40 Breeder Sump Designs

[cdness]

My current 125G tank has a 75G sump. I love the length and width of the sump, but the height is just killing me. The skimmer cup doesn't fit between the top of the 75G and the bottom of the front tank support board so I need to snake it through to the end of the sump and squeeze it by the braces. Also there is so little vertical space open that it is hard to work in.

So I have made the decision to swap to a 40 breeder sump instead. This is going to give me more room to add a larger ATO reservoir as well as the calcium reactor equipment. I have the 40 breeder tank already, but I am looking for some design ideas. I have done many sumps in the past and tend to lean toward the Skimmer -> Fuge -> Return style setups. However I am at a clean slate and can be convinced to go another way if the argument is done well enough.

I would like to have a spot for either a floss/sponge or filter socks in the new build as well as a small bubble trap on the drain lines to prevent so much salt spray. Other than that I am open to ideas.

I want to see some pictures too so show me your 40 breeder sumps. I will take pics during my build as well when I get there...

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

 

[BeardedReefer]

I myself have always used a fuge and skimmer on outsides and return in the center, helps to get a slower flow through the fuge if you take it out of the "main drain" flow path.

 

[black hills tj]

If you are running a fuge, is it more beneficial to setup the fuge section BEFORE the skimmer section, so that the critters in your fuge have first dibs at the nutrients and your skimmer just cleans up what's left?

Just a newb here trying to learn a thing or two.

 

[BeardedReefer]

I just seperate the two so they get there own chances at the water, and with enough cycles in the tank they get equal chances at all the water.

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

i just wanted clean water before the cheato then gfo after that way the cheato doestn get dirty and the gfo cleans up what the cheato couldnt

 

[Mrfresh]

This is my sump
I like the split idea.
I think if u have the skimmer before the fug u run the chance of pulling out to much and not having enough "food" for the cheato...

 

[Mrfresh]

Sorry I forgot to put sme things in...
This is a 40gallon breeder sump
The nice this about going with a split u can control flow.
A fug needs slower water to flow thought it to allow the algae more time to filter it,
A skimmer needs flow. Depending on who u talk to a skimmer only really pulls out about 30% of waste. So I have a lot of flow on that side to make it process the water more.
The fug is nice a slow to allow things to filter and grow. Like cope pods, ( I have breeding fire shrimp and cleaners) so I have baby's growing in there as well...

 

[cdness]

Anyone else have some pics to share? It would really help me out to get your input.

Thanks!

 

[Bagel Girl]

This is my sump
I like the split idea.
I think if u have the skimmer before the fug u run the chance of pulling out to much and not having enough "food" for the cheato...

I like your setup.