hey all ... im getting back into the hobby and have a 40b for display and 20L for the sump.. but have no idea where to start.. i do have a tunze skimmer to put into the sump. but need help with the whole chambers idea
diy sump help
- Thread starter drxdragon
- Start date
- Tagged users None
Besides your skimmer, what else do you plan to have in your sump? Will you be running a refugium in it as well? How much space does your skimmer require? Are you running an internal return pump? If so, how much space does it need?
T.W.
Active Member
I made my own 10 gallon sump recently. I just figured out how big I wanted my overflow side (thats where I will put my heater, skimmer) I made mine 7". Then I made my baffles 8" high (the space from top of baffle to top of tank will allow for overflow line drainage in case of power outage). The baffles are 1" apart with the middle baffle 1" higher. I wanted the majority of my volume in the return side as that is where the water loss is going to take place..hope this helps....oh yeah forgot..I am not running a refugium
Here is a picture of mine:
Here is a picture of mine:
ReeferBob
Valuable Member
You don't really need a refugium. 2 chambers is plenty. One for your skimmer, heater, ATO and one for the return. Make sure you make your baffle at the proper height so your skimmer has enough water. You can always raise up the skimmer if it is too deep but you don't want it too shallow.
mcarroll
10K Club member
If you don't already know that you need a refugium or baffles, you probably need neither one. 
I use nothing but a plain glass tank with a quality reed-style top-off switch (mine is an Ultralife) to control the water level and it works great. Super simple, and ultra flexible.
I'm sure there are exceptions, but personally I think a refugium is only needed if your tank is overstocked and baffles are only needed if you run too much flow through your sump. (And I'm not sure how much baffles really even help with that.) Those are eminently avoidable problems.
BTW, do you have the extra fittings for the sump-installation of the Tunze skimmer? This is required* to let the skimmer work in shallow water independent of sump water level, giving your sump even more flexibilty! (Check with Tunze in their vendor forum here on Reef2Reef or read the skimmer's manual for particulars on this.)
-Matt
* YMMV. Some of their skimmers like the 9011 come with these fittings and others like the 9410 don't use it at all.
I use nothing but a plain glass tank with a quality reed-style top-off switch (mine is an Ultralife) to control the water level and it works great. Super simple, and ultra flexible.
I'm sure there are exceptions, but personally I think a refugium is only needed if your tank is overstocked and baffles are only needed if you run too much flow through your sump. (And I'm not sure how much baffles really even help with that.) Those are eminently avoidable problems.
BTW, do you have the extra fittings for the sump-installation of the Tunze skimmer? This is required* to let the skimmer work in shallow water independent of sump water level, giving your sump even more flexibilty! (Check with Tunze in their vendor forum here on Reef2Reef or read the skimmer's manual for particulars on this.)
-Matt
* YMMV. Some of their skimmers like the 9011 come with these fittings and others like the 9410 don't use it at all.
