Sump baffle design

[reef_of_flames]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the process of converting an acrylic Clear for Life aquarium into my new sump. The dimensions are 36"x15"x16", so it's about 37g. It would be for my new 90g tank.

Here's a picture of what I had in mind:
bubble column->skimmer section->refugium->set of weirs->return section

[REEForBANG]

Which bonding material are you planning on using for your baffles?

[ChefZilla]

I'm sure he's using weldon. I think #16

[thegrun]

I would skip the bubble column section (just let the drains run directly into the skimmer section) and use the extra space to enlarge the return section which looks like it may not be large enough to handle the drain down water. If you are certain the return section is large enough, use the extra space to enlarge the refugium.

[562R33f3r]

Here's my current 40breeder sump design and can't be any happier.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...9&postcount=24

[562R33f3r]

Pic of the right side.

[562R33f3r]

Pics

[waterman78]

Chris,

Thegrun has a point, that's how my sump was designed. skimmer-refugium-return. However, this a great design...it makes sense and should work fine. It will just collect so much debris in a small space.

If there were any additional thoughts to improve the design I would just simply add some live rock in your bubble section or a filter sock to help collect debris from your display. It's just an idea.

And depending on where your drain is located.....the three baffles for your return section could also be used where you have your bubble section....same concept. (Bubble stopper)

All in all, it looks good. Good luck with the construction.

Larry

[reef_of_flames]

Originally Posted by REEForBANG

Which bonding material are you planning on using for your baffles?

Originally Posted by ChefZilla

I'm sure he's using weldon. I think #16

Yea I'm using Weldon 16

[reef_of_flames]

Originally Posted by thegrun

I would skip the bubble column section (just let the drains run directly into the skimmer section) and use the extra space to enlarge the return section which looks like it may not be large enough to handle the drain down water. If you are certain the return section is large enough, use the extra space to enlarge the refugium.

My idea is a combination of these 2 sump set ups from Melev's reef:
http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/f/sump_f.html
http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/s...p_model_e.html

I'd like to get rid of as many bubbles as possible. I also have plenty of room for my skimmer.
For the return section, I made enough room to be able to rotate fully my Mag12. What do you recommend as "enough" space?

[reef_of_flames]

Originally Posted by 562R33f3r

Pics

So you're not running a skimmer? That's a nice chunk of chaeto in there. What type of light do you have over it?

[reef_of_flames]

Originally Posted by waterman78

Chris,

Thegrun has a point, that's how my sump was designed. skimmer-refugium-return. However, this a great design...it makes sense and should work fine. It will just collect so much debris in a small space.

If there were any additional thoughts to improve the design I would just simply add some live rock in your bubble section or a filter sock to help collect debris from your display. It's just an idea.

And depending on where your drain is located.....the three baffles for your return section could also be used where you have your bubble section....same concept. (Bubble stopper)

All in all, it looks good. Good luck with the construction.

Larry

Thanks Larry. I was planning on placing rock rubble in the bubble column. I also thought about aiming the skimmer outlet into the refugium to help rotate the chaeto for adequate lighting.

[thegrun]

Originally Posted by reef_of_flames

My idea is a combination of these 2 sump set ups from Melev's reef:
http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/f/sump_f.html
http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/s...p_model_e.html

I'd like to get rid of as many bubbles as possible. I also have plenty of room for my skimmer.
For the return section, I made enough room to be able to rotate fully my Mag12. What do you recommend as "enough" space?

You want to have the return section to be sized large enough to handle all the drain down water from the DT when your return pump is turned off. You can take a wild guess at the amount, but the best way to determine the amount is to run the return pump in a brute container and then take a measurement of the actual drain down water once you turn off the pump.

[reef_of_flames]

Originally Posted by thegrun

You want to have the return section to be sized large enough to handle all the drain down water from the DT when your return pump is turned off. You can take a wild guess at the amount, but the best way to determine the amount is to run the return pump in a brute container and then take a measurement of the actual drain down water once you turn off the pump.

Baffles will only maintain the sump 1/2 full. This will leave me with about 18g worth to hold from the pump being shut off.
So let's say the overflow is 5" from the top of the tank (which it is not). Ok so here would be the dimensions 5"x48"x18". This would have a volume of 18g (from my 90g). Since it's not that deep into my tank, I won't have that much drain into my sump.

I understand what you're saying though, but it looks like I'm in the clear.

[scubasamdo]

Have enough volume in the return section to last a few days without top off water being added. This will save your pump if something goes wrong and the water drains down.

[reef_of_flames]

I think I will be taking out the bubble column. After all, I do have the set of weirs...

[562R33f3r]

Originally Posted by reef_of_flames

So you're not running a skimmer? That's a nice chunk of chaeto in there. What type of light do you have over it?

I'm currently running an Aqua C with a mag 3 pump, but I built it so I can also use an in-sump skimmer in the return area. Its lighted with a par 30 led I bought at home depot.

[reef_of_flames]

Finally got a chance to put the sump together!!!

Here's a pic