Building a 90g sump.

[Anthonyl]

Ok so I'm using this 90g tank for a diy sump and I think I have mostly everything figured out. Just would like some opinions from some experienced guys..

I decided to put the skimmer after the refug. But I'm unsure if there is enough room for the return pump.

 

[Dom]

That, my friend is a BIG sump! LOL

I think your layout looks good. In fact, it is basically the same order in which my sump is organized.

I just completed a 30 gallon sump build with the skimmer in the return chamber. Everything is working great!

How big is your DT? DO you need a sump that large?

 

[Anthonyl]

My DT is 210g. I got everything as a package used, 210g DT 90g sump and a 40g tank that I will use for a QT.

Right now I have the skimmer and some media reactor in the same compartment. Not sure yet it the pumps will interrupt one another.

 

[Anthonyl]

Ok so I have all my baffles glued in and now that I'm looking at it I think I have done something not right... From the Socks to the first baffle (refugium) the water height is 12". From first baffle to second (skimmer area). the water level is 12". Then I figure once the return pump is in and working, the return section I would like to set it maybe about the 6" mark.... My question is does it matter that the 2 sections are at the same water height?

 

[Dom]

Ok so I have all my baffles glued in and now that I'm looking at it I think I have done something not right... From the Socks to the first baffle (refugium) the water height is 12". From first baffle to second (skimmer area). the water level is 12". Then I figure once the return pump is in and working, the return section I would like to set it maybe about the 6" mark.... My question is does it matter that the 2 sections are at the same water height?

Photo?

 

[Dom]

This is a pic of a DYI sump I made with an Aqueon 30 Long.

The first chamber is where my filter media is installed along with live rock.
That first baffle is actually 2 inches off the bottom. The water travels under the first baffle and then rises up the next. That is my refugium baffle.

From there the water flows over and into the fuge, and then out of the huge to the return chamber. Simple. Effective.

 

[Anthonyl]

Sorry for the bad photo, I'm not at home right now. This is basically what I'm talking about. I just believe the return comp will be lower due to the pump returning to tank

 

[Anthonyl]

I think if I dont cut down the second baffle, an ATO wont work properly.