Creating my own AIO! Need help with sump flow

[trevorspencer94]

Hey everyone,

I am taking a 45g frag tank (48 long, 18 deep, 12 high) and making it an all in one by throwing a small internal sump in the corner using 1/8 in black acrylic. I am moving and won't have space for a sump below, but will have space for the extra foot of length (this will be better for my fish swimming length anyways!) My main concern here is the positioning of my overflow vs return line. I have drawn a rough schematic here for you guys to consider the 2 options (A and B) I'm debating between. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!

I am trying to discern which of the two would give me better filtration and flow throughout the tank. I have a jebao pp-8 wavemaker I plan on putting on the opposite end. I have supplementary powerheads I can use if necessary as well. I need the overflow weir to be facing the front of the tank, as I am going to be using innovative marine's midsize 200 micron filter socks that are rectangular and have built in holders that have to be orientated that particular way (5 inches width) in order to prevent taking extra depth from the display area.

Let me know what you think!

 

[JoshH]

Might I ask as to what benefits you are looking to get out of this sump area?? Is it just so you can add a filter sock or were you planning on other filtration as well? I would say option A would be better but use loc line as a nozzle so you can adjust the flow however you wish and placement of the outlet isn't as important.

 

[trevorspencer94]

I'm really just looking to utilize the sump area to be able to use a filter sock and to hide my heaters/return pump. I'm very religious on my water changes, 10% weekly, and that's all I've been using on my tanks for the last 2 years is a filter sock changed a couple times a week.