help with sump plans

[salt newbie01]

Well the time has come for me to replace the sump under my 58 tank. It is a manufactured wet/dry type sump. I want to go with a more useful sump with possibly adding a refugium. The space I have available under the tank is 35" wide x 16 1/2 deep x 25 tall. I have to first figure out what skimmer I will go with - so I can make sure to plan the sump accordingly. Anyone have any ideas? I need a skimmer with a footprint less than 12" square and less than 25 tall. I am tired of paying for skimmers that don't work (ie, seaclone, aqua c etc.) I would like to have a skimmer that didn't require tinkering with every day.

After I figure out the rough size needed for the skimmer I can start to plan the chambers within the sump. I know some skimmers are feed straight from the over flow - so that will also affect the sump. As far as whether I need an area for the water coming into the sump or not. I thought I would get glass cages to make the sump out of acrylic. I would like to make it myself but just don't have time.

Any suggestions you might have I would like to hear them. Especially about a skimmer, as I think this should be my first decision that will affect the sump.

Thanks in advance
Patrick

 

[scouncil]

I got my Tunsi from Donny and it has about a 5" square footprint. And it's maybe a little over a foot in height (but you have to get the cup off by raising it up). I'm sure you don't need one the same size as mine (at least not right this instant), but it's a nice little thing and works pretty good.