Sump redesign

Duke4Life · Mar 31, 2016

After my 2nd of 3 baffles giving way, I've decided now would be a great time to redesign. Only thing is my pump isn't internal and I'm set on adding an algae scrubber (finishing this project this weekend). Only other thing I'm adding within a few months is a skimmer.

I've attached a very basic drawing of my 20g long sump.

What would you do and why?

jsker · Mar 31, 2016

can't wait to see the finished product.

mcarroll · Mar 31, 2016

I'd say have it as completely open as you can.

I use no baffles in mine...I have a homebrew PVC bubble-trap for the drain water and that's it. Love it!

It's great having the room to do whatever you want. Unless you need a chamber with a higher water level than the base level where you set your ATO, I wouldn't put any walls up at all. (And the ATO is probably set to your skimmer's preferred depth when you do it this way. Works great!)

Duke4Life · Apr 1, 2016

Anyone have sand in their sump for all the little critters down there? Picked up a filter sock to replace the large filter pads I have been using.

Duke4Life · Apr 1, 2016

How do I save all the critters I see? They are everywhere and would like to save.

Duke4Life · Apr 2, 2016

Thinking of pulling the remaining divider, any cons in doing? Going to replace with a plastic bin with sand and caulerpa prolifera and shorten the return section is what I've got drawn up. The plastic bin is so that it's easy to remove if I choose.
Going to build a filter sock holder tomorrow, any cons in using only 1?