Need sump/refugium recommendations

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 13, 2014

Daddio said:
Not sure if you want a refugium, but looks like there is only room for either a skimmer or refugium... Not both.

The skimmer chamber is on the end.

Daddio · Apr 13, 2014

I hate that they are so obscure about the dimensions of each compartment (not just eshopps). So the skimmer/sump compartment is on the front left (where the probe holders are) and the refugium is on the far right? I am trying to figure where the return pump goes unless it is external - or does it fit in the "black" area next to the inlet bulkheads?

I wish they had diagrams to show water flow directions. It is a great-looking sump and looks like they've made the most of the space but it is hard to figure out the water movement without more photos.

MechEngineer · Apr 13, 2014

Behind the black is the water draining from the tank where the refugium is located. Big chamber in front is sump/skimmer and right chamber is for the return pump. Found a pic of a similar version from the back.

Daddio · Apr 13, 2014

Ah... That's pretty cool.

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 13, 2014

So do you guys think it's worth it? Or, these guys will build me on 38x18x16 with a 20x18 fuge section.

UO Sump ? Building An Obsession

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 13, 2014

MechEngineer said:
Behind the black is the water draining from the tank where the refugium is located. Big chamber in front is sump/skimmer and right chamber is for the return pump. Found a pic of a similar version from the back.

No. The big chamber in front is the refugium section.

MechEngineer · Apr 13, 2014

Nope, read the MFRs description, but you might be able make the back into the skimmer section with a hang on back (HOB) skimmer if there is pump clearance in the back chamber.

MechEngineer · Apr 13, 2014

It seems over priced if you are a hands on person, I built this 40g long sump for my frag tank for under $100, 48"x18"x17"h

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 13, 2014

MechEngineer said:
Nope, read the MFRs description, but you might be able make the back into the skimmer section with a hang on back (HOB) skimmer if there is pump clearance in the back chamber.

Hmm, the site says the fuge section is 30 gallons. There is no way the back is 30 gallons.

MechEngineer · Apr 13, 2014

Look at the table for skimmer section. ..

MechEngineer · Apr 13, 2014

Pic wasnt showing for some reason

VicD81 · Apr 14, 2014

Ok I read the description. Water comes in the rear left and spills into the front (That is the skimmer chamber) then the chamber to the right is the fuge and the back is the return.

So Ehhhhh not sure about this one. Wont be able to have a sand bed at all in the fuge and im pretty sure it comes with a hefty price tag.

VicD81 · Apr 14, 2014

MechEngineer said:
Just did a custom sump for my new frag tank, $40 for 40gal long tank, $40 for the baffles cut, $10 for the aquarium silicone, designed the sump from experience, working well

Why all the different fuge compartments?

MechEngineer · Apr 14, 2014

Filtration, its for a frag tank where there is no live sand in the main tank and not much live rock, wanted a bare bottom clean look, so put it in the sump. Live rock then deep sand bed with mangroves, then refugium then return & chiller pump in last chamber. I dont use a skimmer or media just natural filtration with weekly water changes

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 14, 2014

VicD81 said:
Ok I read the description. Water comes in the rear left and spills into the front (That is the skimmer chamber) then the chamber to the right is the fuge and the back is the return.

So Ehhhhh not sure about this one. Wont be able to have a sand bed at all in the fuge and im pretty sure it comes with a hefty price tag.

The biggest one is $375. Why can't you put sand it?

760mason · Apr 15, 2014

$40 for the tank $36 for acrylic and silicone. I got most of clear acrylic from the $1 scrap bin at the acrylic shop. 3 hours of my afternoon. This is my first attempt at making a sump. Aside from the silicone not being pretty I am very happy with how it turned out, I made it to fit my needs so plumbing would be very easy. You cant always do that with an off the shelf sump.

VicD81 · Apr 15, 2014

MechEngineer said:
Behind the black is the water draining from the tank where the refugium is located. Big chamber in front is sump/skimmer and right chamber is for the return pump. Found a pic of a similar version from the back.

Ok sorry looks like Mech has it right. Which would explain the 2 brackets on the top (to mount lights for fuge). That makes the Fuge 26" X 4.5". So you can add sand but its still pretty small.