Refugim, Sump, Skimmer And Plumbing

[Criminal_Colt]

Ok,

I have some very simple questions I need help with. I have done a lot of research but there is a lot that needs to be clarified. It's all about building a sump with space for a refugium and a protein skimmer. This is all for a 120 Gal tank.

I'm looking to have my tank drilled with two holes. You can see a picture of this in my attachments. The dimensions will be different for my tank of course but the idea is the same. As you can see the down pipes are inside their own cabinet to minimise noise. I don't know why this is any different than having the down pipes in the aquarium without a cabinet. Why would this make a difference? Also how high do the pipes need to be?

So, then the water would flow down into the sump via each pipe. One pipe will lead to the left side of my sump and the other to the right. On the left I will have the skimmer and on the right I will have my refugium. I'm thinking of having the water run through bio balls before reaching either the refugium or skimmer. This should minimise splash and maximise bacteria growth, right? Live Rock has also been suggested but I'd rather place that in my tank.

So, each then flows into the middle of the sump. Here I will have a pump to pump all the water back into the tank. How would you go about this? I was thinking a standard hose pipe back up to the tank and through a drip line like I get with my canister filter.

My main concern is how to build the overflow/down pipe area to minimise noise. I just dont understand how putting it in a cabinet minimises the noise. Sure it flows over the cabinet slower but it still goes down the same pipe.

Secondly I dont know if I should use bio balls or live rock. Also will live sand with live rock and a light suffice for my refugium? What should I put in my canister filter?

Thanks!

Colt

EDIT: Added a woefull picture of my sump plan.

 

[OrionGirl]

Having the pipes in a cabinet will muffle the noise from the water falling down the tubes. If the water is moving slowly (ie, slow return pump), there will be more air caught in the water, creating more noise. Faster return means the water will fill the plumbing better, and less air = less noise.

Bio balls float. I'd use lace rock--cheaper, very porous. It will quickly be colonized by the beneficial bacteria and micro fauna.

 

[Criminal_Colt]

Bio balls float.

He he I had no idea!

As for the cabinet overflow, does that mean the pipes in the cabinet should be very short? As for the water muffling the sound, wouldnt placing it in the aquarium without a cabinet do exactly the same? So confused. Am I being really thick here?

I might add a 3rd hole for the return pump.

Colt

 

[OrionGirl]

Meaning, have the overflow go through the bottom of the tank? Yes, to some extent that will muffle the sound, but most of the noise comes from where the water enters the pipe. I guess I'm a bit confused--do you have built in overflows, or will the water go over the rim of the tank to get to the pipes going to the sump? If you have a built in one, the height of the pipes detemines how much water will drain into the sump from the overflows if the power goes out--and should be carefully tested to prevent flooding.

 

[Criminal_Colt]

Overflows are built in. The standpipes will be inside the tank in their own cabinet going through drilled holes in the bottom.

I will use Durso Standpipes to minimise noise.

I will drill a 3rd hole for the return pipe.

That should do it.

Colt