Sump critique

[SoggyBoi]

I have started designing my 5 gallon sump for my 15 gallon DT. Please give me some input on what you think would work better or what you would do. Literally any input would help. Thanks!


Side view

 

[McAllyn]

With that small of space, I'd just do two chambers, sock/skimmer/fuge area - bubble trap - return pump. Regardless, put the heater in the main section, not the return pump area. If the return pump section runs dry, the heater will pop AND you'll lose the pump. Burn out pump sucks, but blown heater is bad bad juju.

Mac

 

[SoggyBoi]

Is it possible to put all of those things in a fuge?

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

Looks pretty good to me. You'll want to make absolutely sure you have enough room for your skimmer, and make your baffle height (currently 7") the optimal height for your specific skimmer performance... that initial chamber looks like it will be pretty tight. I would reconsider even including a refugium. In theory they work great, but most are way undersized for their system. In a system that's total 20 gallons (or less once rock/sand/coral displacement is considered) personally I would rely on water changes and your skimmer to provide nutrient export.

 

[SoggyBoi]

Ok so if I was going to do a two chamber sump what would go where?

 

[Jimbo662]

You should also alter the height of each baffle to where the second one is slightly lower than the first. I made mine all the same height and had trouble with a film developing on the surface.

 

[Intricateart]

I would highly recommend adding a refugium. I agree that it is going to be tough fitting a skimmer in there. A small external skimmer would be the way to go. Even better would be a 10gal sump, if you have the room. You might be able to stick to your plans with the ten. The extra capacity will help you as well. When you build it make sure that last baffle before the pump is good and secure and sealed well. That last one will hold all the sump water pressure,trust me its a tricky problem if that one gives way.