29G sump build input needed (Baffles)

[Sun357]

Hi all, trying to get the final plans laid down for my sump build. I have a 40G breeder DT and i'm doing a 29G Sump. I wanted a larger than the 20G sump as I wanted it to hold more water for evaporation and have a larger Fuge. I DIY'd the stand so it easily has enough room under it for the 29G and for moving the equipment all around.

Current plan:
Skimmer 10" > Return 8" < Fuge 10"

That is 28" long and I figure 2" for the bubble trap right after the skimmer.

Does that sound good?

I can just use a single baffle going from Fuge to overflow into the Return area, correct?

I'm going to be using an SCA-302 skimmer which i've been reading works best in around 9" of water.

What i'd like to do is have very high baffles so I can keep a lot of water in this Sump for evaporation. From the estimator on RC site I figure I only need around 4G for power outage max. (Even less but I rounded up)

I'm thinking 15" baffles between skimmer and return section and placing the skimmer on a stand. Then the baffle between the return and fuge section maybe a bit taller.

Any thoughts? Much appreciated!

 

[Mike in CT]

I also used a 29 gallon sump. Here is a drawing of the dimensions I used. I had a stock cabinet so I had to cut out the floor of
it and then built a base out of 4x4's to raise it up so I have enough room for my tall skimmer. These dimension are pretty close to
yours. My return section loses about a inch or so from evaporation everyday so I could go 3 or 4 days without
worrying about it. I have a auto to off now so it does not matter as much. (I have a 75 g DT) At these dimensions I have
no problem holding a few inches of water from the DT when the power is off. It drains down to my anti siphon holes on my return
pipes.

 

[Sun357]

Awesome, Mike! Thanks a ton! I really like that. 13 inch baffles works good so maybe i'll just go with that sizing as the whole thing looks about the dimensions I want to go with.

How have you kept the Fuge? BB? DSB? LR?

 

[Sun357]

Can you not edit posts here? lol You definitely need more backflow room supporting a 75 than I do with a 40 so I may still go with the 15" baffles.

 

[Mike in CT]

I have kept some extra live rock in the fuge for now, thinking maybe someday of getting a manderine so the rock in the fuge will keep the
pod population going. I am running a Herbie over flow that I love..nice and quiet because my tank in in the living/dining area.
I only run a filter sock when I am kicking up stuff and really have not notices much debri in the sump so far. This was my first sump so I was so
worried about flooding the house I did a test run outside in the middle of winter to make sure I understood the whole process before I
fired her up inside the house.

 

[Sun357]

Cute kid! My son is over-due. He was due Saturday so this is helping distract me. lol =)

Thanks for the info. Looks real good.

 

[Mike in CT]

Hang in there Fred! The one in the picture is one of my twin 3 year olds, my oldest who is 7 now was a
week late and had to be coaxed out...lol. Is this your first??

 

[Sun357]

Wellll, raised two teens with my ex-wife and have 4 step-kids with the current wife. LOL This is my first baby though! I've got the teen years down pat it's just the baby ones that will be new.

 

[Mike in CT]

Sounds like you will have plenty of babysitters anyway! Lol
Thinking about the teenage years really scare me!! You will be hearing from me in about 6 years asking for advice.

 

[Sun357]

LOL Oh yes, plenty of sitters for sure if needed. Definitely an expert when it comes to teens! Ask away when you get there!