current sump setup

Nooreef · Jun 25, 2017

Hi! I'm a newbie!

I want to share my setup of the 10 gallon sump hooked to the main 55 gallon display breeder tank. What is a breeder tank? Is there any reasons it shouldn't be used as the main display tank?

This sump is too small as I can barely fit skimmer, chaeto, mangrove, some sand and rock, 2 heaters (A/C blasts in basement), and a return pump in it. Gluing baffles was a pain.

(I also have an ATO with a side bucket of RO water. From looking at the picture of my setup, please provide any feedbacks!)

Question: 5000K light bulb is hanging about 3 inches from the mangrove leaves. Is there any detrimental effects on the plant or chaeto algae when the light bulb is hanging so close to them?

I'm planning to upgrade to a 20 gallon sump. Any tips on where/how to get an affordable sump tank, and whether to get a pre-setup sump or DIY would be appreciated!

Ty Hamatake · Jun 25, 2017

Oh man, yeah I'm sure running a 55 off a 10 gallon sump is difficult. I believe the term "breeder" is based solely on the dimensions. Where a standard 55 gallon has less depth (space from front to back), a breeder is actually far more desirable for a reef tank due to having more depth.

Another DIY sump is bar far the cheapest you'll find. If wait until petco has their $1 a gallon sale and get as big of a tank that fits in your stand that still allows room to work (including installing/removing equipment).

Your current setup looks great. What are you hoping to get out of your next one? Is there anything you want that you don't have in this one? Also, sorry I'm not sure about your question concerning the distance of your light from the mangrove.

fermentedhiker · Jun 25, 2017

Yeah what he said :) Dollar per gallon sale at Petco is the way to go.

My only critique of the current setup up is that it looks like your second baffle is a little high and doesn't leave you much wiggle room for water to drain back from the display. Things can work fine when you test them but something always can go wrong to make it worse. My rule of thumb(I just made it up so I won't claim it's right) is if the sump level rises say 2" when the pump is off then I leave at least four inches of room in case more water siphons back than I planned on.

Nano1908 · Jun 25, 2017

I have a 55 gallon sump for sale (75.00) but I'm in New Jersey. Will trade for a 20 or 21 gallon frag tank. I'm not sure where you are located. Does not make sense to ship.

Nooreef · Jun 25, 2017

Nano1908 said:
I have a 55 gallon sump for sale (75.00) but I'm in New Jersey. Will trade for a 20 or 21 gallon frag tank. I'm not sure where you are located. Does not make sense to ship.

I stay in St. Louis, Missouri. Although it looks like a nice tank, I'm too far and it's too big to fit the purpose of sump for my main tank that's 55 gallons.

Nooreef · Jun 25, 2017

Ty Hamatake said:
Oh man, yeah I'm sure running a 55 off a 10 gallon sump is difficult. I believe the term "breeder" is based solely on the dimensions. Where a standard 55 gallon has less depth (space from front to back), a breeder is actually far more desirable for a reef tank due to having more depth.

Another DIY sump is bar far the cheapest you'll find. If wait until petco has their $1 a gallon sale and get as big of a tank that fits in your stand that still allows room to work (including installing/removing equipment).

Your current setup looks great. What are you hoping to get out of your next one? Is there anything you want that you don't have in this one? Also, sorry I'm not sure about your question concerning the distance of your light from the mangrove.

I think my light is hanging too close to the mangrove. What's the recommended distance between light and chaeto/mangrove?

Nooreef · Jun 25, 2017

Here's a diagram of my sump to show the water flow more clearly. I got holes in two baffles to allow flow through the middle level.

I'm planning to keep everything in the new sump I will be getting. I might add a sponge in the refugium to add to the biological filter and raise water quality. Refugium size is the biggest concern that I have because I want to add more lifeforms to the sump tank.

Ty Hamatake · Jun 25, 2017

Nooreef said:
I think my light is hanging too close to the mangrove. What's the recommended distance between light and chaeto/mangrove?

I have a little grow light in my stand and it suggests a distance of 10-16" to prevent burning leaves. You may just need to look up your light and see if there is a recommendation on distances.

Your sump design looks good! With added space you may want to consider placing the fuge behind the skimmer and return chambers with a separate water supply. That way you can fully control the flow through it.