Diy sump

LiveOutLoud

LiveOutLoud

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Feb 4, 2008
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Ok so I was wondering basically how u set up sumps. I know basically I want my skimmer section then the fuge then the return pump. But I was wondering about the sumps I've seen have different levels of glass and bubble traps and how big each section could be. I want to go with a 20 gallon sump for my 55. So thanks people for any advice in advance.
 
I'm still trying to figure it out myself, but allot of good information can be found at www.melevsreef.com

Many seem to have the output from the display tank going into the skimmer section, then to the fuge, then to the return area(like you mentioned). Some have the return area in the middle with the water split into both ends, usually 75% to the skimmer side and 25% to the fuge side reducing flow in the fuge.

The skimmer area size will depend on which skimmer you choose. Leave enough empty room in the sump for the water from your tubes in case the power goes out. Fuge as big as possible. No clue on the return section size.......

I would pick a skimmer first and determine it's requirements like depth of water and space needed.

Surely someone will correct any of my mistakes.
 
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Thanks for the help peg legs now if somebody wants to explain bubble traps to me and how i actually go about building this thing that'd be a big help. Thanks !
 
Well I don't care about bubbles in the least and I don't think fish do either. I hear that some coral definitely doesn't like bubbles.


Bubble traps...

Anyway, bubbles float right? Well you can imagine that you could get rid of bubbles in a bunch of water by just drawing from the bottom of the column. This is one hundred percent true, unless, that column of water is moving. In that case the bubbles can be "entrained" and be drug down with the moving water. Well if the column moving down is slow enough the bubble's buoyancy which is moving the bubble upward will win the race. Hence, the bubbles won't make it to the bottom - you have "trapped" them.

To review. If you had some dinky bubble at the bottom of your water column detach and rise to the top it will rise at some speed. Your system needs to maintain flow that is S L O W E R than that. If that is assured then you won't get any bubbles passing thru.

How this translates to a sump design is that you put a plate in the flow path somewhere where the water must go down to exit. You need to make sure that the spacing involved is such that the flow speed remains below the bubble rising speed. Bigger flow? Larger areas are required.
 
I found this thread today and it helped me greatly http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90499

It's been right under my nose all this time in the sticky section. The links on using EPDM door gaskets to place your baffles is great, and they can be moved later. Being able to move the baffles if your skimmer doesn't fit or you want a larger return section..... things just got easier
oh yeah, the link: Best baffels ever made!!! http://www.captivereefing.com/showthread.php?t=3282
from page 2 of the thread
 
ok so this is a quick drawing i made up on paint so wat do u think? o the skimmer section is 8 inches long. Thanks for the link Peg legs it helped alot
 

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Thanks. I was wondering the pump does it go completely submerged in the water even were the electrical cord is and stuff? Also what type of lighting do I need for the fuge?
 
yep it is thanks now i know i'm not going to be blowing my tank up or something. Also what would be easier and cheaper to get materials for you think an acrylic or glass tank?
 
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