out what Amherst did with his. It dumps into the sump in two places. Because of this design you can run more water through your skimmer chamber than your refugium section. Also you are not skimming your fuge water and pulling out things that should not be pulled out.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2271763

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

I seen that but I want all water to hit filter sock first. Then cheato then skimmer and return. I think the cheato before skimmer would be more efficient. Idk I just always see skimmer then cheato. I dont get why maybe someone will chime in

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I would hit Chaeto/refugium before skimmer. That's what I do. And mechanical filtration (sock) is first.

 

[cardiffgiant]

I liked doing separate chambers for skimmer and refugium. Just a personal preference. I like using a filter sock before the skimmer, but not for the water going into the fuge. I also like having different flow for skimmer chamber (high) than the fuge (low).

I still do this with my basement system, but do it with different tanks that are gravity fed.

 

[AmherstReef]

I based mine on Melevs Reef sump model F

http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/f/sump_f.html

It a popular design and has worked well for many reefers.

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

i like that idea but i really want all water to go threw a sock then refugium then skimmer and gfo i just think it will make the the purest water

 

[emm0909]

It sounds like you have your mind made up then.

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

now i just need to figure out a way to direct the skimmer water so there are no micro bubbles

 

[cardiffgiant]

now i just need to figure out a way to direct the skimmer water so there are no micro bubbles

If you're first baffle in the skimmer chamber is an "under" you'll pop a lot of bubbles right in the skimmer chamber. I think this is important for sumps that go from skimmer chamber into the return chamber.

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

yeah that is how it will be setup but i want the return pump gfo and skimmer in the very last chamber with the skimmer and gfo being return piped before the baffle

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

what does everyone think of using acrylic for the baffles or should i just stick with glass

 

[cardiffgiant]

yeah that is how it will be setup but i want the return pump gfo and skimmer in the very last chamber with the skimmer and gfo being return piped before the baffle

I might be misunderstanding, but I wouldn't place a skimmer in the return chamber.

Acrylic would be fine for baffles. I'd use either 1/4" glass or acrylic depending on whatever you find to be cheapest, easiest to get, or easiest to work with. As a tip, you can use sandpaper on the tops of glass baffles to file the edges to the point that you won't cut yourself doing sump maintenance.

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

i wanted the sump in the return to get the cleanest possible water back into the tank. and just plumb the skimmer return to the chamber before the return so it would pass threw the skimmer twice and to keep any bubbles out.