Sump design. Suggestions/improvements appreciated

[root81]

I've just finished my first draft for the sump tank that I'm planning for my new SW aquarium.

Section A (the middle chamber) will be the input from the overflow on the tank I'll be going with a reverse flow DIY skimmer, and I hope to be able to use the whole squar chamber

Section B is for the protein skimmer. I'm going to have the skimmer gravity fed off the incoming water, with the outflow from the chamber being at the bottom, running into the main section of the tank.

section C is basically an overflow just in case the skimmer gets blocked, or something.

Section D will be where the return pump will be located.


The main section of the tank will have LR rubble, and heaters.


Does anyone see any major flaws with this design, or see any improvements that would be worth looking into? I have plenty of time to iron out the details here, becase I don't expect the display tank to be completed until at least early May.

 

[Grins]

I suppose I don't understand some of the reasoning behind this set-up. Additionally section B doesn't leave a very big footprint for a skimmer. How are you planning on section B's water to get out to C or D?

 

[Reefscape]

hmmmm....Well....an immediate flaw is flow through the sump from inlet to refugium to return..I dont see how it can achieve this..Also, how is the refugium going to be housed so the sand bed does not flow into the return? Am a little unsure of the layout of the sump, and i feel this is being made over complicated...remember, you have to plumb and balance this....How is the water going to enter the Skimmer compartment? and that compartment will have to be rather large as it will have the skimmer inside of this?? Whats your choice of skimmer for the system??

Sorry for all the questions...lol..

 

[root81]

I guess the angle of the model wasn't as clear as I thought. the skimmer compartement is fed at the top, and outflow at the bottom into the main section. The only pump will be for the return, the rest of the flow should balance itself from the overflow feeding it.

The skimmer will be a very simple DIY setup, and the compartment will actually be the skimmer. There will be a good airpump (or more likely 2) feeding a bunch of airstones at the bottom of the compartment.

As for the sand, I hadn't considered that. That'll be another 2 short pieces of glass to confine the sand.

 

[Grins]

Have you looked at Marc's sump designs on www.melevsreef.com? If not, I'd give those a look (he has several models) and make adjustments.