Skimmer / Refugium placement in sump, does it matter

[Lex_510]

Working on a new build and I have a fixed acrylic sump 36”Lx15”W that has 2 fixed baffles each different dimensions inside. Will be using a filter roller Mat in 1st chamber, refugium in 2nd, and was going to put skimmer & return pump in same chamber in 3rd. Would it oxygenate the tank more being last. My questions is- Does the skimmer have to go before the fuge? or it doesn’t matter it’s just a box to hold equipment. The other option is getting a 40 breeder 18” wider but would have to spend more money on baffles and its glass. Or is an acrylic sump hands down a better option for a sump. Need some advice- to many Options is driving me nuts

 

[Unheardreefer]

It would work but it there’s probably going to be a lot of micro bubbles in the display

 

[Baka Mop]

I personally wouldn't put anything aside from a return pump and dosing lines in the last chamber. The water level in that chamber will fluctuate with evaporation, so you don't want things like heaters or skimmers in there in case the water level gets too low.

Some people say a fuge before a skimmer will suck up and kill off some copepods, but idk if it would be a big difference long-term for their population.

Are you trying to grow macroalgae in the fuge, or just have it be a refuge for microfauna? If you want macroalgae, I would put it before the skimmer, so the macro gets first dibs on the nutrients.

Could you perhaps fit in a smaller skimmer in the same chamber as the filter roller? That would be best, if you wanted a macroalgae fuge and also didn't want to kill some of your pods.

 

[Dom]

I place my protein skimmer in the return chamber. You don't want it before the refugium. Any place after the refugium is fine.

 

[Dan_P]

Working on a new build and I have a fixed acrylic sump 36”Lx15”W that has 2 fixed baffles each different dimensions inside. Will be using a filter roller Mat in 1st chamber, refugium in 2nd, and was going to put skimmer & return pump in same chamber in 3rd. Would it oxygenate the tank more being last. My questions is- Does the skimmer have to go before the fuge? or it doesn’t matter it’s just a box to hold equipment. The other option is getting a 40 breeder 18” wider but would have to spend more money on baffles and its glass. Or is an acrylic sump hands down a better option for a sump. Need some advice- to many Options is driving me nuts

The filter might be most effective after the refugium. The refugium like the aquarium can generates particulates. Catch them before they are added to the aquarium.

 

[snorklr]

wouldn't want the skimmer in the return pump chamber as previously mentioned due to bubbles, and due to the fact that the skimmer needs to be in a chamber with a constant water level or its output will vary greatly...the pump chamber is the one who's level drops with evaporation...(yes my ATO float is in the pump chamber)...my skimmer is in the chamber labeled #2 in your first drawing...wanting to get the crap out of the water before it hits the refugium