Which is a better sump layout?

[richardhmc]

I am trying to build a 20 gallon sump and here is what I came up with.
The baffles are 11 3/4 in x 8 in x 1/4 in. Would it better to go with A or B?

 

[SkarfPa]

I dont know which one is better ,maybe should have asked which one does everyone use I use A works well for me I have a lot of micro bubbles from my skimmer and filter sock with A they have time to disapate before hitting the return

 

[aquaph8]

Mine in also like A. I believe thats pretty much the standard layout.

 

[richardhmc]

With setup A,how fast is the flow in the refugium? I was thinking that if I did B, then I could lower the amount of flow in the refugium since I could just limit the intake into that section.

 

[jet fixer]

I went with B for the exact same reason you stated. Brown santa should be bringing it tomorrow.

 

[richardhmc]

And also, if I went with B, the nutrients would be divided by both refugium and skimmer instead of A, where the skimmer takes out all the nutrients and then the skimmer gets whats left.

 

[uncleof6]

And also, if I went with B, the nutrients would be divided by both refugium and skimmer instead of A, where the skimmer takes out all the nutrients and then the skimmer gets whats left.

B gives flow control over the fuge, separate from the flow through the sump. Feeding from the return line rather than a drain enhances this capability. And raw water just turns it into a garbage dump.

The skimmer does not remove anything that is of benefit to the fuge. That is a myth. Most use the "fuge" for nitrate and phosphate control with macro algae. The skimmer does not remove nitrate and/or phosphate. It removes dissolved organics that will be converted to nitrates, and possibly phosphate as well. Some try denitrification in the "fuge" also, but that requires a higher flow rate than a typical "algae filter" would use.

Jim

 

[Lyfsux]

I'd have to say "A" is the best layout of the two..

 

[Mako]

"B" is going to be your best bet for all the reasons Uncle has stated. I use this config on my 75G and it works well.

 

[wab]

I have "a" and have to say the water movement sees to be at the overflow wall to the refug and the top 2 inches of water over refug to the return chamber wall. Works for me Good Luck

 

[HeneryH]

I have an external pump which pretty much locks me into A. If you were to only use an internal pump I would think B would be better.

 

[Shock130]

I have A

 

[ChrisOz]

I have something that resembles "A"... but I think you'll end up happy either way. "B" will just require a little more plumbing.

 

[uncleof6]

I have an external pump which pretty much locks me into A. If you were to only use an internal pump I would think B would be better.

No need to be locked into A with an external pump, just creative:

Jim

 

[cutnup]

pick b...
go to my homepage (my build thread) and it is documented in there why to do it this way...Please dont go A...
A will turn your refugium into a detritus trap

Ps I have an external pump too, it doesn't matter...

 

[Mad_Reefer]

I like A.

 

[dynastykid]

My sump is A, but I see the benefits of B as well

 

[jb61264]

I use B in the way that uncleof6 describes...love the flexibility of controlling flow by T'ing off the center return.

 

[richardhmc]

I was thinking about B because
1) with a controlled flowed into refugium, the stuff inside wouldn't be taken away by the current like A
2) I read that to be able to breed copepods, that you need to have a slow flow in the refugium? Can anyone confirm me on that?

 

[richardhmc]

I have a mag 9.5 as a return pump and a Eshopps PF-800 overflow. I ordered a PF-1000 but instead they sent me an 800 so now I have a problem: The pump output is higher than the overflow flow. So this is a design I came up with to cut down/spread out the flow of the return. Would it work?

The Overflow is rated at 800 gph while the mag pump 9.5 flows at 800 gph around 4 feet. The height from my sump to the top of display tank is less than 4 feet so if I just cut back on the pump's output, I should be fine right?