30 gallon Sump Design - Refugium, Skimmer, Return?

[AmatuerAuer]

Hi All,

I am in the process of designing a 30 gallon sump for my 75 gallon reef tank. My sump will include:
- Reef Octopus 150
- Refugium with DSB/Live rock/whatever
- Mag Drive 9.5 return
- Heater

My question is, how do I order the sump 'areas'?
- Water comes in and then goes over a baffle/bubble trap -> Refugium -> Baffle/trap to containg particulate -> Skimmer -> Baffle/bubble trap -> Return

- OR -

- Water comes in to the same area as the skimmer -> Baffle/bubble trap -> Regugium -> Baffle/bubble trap -> Return

- OR -

- Water comes in via split tubing (One part to the skimmer section on the left / One part to the refugium on the right) -> Both Skimmer and refugium have baffles/traps seperating them from a central return. -- This model would allow me to control the flow rate through the refugium.


Thank you!
-AA

 

[KorD]

a sump is easy.... water comes in to a section (optional baffle in that area) then there is a baffle with a sponge and another baffle coming from the top, and then your pump section...
you can make is much more complicated if you want to

basic

crazy fun

 

[AmatuerAuer]

I understand the general concept of a dump, I also understand the various options (refugium, LR/LS, sponge etc) that could go in the sump.

I am just curious as to what more established and Sr. reefers think is the best way to do things.

Thanks KorD!

 

[VicD81]

Your best bet is to have it go skimmer-fuge-bubble trap-return, or better yet have the skimmer and Fuge on opposite ends with the return in the middle but you would need bubble traps on either side.

 

[AmatuerAuer]

VicD- I agree, I like the split model with a slower movement over the huge and controllable flow through the skimmer with a central return. Seems more customizable that way.

Thanks!

 

[KorD]

I understand the general concept of a dump, I also understand the various options (refugium, LR/LS, sponge etc) that could go in the sump.

I am just curious as to what more established and Sr. reefers think is the best way to do things.

Thanks KorD!

I agree I am not a "senior reefer" but I do build custom sumps as a side business... I was just answering you question. .
I will now shut up and eat popcorn and watch what other have to say on the subject.

 

[heathd.hd]

I like mine split with the return in the middle. No need for bubble trap on the fuge side. Just a partition. Just a bubble trap on the side with the skimmer. Your really just trapping the micro bubbles from the skimmer. The flow through the refugium doesn't need to be high enough for bubbles to be a issue.

 

[AmatuerAuer]

Heathd - I plan to have a 6" DSB. What kind of water depth would you recommend over that?

 

[heathd.hd]

Couldn't answer that honestly I have no personal experience with a dsb. I run my refugium bare bottom and keep a wp 10 in it to spin my cheato. My sump is setup for triton method.

Cheato setup: http://youtu.be/ThFZiSuePcE

 

[heathd.hd]

Here's my stand and sump.