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scubasteve3
10/12/2009, 06:09 PM
First time poster on RC...
I'm trying to build my sump for my 135g tank. I plan to turn a 55g, which I already have, into a sump. I also am going to use a Reef Octopus 200 for my skimmer. The problem I have with the skimmer is that it is so big that when placed into the 55g and under my stand I cannot take the collection cup off! Luckily there is a drainage valve on the cup so I can drain the skimmate that way...
Anyhow, because there is only a 1" clearance between the top of the skimmer and the ceiling of the Stand, I cannot have higher than a ~8.5" level of water (Level of water required to run the skimmer). This is the choking point of the total volume of the sump. Normally you could just have some kind of stand to put your skimmer on so that it is still only submerged ~8.5" and have over 8.5" of water.
Looking at Melevs sump setup, I came up with this design which does give me more volume in my sump ~24g...
Here is a picture below, let me know what you think! I have never built a sump before...

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/stishaphotos/Sump2.jpg

uncleof6
10/12/2009, 09:41 PM
There is plenty of volume in this sump. And your skimmer should be fine in 9 " of water. If not, drop the bubble trap down to 8.5". (Dimensions a little different than yours but close enough)

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu274/uncleof6/sump3-1.jpg

Regards,

Jim

scubasteve3
10/13/2009, 01:47 AM
There is plenty of volume in this sump. And your skimmer should be fine in 9 " of water. If not, drop the bubble trap down to 8.5". (Dimensions a little different than yours but close enough)

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu274/uncleof6/sump3-1.jpg

Regards,

Jim

Thanks Jim for the picture! So much better than mine. I think I'll go with a setup similar to yours. I think my skimmer is bigger than yours though, since I need a longer chamber for that..What is the size of your main tank and what is the size of your return pump?
I'm thinking of running a mag 9.5 for a return pump. Have a mag 18 for a closed loop...