Advise On My Sump Design

[baden187]

Hi
I am planning my first sump when I upgrade my tank when the weather breaks (if it does ) here is a picture of my first design can you please tell me if its ok or what could I do better????

I am still in two minds on weather to have a DSB or MM system so any advise would be great
The main tank will be 72 x 30 x 24 not sure on the sump either 48 x 18 x 18 or 48 x 18 x 15 I have lots of questions regarding the sump design but I think it would be better for you to comment on it first because you will probably answer some of my doubts :P


Baden :thumbsup:

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Sump%20Design%2020052.jpg

[Will]

well i wouldnt use fudge personally :lol: but may be worth keeping the liverock and fuge seperate imo it works better, and its worth refreshing the liverock every 12 months or so :thumbsup:

also no real need for the bio balls i would turn that into a settlement chamber to help remove solids :thumbsup: have the water flow oveer the top of that compartment to the skimmer


hth a bit
:thumbsup:

[simon garratt]

Depending on which method your going. If MM then keep the bioballs, if DSB loose the bioballs.

As for the main DSB/MM fuge area, Id keep live rock out of there if possible unless your talking a single layer of rubble no bigger than marble sized peices that wont compact the sand underneith. You could try a floating algae like Chaeto rather than the more common Culerpa as this wont dig roots down into the sand bed causing solidification and binding (this slows the bed down and chokes it in many cases where DSB's are concerned)

Overall though, I cant see a problem with how youve done it, the baffles work in a logical manner to reduce bubbles etc and its nice to see the skimmer placed before the sand bed/fuge instead of after it for a change.

have you considerd running the skimmer externally (but still drawing from your current location) to give you more space in the sump itself?

Regards

Si.. :)

[baden187]

Thanks for the input lads :thumbsup: I am thinking of housing the Skimmer and the Return Pump outside the Sump thanks Si I was just wondering should baffle #4 be the same size as #5 & #2????

Also would you think it is wise to still skim with MM or does this defeat the object?
Because I was thinking of not upgrading my skimmer and go with MM but still skim with my current skimmer which is a Deltec MCE 600 rated for 700lts my new system will be around 750lts without the sump

Once again thank you both for the advise

Baden :dance:

[baden187]

One last question :blush: Could some one please tell me on the main tank I would like it 80"L x 24"H x 30"W would I need to upgrade from 10mm to 12mm glass even thou I am keeping the height at 2ft (24") it will also be double based

Kindest Regards

Baden :thumbsup:

[simon garratt]

personnaly at 80" long, id do both the front pane and rear in 12mm and do a double base (2 x 10mm) to add extra strength.

regards

Si.