Plumbing/Sump/Skimmer questions

THEKMFB · Mar 4, 2015

Hello All,
I just recently started to get things together for my 90 Gallon Tank
I picked up a used sump from the LFS.

First on the sump:
I am not sure what the 2 holes are for in the wall of the skimmer chamber. Is this for flow? Or so the skimmer is skimming water in the refugium? Pictures attached

Is a 4" filter sock/holder sufficient for this setup?

Second on the Skimmer.
The output of the skimmer, does this get plumbed to the refugium? Ofrdoes it sit in the water inside the first chamber (skim chamber)? Does it sit above or below the water line. What exactly does the gate valve adjust/control

Plumbing I think I am pretty good on the plumbing. I am not cometley finished with it as I was not sure where I was going to put my filter sock and plan on adding a union to the drain side. Should I add a ball valve on the drain side as well? Also, does the PVC need to be supported? Or should it be okay once glued into final position. Any suggestions/comments/constructive criticism is welcomed onthe plumbing.

Lastly, I a U.V. Sterilizer and good idea? Just wondering since I am in the process of plumbing everything. It would be a good time to install it easily
Thank you guys for taking the time to read and comment. I know a lot of these questions are basic, but I have been used to running nano and freshwater tanks.

GreatWhiteTang · Mar 5, 2015

1. The holes appear to be where the water will flow from each chamber to the next.. Rather than a standard baffle
2. Look on the forums for whether or not you want to run socks, I personally do not like socks as they need changed very often and remove a lot of living natural foods within a system.
3. I would let it flow freely within that chamber, this will help with any bubbles formed by skimmer. The gate controls the water level. Within the skimmer. (the water level. At a Minimim is going to be the same as the water depth in that chamber, closing the gate will raise from there for skimmer tuning after break in period. The skimmer output drain must me able to. Breath (above water level atleast half way)
Plumbing: ball valve after pump on return line to control flow through sump, valve on drain is good to have, but you should always leave it wide open except for. Maintenence otherwise it may cause flooding

4. No uv sterilizer, only kills what goes through it, wich is mostly good stuff anyways, tend to be a waste of money ime

we are gonna need a bigger boat!