Confused about my sump situation

[3rdMoon]

Hey everyone, rookie reefer here. I’m doing a 75 gallon mixed reef build and I’m DYIing as much as possible. To that end I bought a sump baffle kit for a 40 gallon breeder on Ebay and I’m struggling with what goes where. There were no installation instructions or even an inventory provided. I’m getting zero response from the seller and I don’t wanna just start siliconing before I’m sure what’s what. Can anyone tell me in which order I should place these baffles? The filter sock section is obvious but the others have me a little confused. Ive ordered a Reef Octopus Classic 150INT skimmer that requires 6 inches of water to operate properly. Do I put that in the section with the sliding adjustable baffle? Is that how I regulate the water depth? I’ve watched tons of sump videos on You tube but apparently I’m not watching the correct ones. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[shred5]

From left to right.
First section is for your drain line from the aquarium.
Second is the refugium.
Third is skimmer and fourth is pump return.
The little section in btween third and forth is usually for a mechanical filter like a sponge.

The gate is how you control the level of water in the first chambers. You usually set it to the level of water recommended for the skimmer.

Who's baffle system is it .. Very nice..

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

and the highest point of the next baffle... downstream from where the water comes in.. determines the height of water in that section. And obviously, the water level can only get shallower and shallower.

 

[lpsouth1978]

From left to right.
First section is for your drain line from the aquarium.
Second is the refugium.
Third is skimmer and fourth is pump return.

The layout in the picture looks right to me. I would use the second chamber for the skimmer and the third(larger) section for the fuge. You could also leave out the middle black baffle and just house a larger skimmer instead.

 

[3rdMoon]

I thought the skimmer usu

The layout in the picture looks right to me. I would use the second chamber for the skimmer and the third(larger) section for the fuge. You could also leave out the middle black baffle and just house a larger skimmer instead.

I was planning to do it that way but if I use the second chamber for my skimmer how do I regulate the water depth?

 

[shred5]

The problem with using the 3rd as a fuge is algae will get caught in the teeth of the gate and cause the water level in the sections to raise and lower causing skimmer problems.

Putting it in the second section if the water level goes up or down who cares.

Since this is dyi you can make any section any size you want.

 

[shred5]

I thought the skimmer usu

I was planning to do it that way but if I use the second chamber for my skimmer how do I regulate the water depth?

The gate should set the level for everything before it..

 

[lapin]

If the level ends up being to high for your skimmer, you can build a small stand for it.

 

[3rdMoon]

The gate should set the level for everything before it..

That makes sense but I was hoping to have a large fuge AFTER the skimmer to create a strong pod population. If I set the gate at 6” to satisfy the skimmer (in section 2) that means the entire sump will only operate at 6” depth all the way across? What’s the point in having a 40 gallon sump on a 75 gallon tank if I’m only gonna use 6 inches of water all the way across? I think I jumped the gun on this baffle kit without thinking it thru first. Rookie mistake

 

[shred5]

That makes sense but I was hoping to have a large fuge AFTER the skimmer to create a strong pod population. If I set the gate at 6” to satisfy the skimmer (in section 2) that means the entire sump will only operate at 6” depth all the way across? What’s the point in having a 40 gallon sump on a 75 gallon tank if I’m only gonna use 6 inches of water all the way across? I think I jumped the gun on this baffle kit without thinking it thru first. Rookie mistake

I hear what you are saying but that is how most work unless they have a separate fuge.

Mine is the same way:
The baffle that separates the fuge from skimmer section should be made with the slot higher up...

Honestly I went with a light reactor instead of the fuge eventually.. A fuge can become such a mess and detritus trap...

 

[3rdMoon]

I hear what you are saying but that is how most work unless they have a separate fuge.

Mine is the same way:
The baffle that separates the fuge from skimmer section should be made with the slot higher up...

Honestly I went with a light reactor instead of the fuge.. A fuge can become such a mess and detritus trap...

Nice set up! I’m not familiar with a light reactor.
I really wanted a large fuge to not only remove nutrients but also help sustain a big enough pod population to keep a mandarin or two. From what I’ve read they’re difficult to sustain without a unceasing supply of pods.

 

[shred5]

Nice set up! I’m not familiar with a light reactor.
I really wanted a large fuge to not only remove nutrients but also help sustain a big enough pod population to keep a mandarin or two. From what I’ve read they’re difficult to sustain without a unceasing supply of pods.

If you are looking for pods a fuge would be best..
A reactor for me grew cheato better but I do not think it is the best if you want pods.
I am setting up tanks to grow out amphipods and copepods.

 

[sharpimage]

your sump needs to handle the backflow when the return pump is off. I, personally would put it in the order you have it at 8" deep and put the skimmer on a stand. Mine sites on a marine pure block. MY sump has 7" or so of water in it.