Need help arranging sump

Oaken · Sep 13, 2018

I recently bought a second-hand 125 gallon Oceanic tank. This came with a sump but no skimmer, so I ended up buying a Diablo 170int skimmer that is rather large for the some that I have and it will only fit in one compartment. I really want to do a refugium on this sump but I can't figure out how to set up my tank to run one without doing it external and now I'm regretting getting such a large skimmer please help me in figuring out how I can arrange this the better way to accommodate a refugium. Also, I paid $100 for this skimmer but it does not have a pump yet and I have yet to buy a pump for it but if you think I should get a different one let me know I can lose the $100 for my own sanity.

I am new to reefing so play nice but I'm an active member in a local Club for saltwater aquariums and I'm always trying to learn more I am getting my tank rebuild right now to ensure no leaks as well as Gathering all my proper equipment in the meantime.

Crabs McJones · Sep 13, 2018

Welcome to R2R!

#WelcometoR2R

For starters, this is the pump you would need to run that skimmer

I would setup the sump the way you have it in the last picture, skimmer and drain in the first section, refugium in the middle section, then return pump and heater and anything else you may want in the last chamber. Hope this helps and welcome to the forum

Oaken · Sep 13, 2018

Crabs Mcjones said:
Welcome to R2R!

#WelcometoR2R

For starters, this is the pump you would need to run that skimmer

I would setup the sump the way you have it in the last picture, skimmer and drain in the first section, refugium in the middle section, then return pump and heater and anything else you may want in the last chamber. Hope this helps and welcome to the forum

Thanks and funny GIF. The last photo was an example of how it wont fit. The only compartment it fits in is the middle, if you look closely on the third photo the pump is not in it and its diagonal under the baffle.

Another question I have I how will having the refugium in the middle effect the return pump? The baffle on the right is an undertow baffle which would kind of limit me on putting sand or fish in there. Issue is that the sand would flow under the baffle into the return.

At this point I am thinking either new sump or hang on refugium.

Oaken · Sep 13, 2018

Oh and thanks for that link, I am kind of blown away by that price 0.0

ccoffel81 · Sep 13, 2018

I would, and this is my opinion no one else’s is wrong, remove filter sock chamber for skimming that would be part of your detritus removal and live Sump area take care of the rest. Socks do remove detritus but mainly polish water. IMO less food for Sump. Just use carbon to polish once a month. Along with water changes of course.

Crabs McJones · Sep 13, 2018

Oaken said:
Thanks and funny GIF. The last photo was an example of how it wont fit. The only compartment it fits in is the middle, if you look closely on the third photo the pump is not in it and its diagonal under the baffle.

Another question I have I how will having the refugium in the middle effect the return pump? The baffle on the right is an undertow baffle which would kind of limit me on putting sand or fish in there. Issue is that the sand would flow under the baffle into the return.

At this point I am thinking either new sump or hang on refugium.

Ok, I understand, are both side sections the same size? If that is the case and you really want to run a fuge, either a remote fuge or a different skimmer might be your best bet.

Oaken · Sep 13, 2018

Crabs Mcjones said:
Ok, I understand, are both side sections the same size? If that is the case and you really want to run a fuge, either a remote fuge or a different skimmer might be your best bet.

Yeah they are sadly. Ok that helps do you have recommendation on a remote refugium? I was under the impression for reading refugiums really help. But I may get a different skimmer this one is so big.

Crabs McJones · Sep 13, 2018

Oaken said:
Yeah they are sadly. Ok that helps do you have recommendation on a remote refugium? I was under the impression for reading refugiums really help. But I may get a different skimmer this one is so big.

Refugiums are very beneficial. I have one on my system and it's been great for nutrient control and a housing for pod populations.
If you do decide to go the different skimmer route, might I recommend the Reef Octopus line of skimmers

Oaken · Sep 13, 2018

Crabs Mcjones said:
Refugiums are very beneficial. I have one on my system and it's been great for nutrient control and a housing for pod populations.
If you do decide to go the different skimmer route, might I recommend the Reef Octopus line of skimmers

Well that's what this one is it's a Reef Octopus Diablo 170 internal. My only question is how do I find one that can handle a heavy load or a heavy bioload for a 130 that can also fit in my Sump without causing issues I may have to go with an external series. If I was to go with an external series considering my circumstance what would you recommend doing for my from my Sump setup. Attached is a photo of the way it is currently set up I think the baffles maybe adjustable not adjustable per se but I think I can take them out and put new ones in somehow it's acrylic and it's a custom-made sump I think

Crabs McJones · Sep 13, 2018

Oaken said:
Well that's what this one is it's a Reef Octopus Diablo 170 internal. My only question is how do I find one that can handle a heavy load or a heavy bioload for a 130 that can also fit in my Sump without causing issues I may have to go with an external series. If I was to go with an external series considering my circumstance what would you recommend doing for my from my Sump setup. Attached is a photo of the way it is currently set up I think the baffles maybe adjustable not adjustable per se but I think I can take them out and put new ones in somehow it's acrylic and it's a custom-made sump I think

Sorry, I should have specifiec, one of the reef octopus smaller skimmer