Please vote on my sump design #1 or #2

[coralgazer]

I am about to glue in my baffles after looking at dozens of designs. I have a 36 gal bowfront which will sump into this 15 gallon aquarium, 24"L x 12" x 12".

Should I go with sump #1 for more room in the refugium? Or will sump #2 give more or necessary protection from microbubbles? Will the extra baffle also allow more volume in the return pump chamber?

Advice requested and much appreciated.

 

[Troylee]

Sump #1 is the best design I have found... I have built 100's of sumps and the first is just plain simple and works perfectly... Hth

 

[Mr. Limpid]

I'm woundering what skimmer you are using in the first chamber, 9" warter level is kind of high? I know there is a an Octopus skimmer that can have up to 8" of water.

 

[coralgazer]

I am going to put in a Bubble Magus NAC 3.5, which requires 8 to 9 3/4" water level. Do you think I should lower the baffle there?

 

[uall8up]

Sump 1 has my vote

 

[RacinRevo0818]

I think 8" would be better you don't want to have a flood during a power outage. Always have enough room for all the water left in your overflows and returns to be safe! Even if running a check valve

 

[Soehl]

Sump #1. I think it is better to have a larger refuge. That way you can have more Macro Algae, natures great bad stuff remover. More simple the better. I don't even have a bubble trap....

 

[Soehl]

Oh, and no worries about your water level. Just raise your skimmer as needed with a simple DIY egg crate shelf. Use egg crate with pvc pipes for the legs and zip tie it together at the height you need.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Wouldn't the extra baffle in sump #2 do a better job at keeping the micro bubbles down?

 

[Pappy]

Wouldn't the extra baffle in sump #2 do a better job at keeping the micro bubbles down?

+1 I vote number 2

 

[k2parkstar]

I vote number 2 as well, I would lower the baffle in number 2 to match the 7 1/2 at the front the of refugium, other wise the water level in the refugium will have to rise to 9inchs to clear the final baffle.

Also i'd make a DIY skimmer stand, or lower the water level. I have an SWC 160 the recommended depth is 7-10 inches. I have it at exactly 7inches anything higher and its hard to dial in the skimming without over flowing. I've noticed its better to be on the shallower side of the suggested depth.

 

[H2O]

sump #2 gets my vote your fudge will get some water movement witch is good fudge #1 will get very little to no water movement witch is bad . space between baffles you can make it 1/2 and gain some extra room.

 

[Mr. Limpid]

Have the least amount of water that the skimmer can sit and still be able to remove the collection cup. This will cause less back pressure on the pump, giving it a longer life and will help the skimmer work more efficiently.

 

[ebushrow]

Sump #1