Sump Design-Need imput

Susan Edwards · Dec 15, 2017

@redfishbluefish and this is why I've started this thread! Will rethink those 15" baffles... Maybe I should play around with a 40b as I won't really have 55 gal of water. Except the refug. would end up being too small to hold 10% of volume of DT

redfishbluefish · Dec 15, 2017

A roll of tape and cardboard....make a mock-up and test to see what fits. I wouldn't trash the 55 yet.

Victoria M · Dec 15, 2017

Definately like the footprint of a 40b for a sump vs a 55 g tank. I found the 55 g to be tall and narrow. It can be great to have plenty of room for an ATO failure, such as the pump sticks in the on mode and empties all your ATO into the system. However only so long as you do not plan on taking the baffles all the way up, close to the top of the tank. Being able to complete maintenance such as emptying the soimmer without fighting the sump is important too.

Dhoggs · Dec 15, 2017

I like version 2 as well. 15in height baffle is also too tall. When everything is said and done the water level will be sitting at around 16in so you’ll have to use a stand for the skimmer. I have a 40b diy sump and I used a 9in height baffles and water level is at 10in which is perfect for my skimmer.

As a reference, below is a photo of my sump which is in my garage.

JonPhillips · Dec 17, 2017

I hear to use flex tubing wherever possible as it takes down on vibration noise. Also installing a sound dampening mat under the entire sump and leaving room for sound dampening material inside the sump under the return shouldn’t be out of the question either. Unless you’re not concerned about noise reduction then please disregard.

Susan Edwards · Dec 17, 2017

Was planning to put some sort of mat under sump. Same stuff as under the tank on top of the stand. Okay so no 15 inch baffles. Will take a look at 40 gal. The one that I got with the tank is approx. 40 gal but it is laid out wrong--I think it is a totally diy tank. Biggest reason for the 55 was for a large enough refugium to make a difference with a 125 gal tank. But am worried now about the 55

Susan Edwards · Dec 18, 2017

Okay, I got the inside dimensions which are 68x16x26 which means no 55 gal or 40 breeder. I'm going to have to find a 36x15 or 16 by 15 or 16 tank for this. So this is the final workup with everything in cabinet and plumbing plan. Lots of adjustments will be made as I actually put it all together: pipes shifted, unions/balls shifted etc. But at least I have a workable plan--Maybe? Final input always welcome

!

redfishbluefish · Dec 18, 2017

I'm confused by what you're saying....and that's easy to do!

. So you are saying you can't fit a 55 or 40 under the tank? I've put 75 gallon sumps under 180's, granted, through the top of the stands, never to be removed. So I'm confused.

JonPhillips · Dec 19, 2017

Susan Edwards said:
Okay, I got the inside dimensions which are 68x16x26 which means no 55 gal or 40 breeder. I'm going to have to find a 36x15 or 16 by 15 or 16 tank for this. So this is the final workup with everything in cabinet and plumbing plan. Lots of adjustments will be made as I actually put it all together: pipes shifted, unions/balls shifted etc. But at least I have a workable plan--Maybe? Final input always welcome

!

Don’t forget to black out your fuge area if your planning to grow algae. I don’t see a light in the plan so disregard. I hear light spill is something to look out for...

Susan Edwards · Dec 19, 2017

redfishbluefish said:
I'm confused by what you're saying....and that's easy to do! . So you are saying you can't fit a 55 or 40 under the tank? I've put 75 gallon sumps under 180's, granted, through the top of the stands, never to be removed. So I'm confused.

The stand is only 68" long, 16" wide and 26" tall. A 55 gal is 18 wide and 21 tall. And a 40b is 18 wide. My stand can't hold either.

@JonPhillips I was plannning on a light. Just didn't add it to the plan drawings. What would I black out?