Sump questions

[TJFitz1980]

ok guys you always come through for me so I'm counting on you guys again...

Fast run down of my tank...40 gal FOWLR setup...I have 2 penguin 200 filters 1 powerhead and a eshopps hob 100 protein skimmer

Well I want to do a sump...I want to make it myself but I want to make it do everything I'll ever want it to do. I like the idea of making it myself to have what I want for my needs along with the pride and customizing option along with the cost.

I don't mind my skimmer heater etc hanging in the display. So that doesn't really matter to me. I have found a design I really like but have some question for you pros before on commit to doing it.

I can only fit a 10 gal in my stand. I have attached the picture of the idea I like

I plan on running chemipure purigen and matrix carbon in it. Do you suggest something in addition? Should I put bioballs and/or fluval biomax in it? What about the Refugium? Should I do that? If I do...live sand? Live rock a light and Cheato? Put a fish in there? What am I missing?

 

[TJFitz1980]

Ok it won't let me upload the picture...use your imagination lol. I'll see if I can get it to load. Or heck I'll draw it lol

 

[TJFitz1980]

Ok that's my idea

 

[Webslinger]

looks good... get rid of the bioballs, Use a skimmer

 

[TJFitz1980]

Ok can you tell me why? What is their negative effect that causes their removal? Thank you as I'm trying to learn before I commit.

 

[Webslinger]

nitrate trap, does more harm than good

 

[TJFitz1980]

Great info. How do you feel about using fluval biomax in its place or would that cause the same results?

 

[Webslinger]

I would go with marinepure if your worried about bio load.

 

[TJFitz1980]

Webslinger, thank you

 

[TJFitz1980]

I'm assuming use the marinepure balls came as I had planned with the bio balls. In a wet dry situation. Or do they need to always be submerged?

 

[TJFitz1980]

How do I determine what size return pump I need. Of course I'm doing this project to have fun making it but also to save money so I don't want to spend more than I need too.

I'll be using a gravity feed spout to move water from the DT to the 10 gal sump below.

The water will need to travel no more than 4 foot to return.

 

[john.m.cole3]

You should be ok with a return pump around 300 - 400 gph. My concern with your sump is the height of your baffle right before the return section 5. It should be lower than where you keep your bio balls but not by much. the picture above makes it look like a large drop off. This would make a loud splashing sound and also give you less volume in your return section chamber. You want a few inches of water above the return pump for evaporation. This size system will probably evaporate about a half gallon a day.

 

[john.m.cole3]

Here's a pic of a 10 gallon sump i made

 

[john.m.cole3]

Water flows into the left where you could keep bio balls or marine pure media, it flows over a basket section where you can put carbon, purigen, GFO, etc..., that drops into the rufugium section, bubble trap, and then return.

 

[john.m.cole3]

This sicce pump would be good for your tank. It's on sale right now for $47
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sicce-syncra-silent-1-5-pump-357-gph.html

 

[TJFitz1980]

Thank you for the suggestion you are correct about the height and splash. That was a sketch but yes valid points which I will need to correct while building.

 

[Arom0024]

No bioballs

 

[TJFitz1980]

I'm planning on using the marinepure spheres in place of the bio balls