Sump Setup-I'm so frustrated!

[kkgaskin90]

Ok...this is how the LFS told me to set up... I feel like it's a cluster... And inefficient...help?

 

[ShippD]

Wow i feel your pain that skimmer is hogging space

 

[kkgaskin90]

Yeah it's huge! I feel like my LR and algae are pointless :/

 

[ShippD]

I agree it is huge

what size display tank do you have?

 

[erm213]

You could look into the Reef Octopus Classic 110 or 150 Space Saver skimmers. They are made to have a small footprint and can handle up to 150 gallons.

Erik

 

[trido]

IMO you should remove the sand, LR and macro algea. Your sump is far too small to be an effective refugium and the stuff with your skimmer is only going to cause you headaches. You could set up a remote fuge somewhere if you have room but you might be just as well off using a pellet reactor instead of a fuge at all

 

[Fin]

Is it that the skimmer is too large, or is it that the sump is really small? Do you have more room in the stand for a larger sump? Looks like there is a little more space under there.

Defintely ditch the sand and that attempt at a refugium. That will be more of a problem than a benefit.

 

[trido]

I dont think your skimmer is too big at all. Its just crowded with the LS and macro algea that will never be effective in this small of a space. On right, how do the two filter socks work when the overflow is piped in beside them? On the left, I finally saw a pretty big return chamber. I'd suggest filling it up closer to the level of the skimmer chamber to help reduce micro bubbles and the waterfall sound your probably getting right now. Also, if you don't clean that blue sponge very regularly it will become a nitrate factory. I'd just get rid of it along with the other non essential items. FWIW, a second heater is always a good idea incase one fails.

 

[Salty Dog]

can you convert the skimmer to external? that would make up a lot of room and add more water volume to you sump.

 

[TJ's Reef]

Agree with ^above^ comments in removing sand, macro, LR from skimmer chamber and light will clean up space quite a bit. A big fan of refugiums but they need to be substantial in size to get true benefit from.

Cheers, Todd

 

[kkgaskin90]

Well that stinks. I like my skimmer and it's brand new so with the cost of the whole set up and Christmas I would like to stay as cost effective as possible for now. As for the filter socks, there is a clear tube that runs the water back up to be filtered through. I raised the level as high as I could after this pic-can't be too high in case we lose power but the waterfall isn't really audible outside the stand. I will remove LR & as much of the sand as I can. DT is 75g. Is it worth shutting down and trying to situate the skimmer in the third chamber with the pump? Or no?

 

[trido]

I'd leave the skimmer right where it is unless you absolutely must have a refugium. If you can put it in the return chamber without micro bubbles in the tank that would be fine but it looks like it will be difficult to remove the collection cup. Also, there is no such thing as " your skimmer is too big" IMO. If it fits into the sump and the collection cup can be removed without problem then keep it.

As for the filter socks, there is a clear tube that runs the water back up to be filtered through.

Let's see if I understand, the Overflow pipe that is piped into the right chamber down near the bottom then has a "T" and two clear pipes go back up and into the filter socks. Sounds confusing if I'm correct, I've never heard of anything like it.

 

[kkgaskin90]

No, let's see if I can get a better pic-

Would I need to run something else since I won't have a fuge?

 

[DragKnee]

Is that a dual sock on such a small sump?

Sheesh, I feel your pain - this is why I went to the basement so I had all the room I wanted.

Can't really give you much advice here, that is a mess. Basically, you want it setup where you don't get stressed out when you work on it.

 

[trido]

I see, your overflow has a bubble trap. Pretty cool really. Running a fuge isn't necessary at all. If you have room its a bonus and a natural way to help remove phosphates. Many reefer have put them to the way side and are now running biopellet reactors instead. Pellet reactors aid in lowering phosphates, nitrates and (from what I hear) feed your corals in the process. Your sump is fine and if you clean it up, I'm sure you'll be as satisfied as anyone who has a sump under their stand.

For what you have, I'd recommend removing the sand, get a pellet reactor (possibly HOB), and add an ATO.

When you start needing supplements you will need either Kalk, a Calcium reactor or dosing pumps. ONe step into the addiction at a time.

 

[evan.lundberg4]

IMO you just need to de-clutter. Skimmer is good where it is, just without refugium. Also I may be seeing it wrong but it looks like the overflow tube from the tank comes down from the left hand side. It might help to spin the sump so that the filter socks are on the left and the overflow can come straight down into the sump.

 

[kkgaskin90]

Alright, a few hours and a couple (ok, more than a couple) cuss words later, here is what we have. Is it still too small for a fuge or is this actually an improvement?

 

[trido]

Alright, a few hours and a couple (ok, more than a couple) cuss words later, here is what we have. Is it still too small for a fuge or is this actually an improvement?

Improvement! Now, you should remove the one piece of LR so the cheato will tumble as a ball instead of hang up on the LR. NO micro bubbles? You might need to add a small power head in the fuge to keep the algea moving. It can be a useful fuge.

 

[gman08016]

If you have room under your stand you can always add a bigger fuge to your set up that's what I did to my sump I do have the same one just the next bigger model works really well.

 

[kkgaskin90]

It is rolling around-I thought the more LR the better??

NO bubbles-none that I can see, anyway.

Oy! That's a lot gman! Maybe one day... There's only about 15" more space under here though.