40 Breeder Sump & Refugium Design

[DirtDiggler2823]

So, I've been trying to design a very rough draft of a sump/refugium setup to go under my soon to be reef tank. Until I get the skimmer and other pieces, this is the best I can do. Since I'm new to this, and only have a little knowledge as to how the baffles and whatnot work in a sump, I'd like some input from the community here. Attached is my 3rd draft of this, and what I believe to be my best shot. All baffles are intended to be glass, except the assemble that has the filter cups/socks. Please note that none of this is to any scale of any kind, and that it is a 2d rendering of a concept.

 

[Dtfnemo]

That looks awesome!!!

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

That looks awesome!!!

Thank you! Anything you would change?

 

[George Lopez]

I say looks good just make sure you can clean between the baffles

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

I say looks good just make sure you can clean between the baffles

Should there be some sort of foam or floss between the baffles? I've see that design used, but I'm not certain of its function.

 

[Dpate]

Should there be some sort of foam or floss between the baffles? I've see that design used, but I'm not certain of its function.

NO! the sponge or whatever is stuffed in between the baffles clogs up quickly leading to fluctuations in the return chamber. The space between baffles serves as a bubble trap.

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

NO! the sponge or whatever is stuffed in between the baffles clogs up quickly leading to fluctuations in the return chamber. The space between baffles serves as a bubble trap.

Got it

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

So, I've been trying to design a very rough draft of a sump/refugium setup to go under my soon to be reef tank. Until I get the skimmer and other pieces, this is the best I can do. Since I'm new to this, and only have a little knowledge as to how the baffles and whatnot work in a sump, I'd like some input from the community here. Attached is my 3rd draft of this, and what I believe to be my best shot. All baffles are intended to be glass, except the assemble that has the filter cups/socks. Please note that none of this is to any scale of any kind, and that it is a 2d rendering of a concept.

I should probably put another bubble trap between the fuge and the pump

 

[George Lopez]

The fuge should not create many bubbles

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

The fuge should not create many bubbles

So not adding a bubble trap shouldn't be a big deal? Would it be detrimental to getting pods from the fuge and into the tank?

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

NO! the sponge or whatever is stuffed in between the baffles clogs up quickly leading to fluctuations in the return chamber. The space between baffles serves as a bubble trap.

Where would you suggest the heaters go?

 

[Dpate]

Wherever they will fit in the sump. Make sure they are 100% submersible as you will probably need to install sideways.

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

Wherever they will fit in the sump. Make sure they are 100% submersible as you will probably need to install sideways.

Eheim 300w heaters. They're kinda long, but fully submersible.

 

[redfishbluefish]

A 300W Eheim will not fit in a 40B....try two 150W....better running two versus one anyway.


Baffles look very high. Make sure the back-flow volume will fit in the sump. This is calculable.

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

A 300W Eheim will not fit in a 40B....try two 150W....better running two versus one anyway.


Baffles look very high. Make sure the back-flow volume will fit in the sump. This is calculable.

Nothing is to scale. But I'll probably go with smaller heaters though.

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

So, I've been trying to design a very rough draft of a sump/refugium setup to go under my soon to be reef tank. Until I get the skimmer and other pieces, this is the best I can do. Since I'm new to this, and only have a little knowledge as to how the baffles and whatnot work in a sump, I'd like some input from the community here. Attached is my 3rd draft of this, and what I believe to be my best shot. All baffles are intended to be glass, except the assemble that has the filter cups/socks. Please note that none of this is to any scale of any kind, and that it is a 2d rendering of a concept.

So I've made some slight changes to the diagram, and created the top down view of what I THINK it will look like once I actually get the equipment on hand.

 

[Matthew Frost]

Everything looks really good, I would only make two suggestions. First, add some sort of a "catch" to keep stray chaeto out of the return pump chamber. They make some course filter floss that will be perfect. Second, a 40 breeder is a decent size tank but I would do some drawings to scale, you'd be surprised how fast that space gets eaten up.

Also try to keep in mind you are going to have to clean this sump and maintain the equipment in it. Remember the when you are designing. Looks good and good luck.

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

Everything looks really good, I would only make two suggestions. First, add some sort of a "catch" to keep stray chaeto out of the return pump chamber. They make some course filter floss that will be perfect. Second, a 40 breeder is a decent size tank but I would do some drawings to scale, you'd be surprised how fast that space gets eaten up.

Also try to keep in mind you are going to have to clean this sump and maintain the equipment in it. Remember the when you are designing. Looks good and good luck.

I was hoping to put some sort of egg crate or something at the top, but I understand what you're saying. I just have no way to illustrate it.

 

[George Lopez]

You don't need the fuge side bubble trap you should not be creating bubbles in that chamber influent pipe should be under water to prevent noise

Also I made slits on the fuge wall to keep the algea from going over

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

You don't need the fuge side bubble trap you should not be creating bubbles in that chamber influent pipe should be under water to prevent noise

Also I made slits on the fuge wall to keep the algea from going over

Tank you!