building sump, way confused.

S

Statman

AC Members
Nov 3, 2004
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i have a 55 gallon tank for my sump. the gear in it is a mag drive 1200 and an Octopus Needlewheel 150. i have several baffles to silicone in also. i have each baffle basically against either the skimmer or the pump, do either of these chambers need any more room than this?
also the baffles have slits in the tops (picture 3) where the water will flow into the next section. i have no clue how a skimmer works, but does the tall black tube (picture2) sticking up need to be under the water line? as is, it is slightly above where the slit is so im assuming it will stay out of the water.
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I am building one just like it. Except I raise the return pump way up. Thinking it won't drain the sum if 'siphon break'. Yes, I have to use an overflow box.

What kind of glue do you use, and how does it work out?

Most people has waterline lower than yours. They usually call for 2/3 to 3/4 height of tank.

I don't know jack about skimmer, but doesn't the instruction come with a waterline mark?
 
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the instructions for the skimmer was a single sheet of paper showing how it all went together, so basically there were no instructions.
 
u guys are making me look fwd to when i start my salt setup sorry no help but still lol
 
You don't really want the water level quite that high against the skimmer. It looks like it may interfere with the water level, especially if you ever need to lower the standpipe. That is not to mention that the proteins, etc. that need to be removed tend to stay at the top of the water, so just enough water to cover the pump is really all that is necessary. You may want to lower the overall level of the baffles or raise the skimmer as high as practically possible (i.e. you can still remove the cup, and remove the skimmer itself).
 
so if i only want the water high enough to cover the sump, then i want only 4 inches of water in there?
 
do i need to make sure any part of the skimmer is submerged, and do i want the leverl 3/4 of the way up in the entire sump area, or just in certain sections like the pump section or whatever. and does each section need any "breathing room" or is it ok for the baffle sections to be snug against either the pump or skimmer?
 
I didn't fully read all the posts so if it has already been said forgive me, BUT, get rid of the sponge on the pump. It will collect garbage and create a nitrate factory if not cleaned very frequently. And with it being that close to your divider it would be difficult to take off to clean.
 
Here is what the "collective wisdom" is saying:

1. Lower both baffles by 3in

2. Raise the skimmer another 3 to 4in. The skimmer pump should be submerged (obviously), the skimmer should be mostly above water.

3. ditch the sponge

- I would at least leave some 'breathing room' just in case you want a larger skimmer and return pump.
 
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