How to layout a three chamber sump?

[timrocks311]

So I'm using a 29 gal tank as a sump on my 40B display. I'm planning a 3 chamber design with a return chamber, fuge with rubble and skimmer chamber. I'm also planning on a return manifold for reactors, but right now only thinking chaeto reactor. I could feed this off a separate pump but I'll probably have a manifold anyway. Not planning on filter socks.

I was hoping to get some recommendations on my options. I figure three options with the sump chamber layout:

1. Skimmer -> fuge -> return
This seems like a typical layout. The advantage is water drains into skimmer chamber and flows on its own through all three. The disadvantage I see is my skimmer needs 6-8 water depth, and I can only raise it 3" and fit it under my stand, so Max water depth with probably only be 10" which isn't very deep.

2. Return chamber in the middle.
This will allow the fuge to be deeper which is nice, but I would need to get water to the fuge side. I could either split the drain or send the output of the chaeto reactor into the fuge.

3. Fuge -> skimmer -> return.
This would allow the fuge to be deeper too, but I'm not sure I like all the return going into the fuge and everything settling in there. Also I figure the skimmer could suck up some of the pods which is not ideal.

I'm leaning toward option 2. What do you think? Any advice is great. Thanks!

 

[hqviet0320]

So I'm using a 29 gal tank as a sump on my 40B display. I'm planning a 3 chamber design with a return chamber, fuge with rubble and skimmer chamber. I'm also planning on a return manifold for reactors, but right now only thinking chaeto reactor. I could feed this off a separate pump but I'll probably have a manifold anyway. Not planning on filter socks.

I was hoping to get some recommendations on my options. I figure three options with the sump chamber layout:

1. Skimmer -> fuge -> return
This seems like a typical layout. The advantage is water drains into skimmer chamber and flows on its own through all three. The disadvantage I see is my skimmer needs 6-8 water depth, and I can only raise it 3" and fit it under my stand, so Max water depth with probably only be 10" which isn't very deep.

2. Return chamber in the middle.
This will allow the fuge to be deeper which is nice, but I would need to get water to the fuge side. I could either split the drain or send the output of the chaeto reactor into the fuge.

3. Fuge -> skimmer -> return.
This would allow the fuge to be deeper too, but I'm not sure I like all the return going into the fuge and everything settling in there. Also I figure the skimmer could suck up some of the pods which is not ideal.

I'm leaning toward option 2. What do you think? Any advice is great. Thanks!

4

 

[Idoc]

It really comes down to what you prefer... sound like you have it figured out, just gotta choose which way you want to go with it.

 

[Reefrookie220]

I've been considering running my fuge before the skimmer, because of the skimmer is running before the fuge and pulling out most of the stuff that feeds the macros, what's the point?

 

[mfinn]

I try make my sumps as simple as possible, with water all going one way.
Option 1

 

[mfinn]

I've been considering running my fuge before the skimmer, because of the skimmer is running before the fuge and pulling out most of the stuff that feeds the macros, what's the point?

Is the point to grow macros or remove as much nutrients from the water?

 

[Reefrookie220]

Is the point to grow macros or remove as much nutrients from the water?

I complete understand this sentiment, but with the triton method growing more popular by the day, and the use of a large algae bed before a skimmer, who am I to dispute the results?

 

[redfishbluefish]

I believe all three of your scenarios would work....but with #3, I'd prefer if the fuge was without sand or rock. That said, I like #1 or #2 best. #1 works because skimmers are not that efficient and good stuff would still be getting into the fuge section to "feed" your fuge. If you only have one drain, #1 would be the easiest to set up.

Now that all said, I have two drains coming from a 1500 gph Glass-Holes overflow with one drain in the left corner where the skimmer is, and the other drain in the right corner where the fuge is....with the return section in the center. Note I have no bubble baffles.....not needed in my case.

 

[timrocks311]

I believe all three of your scenarios would work....but with #3, I'd prefer if the fuge was without sand or rock. That said, I like #1 or #2 best. #1 works because skimmers are not that efficient and good stuff would still be getting into the fuge section to "feed" your fuge. If you only have one drain, #1 would be the easiest to set up.

Now that all said, I have two drains coming from a 1500 gph Glass-Holes overflow with one drain in the left corner where the skimmer is, and the other drain in the right corner where the fuge is....with the return section in the center. Note I have no bubble baffles.....not needed in my case.

I would typically do #1 layout, but I can only afford 6" wide for my fuge, and at 10" deep for the skimmer, it won't be very much volume. The reason I'm considering #2 is for a higher baffle on the fuge and more water volume. I can split my drain to pour into it. I was planning live rock and maybe a marinepure brick, but no sand or algae. The chaeto reactor will be for algae.

I was hoping to get away from too many baffles too. Probably just one between the fuge and return and two for the skimmer in case of bubbles.

 

[mfinn]

I complete understand this sentiment, but with the triton method growing more popular by the day, and the use of a large algae bed before a skimmer, who am I to dispute the results?

My results and experience is from more than 25 years of doing it this way.

 

[mfinn]

I complete understand this sentiment, but with the triton method growing more popular by the day, and the use of a large algae bed before a skimmer, who am I to dispute the results?

Also I like the skimmer as far away from the return pump area as possible.
Even though I use baffles to eliminate microbubbles from the skimmer, they can travel.
And I agree with the large refugium area. I setup my sumps with just enough area to fit the skimmer and drain pipes ( with a little room for expansion ) and the return area just big enough for what ever I need in there. Then the rest for the refugium.

 

[Reefrookie220]

My results and experience is from more than 25 years of doing it this way.

What's that saying about old dogs and new tricks?

 

[mfinn]

What's that saying about old dogs and new tricks?

Or, if it ain't broke?