Question about sequence of filtering plumbing

[SuncrestReef]

Hello all. Long time reader, first time posting. I posted the question below on a different forum but it hasn't gotten any traction so I figured I'd post it here as well:

I am in the planning stages to set up my first reef tank, a Reefer XL 425, and plan to have a mixed coral/fish environment. I have been reading these and other forums for several months, following many build threads (in particular I appreciate the level of detail provided by Broadfield and ReefGrrl), and researching all the various options.

I think I have narrowed down my list of equipment, but the one thing I'm still unclear on is the sequence of water flow through the entire sump & filtering process. From my research, here is what I think is the proper sequence, but I have read conflicting advice on this topic. Please let me know if the following is correct, or at least acceptable, for the flow of water through the system:

1. Display Tank
2. Overflow
3. Sock Filters
4. Refugium
5. Skimmer
6. Return Pump
7. Reactors
8. UV Sterilizer
9. Dosing
10. Display Tank
(repeat)

Once I can finalize this sequence, I can plan my final plumbing design and begin my build. The display tank and cabinet/sump will be in my living room, and it will be plumbed through the wall to my garage where I'll have a saltwater mixing station and automatic water change & ATO system. I plan to publish my designs here prior to the build to get feedback from the forum community to make sure I'm not overlooking anything before pulling the trigger on this project.

Thanks to anyone who can provide advice, and I'm really looking forward to becoming part of this community!

-John

 

[jda]

I skim before the fuge so that stuff does not settle.

I do not use UV. I like the output of my CaRx to enter the first chamber of the sump. I do not use a ATO, but I would have it enter the sump at an early stage for better mixing before the display.

I do not use socks, but you have them in the right place.

Don't forget to have room for your heaters - some of them are quite long.

 

[jsker]

Socks, skimmer, fuge, and return pump.

 

[Broadfield]

The output of the reactors will actually go back into the sump in the skimmer chamber... you cannot have your reactors inline with your return pipe. You can have them tee off from your main pipe, which is referred to as a manifold. Each tee would have a gate valve to control the flow through each reactor/device. Your dosing tubes will also dose into the skimmer chamber.

The sterilizer can actually go inline on the return... it will be the last thing that goes to the tank. Although it goes inline, you will want to build in a bypass for it... as seen in the image below.

 

[SuncrestReef]

Thanks everyone, this helps me a lot.

 

[Jeepguy242]

I used to go overflow to skimmer before fuge. Could never really grow cheato Now I hav 1 return to skimmer and 1 to fuge and I can grow cheato

 

[mjlash22]

What are your plans for the 425 XL sump? Are you going to use the ATO reservoir as the refugium or just use the skimmer champer and partion some of it off? Depending on your plans will depend on how water will interact/sequence through your system.

 

[SuncrestReef]

What are your plans for the 425 XL sump? Are you going to use the ATO reservoir as the refugium or just use the skimmer champer and partion some of it off? Depending on your plans will depend on how water will interact/sequence through your system.

I'm undecided on converting the ATO to a refugium. I definitely won't be using the built-in ATO because I plan to use an external ATO plumbed through the wall to my RO/DI tank in the garage. I've seen a few threads about converting the Reefer ATO into a fuge but I have two concerns:

1. What's the best way to plumb the input and output pipes?
2. Is there enough space above the ATO to properly mount lights for chaeto? I haven't seen the XL 425 in person so until I have my hands on it to measure I'll need to rely on others to provide advice.

 

[SuncrestReef]

I'm undecided on converting the ATO to a refugium. I definitely won't be using the built-in ATO because I plan to use an external ATO plumbed through the wall to my RO/DI tank in the garage. I've seen a few threads about converting the Reefer ATO into a fuge but I have two concerns:

1. What's the best way to plumb the input and output pipes?
2. Is there enough space above the ATO to properly mount lights for chaeto? I haven't seen the XL 425 in person so until I have my hands on it to measure I'll need to rely on others to provide advice.

I think I answered my own questions after searching the topic and finding several YouTube videos on the topic on converting the Reefer ATO to a refugium. I will probably go this route.

 

[mjlash22]

I think I answered my own questions after searching the topic and finding several YouTube videos on the topic on converting the Reefer ATO to a refugium. I will probably go this route.

A lot of people are going this route. I my self am doing this to my 525 XL.