Plan for the sump

[Octto]

Hello,

You can see the image how i want my sump to be constructed. DT will have approximately 91 gallons and i'll slowly start to add corals. But for the first few months it will be only FOWLR. I'd like to know your opinions please.

Skimmer - http://www.swallowaquatics.co.uk/octopus-nwb-sss-150-skimmer.html
Return pump - http://www.swallowaquatics.co.uk/vectra-m1-pump.html

I put there media reactor but i'm not sure what's the job of it and if it's really needed? If it's necessary can you help me with that please? Which one is a good one and what media is necessary?

Thank you.

 

[CodyRVA]

Looks decent, more details about your baffle heights could expose some pain points (if any exist). The reactor depends on the type you get and how you use it. Some reactors can sit in the water itself while others can be plumbed and mounted externally. Either way I would account for one now; you can run a variety of things like activated carbon, gfo, bio pellets, etc. This all depends on your systems needs.

 

[Idoc]

Are you building it in a 40g breeder, 20g long, etc...?

You have baffles between filter sock, skimmer, and media reactors... those may not be required in your setup.

Attached is one I just made in a 40g breeder... schematics in my books thread with more detail. Mainly when designing, make sure you figure out the amount of unoccupied space above your baffles in order to ensure your sump can handle the return-siphined water from your DT during a power outage.

Also, I wouldn't go crazy with bubble traps... takes up a lot of space. The simple one in my design is working perfectly with no bubbles getting to my return pump... and right now I have crack in my full siphon line valve that is creating a huge amount of bubbles in my sump... none getting to my pump with the current layout.

Do a layout with dimensions...

 

[Octto]

Thank you guys.

I''m not sure yet about the tank size, but maybe 40/50 gallons.
Dont you think i need baffles between them? When you mean bubble trap, you are referring to that tiny space between your last 2 baffles, right?

I'm also not sure about baffles height, however i'm not going to build it. My DT and sump will be made by LFS people, so i think they'll know which height it's better to use.

I will be honest, i know that there is a lot of media people can use, but i've read that carbon can make your water crystal clear. That what i was thinking for the media reactor.

Cheers.

 

[Idoc]

It's very simple to make your own... cost me $34 in 3 glass 1/4" baffles, $10 silicone.... plus cost of tank. Your LFS will probably use acrylic baffles (cheaper) which do bend over time.

Yes, the bubble trap is the last 2 baffles that are close together. The second baffle keeps any bubbles in between the 2 baffles so they don't get to my return pump. My sump goes: Filter sock/Skimmer>>Refugium>>Bubble Trap>>Return. My bubble trap area is actually 2" wide... made that way so I can place a homemade egg-crate shelf in between where I can put bags of filter media (like carbon, etc...) if I choose. The skimmer section is large enough to install any reactors in the future as well...as well as 75g he return section! My return pump looks tiny in there all by itself! I'd recommend building it yourself...its fun and truly easy. My build thread has very good details on exactly how I built mine...and it was my first one!

 

[CodyRVA]

+1, build your own. I used acrylic for my sump, but its only 30 gallons and i used 1/4 acrylic so no worries. Your filter socks are likely to remove any micro bubbles prior to entering your skimmer chamber. I have a fuge after my skimmer chamber and that also helps remove any bubbles. I have a bubble trap just before entering my return chamber, but seemingly unnecessary.

 

[johnzena]

No refugium?

 

[johnzena]

Are you building it in a 40g breeder, 20g long, etc...?

You have baffles between filter sock, skimmer, and media reactors... those may not be required in your setup.

Attached is one I just made in a 40g breeder... schematics in my books thread with more detail. Mainly when designing, make sure you figure out the amount of unoccupied space above your baffles in order to ensure your sump can handle the return-siphined water from your DT during a power outage.

Also, I wouldn't go crazy with bubble traps... takes up a lot of space. The simple one in my design is working perfectly with no bubbles getting to my return pump... and right now I have crack in my full siphon line valve that is creating a huge amount of bubbles in my sump... none getting to my pump with the current layout.

Do a layout with dimensions...

If I may ask. How do you cut the acrylic? I have tried several different ways. None seem to be the perfect way.

 

[johnzena]

You used glass. Sorry.

 

[CodyRVA]

Alternatively: Tapp Plastics

 

[Octto]

Thank you all.

I believe most of you use a Refugium too?

 

[CodyRVA]

Thank you all.

I believe most of you use a Refugium too?

Yep, but by no means is it a must have.

 

[Doclight]

Are you building it in a 40g breeder, 20g long, etc...?

You have baffles between filter sock, skimmer, and media reactors... those may not be required in your setup.

Attached is one I just made in a 40g breeder... schematics in my books thread with more detail. Mainly when designing, make sure you figure out the amount of unoccupied space above your baffles in order to ensure your sump can handle the return-siphined water from your DT during a power outage.

Also, I wouldn't go crazy with bubble traps... takes up a lot of space. The simple one in my design is working perfectly with no bubbles getting to my return pump... and right now I have crack in my full siphon line valve that is creating a huge amount of bubbles in my sump... none getting to my pump with the current layout.

Do a layout with dimensions...

I have my 40g breeder setup like this. Glad to see it actually might work.. LOL.. Only change is that 1st baffle is not there. I have filter socks on left, and then i am putting in a egg crate vertically to allow water to flow into skimmer /heater area in the middle. I also added a egg crate shelf in between right baffles to hold rubble rock. Figure that will help eliminate any bubbles....