What would be the best layout for my 10 gallon sump

[reeefer]

A.

B.

I only have 50 cm to work with and need minimum 15 for my skimmer. I also want to be able to run carbon and phosguard plus a fuge. I'm a little worried my return chamber may be a little small at only 10 cm.
This is what I came up with and wanted some input on what you guys think and what I could do better.

 

[mcarroll]

I'd switch from refugium to ATS since it can be done more compactly.

Then leave the sump as an open tank (no divisions) and use a Tunze skimmer with an outlet sock for media.

DOC Skimmer 9410 ($330)

When I use GFO and carbon, I run them in my 9410's sock. Seems to work great!

And an open sump is infinitely superior to something ruined with baffles.

Baffles' only real function so far as I can tell is to be in the way of changing your mind on how you use your sump!

Use a quality ATO to keep your sump level (this means a reed-float type or optical...or better....but doesn't have to mean fancy) and make a bubble trap out of large PVC fittings for your drain water if you need to.

I love having a totally open sump.

2¢

 

[reeefer]

I've never even thought about an ats, I will definitely do some research about going that route. As of now I have zero knowledge about ats systems. But seems to be a possibility for sure! Good thing I didn't start gluing my baffles in last night!
Thanks

 

[mcarroll]

How big is your display going to be, BTW? That's a fairly small sump, and that skimmer I mentioned will take up a lot of it. Is it overkill for what you have planned?

Have you considered sumpless?

Get back to me on the display size and I can hit you with some more (and more specific) ideas.

 

[reeefer]

I currently have a 55 gallon dt with no sump and I have a hob super skimmer 65, I want the sump mainly to hide my equipment but thought might as well add a fuge for a healthy pod population and the extra filtration

 

[mcarroll]

An alternate approach might be interesting to at least consider, since you're still in planning.

Check out the Tunze Reefpack 500. ($608)

Looks less conspicuous that the average "reef ready" drain box, but contains your skimmer, media reactor and ATO sensors neatly.

 

[mcarroll]

It's borderline-undersized, depending how the tank is stocked, but you might get away with the smaller Comline® Reefpack 250 ($213).

 

[reeefer]

I agree it's a little small but I can't complain, I got it for free, I also have a 38gal long kicking around but that will be for my future 120 build as I don't have space under my 50 gal