Just acquired a 70 gallon upgrade! sump setup question

[dirtyxducks19]

Just acquired a 70 gallon tank upgrade with an overflow and sump. I have a 30 gallon setup with a canister filter at the moment. I’ve always wanted a sump system just never had the opportunity. Well that opportunity was today. Got a $150 steal from a job I was working on. 70 gallon over flow with sump, a very old light(haven’t looked into it yet), stand and canopy.I will be posting a build thread as I want to do this right and I’m sure with the input from this group that will happen.

I have a couple questions.
The attached photo is the sump. I was wondering what is the proper setup for skimmers and ect. It’s a fairly small sump. I’ll post the size soon.
if I place a skimmer.. does it need to be in side the sump or can I use my existing HOB skimmer? Should I add baffles before the return pump to minimize micro bubbles? And is there any way I can make a refuge in this? Maybe where the dry rock currently is in the photo?
Thanks in advance guys.
I’m super excited. This is the tank I’ve been wanting

 

[dirtyxducks19]

Sump size
L:23 inches w: 9 inches h: 12.5 inches
Marked fill level: 3 inches

 

[Mahi-reef]

Glad to see the upgrade! The equipment shown is kind of "dated" but is still perfectly functional. It looks like a modified Wet/Dry sump, but the modifications are a good choice. The fleece will be your primary mechanical filter, and is optional. Second, the rock rubble is necessary. The rocks will create a "bubble trap" and should do a decent job in keeping bubbles out of the "skimmer"/return chamber, this will also act as an excellent biological filter. If there is still micro bubbles, using this Aquamesh as a baffle could cut up some bubbles.

• I am not experienced in using this equipment, but have been around it and seen it work for years in less than optimal conditions
• Depending on a few factors (Water level, skimmer size, stand height, ease of access for cleaning) You can possibly hang the skimmer off the side of the sump.
• Another problem you may run into is fitting a heater(s) into the sump. Most 150w (Minimum for 70g... and I would have 2 running just for redundancy) are 12+'' long. Regardless, Hiding them in the display would not be too difficult.

If I were you, I would buy a Good DC pump (I have the Seltz DC 700 on my 75g), plumb the return, then fill the tank with tap water in your garage or backyard. Not only are you testing for leaks, you get to see how things will work in action.

In addition, especially with a sump this small, It would not hurt to have the return pump run externally.

You will have to drill the sump and it will cost some extra money, but I feel like it is worth every penny, especially when sump space is limited.

If you have any questions on sourcing parts or plumbing supplies, Feel free to ask me. I am new to sumps/big tanks myself but I have discovered some very great resources through my journey.

Best of luck to you!

 

[dirtyxducks19]

Marked fill level

Glad to see the upgrade! The equipment shown is kind of "dated" but is still perfectly functional. It looks like a modified Wet/Dry sump, but the modifications are a good choice. The fleece will be your primary mechanical filter, and is optional. Second, the rock rubble is necessary. The rocks will create a "bubble trap" and should do a decent job in keeping bubbles out of the "skimmer"/return chamber, this will also act as an excellent biological filter. If there is still micro bubbles, using this Aquamesh as a baffle could cut up some bubbles.

• I am not experienced in using this equipment, but have been around it and seen it work for years in less than optimal conditions
• Depending on a few factors (Water level, skimmer size, stand height, ease of access for cleaning) You can possibly hang the skimmer off the side of the sump.
• Another problem you may run into is fitting a heater(s) into the sump. Most 150w (Minimum for 70g... and I would have 2 running just for redundancy) are 12+'' long. Regardless, Hiding them in the display would not be too difficult.

If I were you, I would buy a Good DC pump (I have the Seltz DC 700 on my 75g), plumb the return, then fill the tank with tap water in your garage or backyard. Not only are you testing for leaks, you get to see how things will work in action.

In addition, especially with a sump this small, It would not hurt to have the return pump run externally.

You will have to drill the sump and it will cost some extra money, but I feel like it is worth every penny, especially when sump space is limited.

If you have any questions on sourcing parts or plumbing supplies, Feel free to ask me. I am new to sumps/big tanks myself but I have discovered some very great resources through my journey.

Best of luck to you!

Thank you!!