[angrydragon]

Hi Everyone,

I am in the process of setting up my first marine system and will be using the miracle mud filteration system.
Instead of buying a ready made sump I have decided to build my own and just wanted to see if anyone out ther has done the same and could advise.

I have drawn up a rough diagram of what I think I should build and just want to make sure im on the right track before I make a start.
My major concern is that I might not have the height of the compartment correct and the water will not flow through properly.

Please let me know what you think.

Thank all

AD

[Reefland]

Welcome to Reefland!

I am guessing that the water is going to drain from the display into the right side of your design and then you rpump will be located on the left? If that is your plans then yes, every thing looks great in your design!

Scott Z.

[angrydragon]

Thank you Scott,

I was planning to have the water come into the first chamber on the left.

Chamber 1 = inlet with bioballs
Chamber 2 = Miracle mud area
Chamber 3 = more bioballs
Chamber 4 = Return pump to tank and heater chamber.

Do you thing this will work ??

Also the small divider in the miracle mud area are 2" heigh, should they be 1" ???

Thanks

AD

[Reefland]

Hi AD!

Yeah that will work too; here are a couple of thoughts though.

First, get rid of the bio-balls; do a search on the board for bioballs for more information.

Secondly, consider adding yet another baffle between chamber 3 and 4. This will help diffuse micro bubbles and prevent them from returning to your tank.

Lastly, I would reduce the height of the risers to 1"; it seems that it would allow for better migration.

Just some thoughts,
Scott Z.

[angrydragon]

Thanks Scott,

Reducing the size of the riser to 1" I will do.

re the bio balls, every article I have read about the ecosystem system has allways had them in, what would you suggest as an alternative ???

And not too sure what you mean by adding a "baffle" (Sorry, being very stupid here )

Also may I just thank you taking the time to help me with this.

Thank again

AD

[Reefland]

Originally Posted by angrydragon

re the bio balls, every article I have read about the ecosystem system has allways had them in, what would you suggest as an alternative ???

I wouldn't replace them with anything. They are most effective when completely submersed under water and even then, they can become traps for detritus therefore leading to nutrient problems.

And not too sure what you mean by adding a "baffle"

Basically just adding another chamber to the system. The more chambers that are added (3 is a good number) just before the return pump the less chance micro bubbles will have making it back to the display. Just after the mud section, you have a "baffle" which water flows over, then on that water flows under. If you add another for water to flow over before your return pump, you probably wouldn't have to worry about the bubbles.

Regards,
Scott Z.

[barrettrhoades]

Does anyone have any other plans for a DIY acrylic sump. I have a sump on my 75 but I want to make a bigger one out of 1/2" acrylic. I want to incorporate a space for my skimmer and a refugium. What is the best layout for a refugium inside the sump, and what should I be concerned with having a fuge in the sump? And does anyone have any suggestions to someone who wants to try and make acylic sumps and aquariums? anything would be appreciated thanks.
barrett rhoades

[dougc]

If you will be putting bioballs in the first chamber, the 3" opening will be too wide to contain the bioballs.

Also the 11" baffle at the righthand side may be too tall. You will want your water level to be above that in normal operation. When the return pump is shut off, some water will drain back into the sump from the tank. With the sump only 15" deep, you really only have about 2" to spare for that. I would be nervous. Either make the baffle shorter or make the sump a bit deeper.

The last two compartments are 5" wide. I don't see a reason to make the lefthand one that wide. If you follow the Ecosystem design, you will put some bioballs in that compartment to keep macroalgae from finding its way into the tank, but I don't think that more is better in this case. I would rather have another square foot of mud.

You also show a lot of 2" risers in the mud section. I'm not sure why you would want that many. I have just enough in my sump to partition of a section of mud when it comes time to replace part of it. Are you relying on the partitions to keep the mud in place because of the anticipated water flow?

Are you planning on using a submersible pump or external. If using a submersible, make sure it will fit in the last compartment. I am using external pumps, so I have bulkheads in the last compartment. I have my heaters and chiller coil in the last compartment. My temperature probes are in the main compartment of the sump, so they are logically as far as possible from the heaters as possible.

Good luck with your project.

[SteveP]

Barret - I put together a brief overview when I put together my sump/refugium for my 75. Check it out at http://www.sjpdesigns.com/NewReef/sumphowto.htm

Might help you out

Steve