Sump question

[Partsman19]

Okay, now that I read the sticky note on sump setups and got completely confused I have a few questions. I have a 90 gallon aquarium and will be setting up a 40 gallon sump, my first aquarium with a sump. I am not sure yet but I think I will be using a Reef Octopus NWB 150 protein skimmer. I will be putting the baffles in the sump tank and would like to know how tall to make the baffle next to the skimmer. Also, what is the advantages or disadvantages of having the return pump in or outside of the sump. Last question, how much water will flow back into the sump with a power outage?

If anyone has an illustration of how to set up the sump I would REALLY appreciate it as this project scares me a little as I do not want a flood!

Thanks

 

[11f150]

I dont know what water depth that skimmer works best at but look up when is needed and setup the baffle at that depth. I would go a little higher than what it recommends so you have some wiggle room in the future and get a different skimmer. You can always adjust the skimmer height by getting something to raise the skimmer up. I've always put pumps inside the sump. One advantage I can think of by having it in the sump is if your plumbing leaks/breaks on external and youre not around...bad news. The amount of water that will go back into your sump is however high your returns are in your main tank. If they are close to the surface, you wont have much. Dont depend on a check valve to stop water from overflowing your sump.

 

[Partsman19]

Thanks for the quick reply. They say the water level should be 7 to 9" so if I make the baffle 10" I should be okay, correct? Also, I was wondering if there were any other skimmers you would recommend. I am trying to stay in a budget since I am needing the rest of the equipment to go with this setup as well. I was also looking at the Bubble Magus and SCA skimmers along with the Eshopps but have no clue what to get.

 

[11f150]

Thanks for the quick reply. They say the water level should be 7 to 9" so if I make the baffle 10" I should be okay, correct? Also, I was wondering if there were any other skimmers you would recommend. I am trying to stay in a budget since I am needing the rest of the equipment to go with this setup as well. I was also looking at the Bubble Magus and SCA skimmers along with the Eshopps but have no clue what to get.

I think some of the eshopps have a sicce pump which I would lean towards at your budget area.

https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/a...y69fCD9D3sjj3Fnqkoi6RtHlejvomSXhoCOLcQAvD_BwE

That has the same pump as the ATB 840 use to have before they went Jebao. Great pump. 10" should be good and you can raise the skimmer if needed with a stand of some sort. I think you could put it at 9" and call it a day as well.

 

[11f150]

And one more thing. What are you planning on using for baffles?

Check these out. If they are out of your budget to do the entire sump with you could still get 1 for the skimmer water level area so you could always adjust it so you wouldnt need a skimmer stand.