Sump refugium design suggestions

[orbsplayground]

So first off this is my very first post to reef central. i have looked over the sump design pages that are still accessible and many videos about suggestions for these. However none of them really match the setups I am currently looking at.

I have been designing an idea for a diy sump, my current system is a 70Gal with a canister filter. I recently bought a 90Gal with internal overflow. I have a 30Gal tank for a sump/refugium. The 2 designs I am currently looking at are attached. I have been leaning toward the top design, but I am unsure of which system would be better for the refugium and the main tank. I welcome any suggestions or improvements to the design and why you might change it. This is a 30gal glass, and I am planning to use acrylic for the baffles.

[h8z2luze]

If you want to run a fuge I would say go with the top one because to much flow though the fuge can mess it up from what I hear. I never tried it. I actually had a seperate tank for my fuge and T'd it off with a ball valve from my return then had it flow directly back into my tank so nothing was getting chopped up in pumps such as pods. It was a 20G sat higher than my tank and next to it drilled in the top corner.

[Reefmedic79]

Go with the top design, but instead of draining 20% from the overflow, put 100% into the far right.

Then run a "T" off the return with a ball/gate valve directed to the fuge.

[h8z2luze]

Go with the top design, but instead of draining 20% from the overflow, put 100% into the far right.

Then run a "T" off the return with a ball/gate valve directed to the fuge.

You mean far left? And ya that is a better idea.

Also might want to make your skimmer section like 14" to give you a little wiggle room...

[orbsplayground]

The location of the overflow on the main tank is 1/3 from the left side of the tank so I was going to bring the PVC straight down to a T and put a valve going to fuge I was just estimating 80/20 would be approx flow

[h8z2luze]

There you go.

[Reefmedic79]

The location of the overflow on the main tank is 1/3 from the left side of the tank so I was going to bring the PVC straight down to a T and put a valve going to fuge I was just estimating 80/20 would be approx flow

It can be done that way, but IMO&E I don't ever suggest putting anything on the overflow lines that would restrict the flow.

You mean far left? And ya that is a better idea.

I did mean left.

[orbsplayground]

So would it e better to run 100% to skimmer side then on the return have a small amount go to fuge? And rest back to main tank?

[h8z2luze]

I got confused. I agree with reefmedic. T it off from your return line. That way your not restricting flow from your overflow AND you will be pumping skimmed/cleaner water to your fuge.

[Strobes]

I have mine set up like everyone suggests. Both drains go to the skimmer section, then the return section and a t on the return line with a valve to control flow to the fuge. Seems to be working good. Just trying to dial in the amount of flow I want to the fuge.

[orbsplayground]

Thanks all!

[orbsplayground]

So another question if the skimmer recommends 5.5-6.5" depth is that the optimal range, or recommended minimum depth for best performance?

[GT350pwns]

So another question if the skimmer recommends 5.5-6.5" depth is that the optimal range, or recommended minimum depth for best performance?

stab in the dark on my part, but I would say that that is the recommended minimum depth for best performance.

[orbsplayground]

I think I'm going to make 7.5" deep and see how the skimmer performs if I need to I can always T the output to decrease back pressure on the pump, it also gives me flexibility On skimmers I can always put a 1 inch riser under to make it between 5.5-6.5