DIY Sump/Fuge

[spirou]

Hey Reefers,

Thinking about a partially-DIY system for my new DT. Here's what I'm thinking about doing:

DT (200g) outlet flows directly into an Aqueon 40g. The Aqueon 40g will be nothing more than a fuge, housing a variety of macro algae and live rock, no socks or anything like that. The outflow of the fuge will be two 2-inch pipes set at about 3/4 up the tank wall so the fuge holds about 30g.

The pipes leaving the fuge will connect to an Aqueon 30g that will be divided approximately in half with a bubble trap. The first half will be sump with skimmer (and waste collector), the second half will be the return chamber. The 40g and 30g will have a divider between them to keep the fuge light on the fuge side.

All in all, I should have about 20g of overflow capacity for system outages.

I'm also going to run some other things (CaRx, UV sterilizer, ATO), but those aren't particularly relevant to designing the sump/fuge as I should be able to work them into the stand pretty easily.

Have you all built anything like this? Do you see any issues with the design functioning properly?

Thank you in advance for your input!

 

[Fernthereefer]

Essentially a Triton-type system if I understand ? Will the two tanks be at the same height? you will just have a connectin/bulkhead between them?

If so, you will have to clean up the detritus buildup that will form in the bottom of the Fuge right before your bulkhead, and make sure the flow does not become obstructed between them because that will be a major concern. Otherwise I like it.

Ideally I would recommend some type of fail safe...

PS: I am not an expert at plumbing, so I would consider the input of more experienced reefers.

 

[spirou]

Yes, was thinking about bulk head connections between the two tanks, but now I'm wondering about elevating the fuge so water spills into the skimmer sump and ensure that everything flows the direction I want it to. Thoughts here?

Part of my reason for using 2" pipe is to help mitigate flow obstruction. Maybe I'll put a baffle between the fuge and the outflow to help keep the pipes clear. Part of the goal here is to minimize maintenance, so I'm hoping to have a healthy community of detritivores in the fuge doing the bulk of that clean up work.