Sump/Refugium pics/designs/diagrams

[scubadude]

I think thats the appropriate topic I want to talk about There are many new designs out there and would like everyone to share some of their pics, ideas, layouts, diagrams or discussion about them.

One of my favs is Marc's

http://www.melevsreef.com/sump.html

He goes into great detail as well about his construction that page totally rawks! Actually his hole site does especially for all you DIY freaks!

[Reefland]

Marc does have some awesome projects detailed.

I don't have any projects detailed but I did want to make mention of a couple of very important components for sumps.
1. Make sure that there is a chamber for the skimmer to set it that will always have the same water level. Flucuating water levels will impact the performance of an internal skimmer and a lot of frustration can be saved by designing your sump to have a steady section for it.
2. Do not under estimate the power of baffles. A series of at least 3 baffles (I always liked under, over, under) is important in removing microbubbles before making it to the return pump.

[The R/C Man]

Hey Guys!

Well after looking at that web site I came up with a similar design to replace my current 10 gallon sump/fuge. I like the corner intake as it will give me some more room for macro algae. I have also designed this to be 2.5" taller than the ten gallon tank. This will add a couple extra gallons to the system. Although it doesn't sound like much it will an 8% increase in the over all system volume. The next major difference is that it will be two seperate pieces connected via a 1.5" bulkhead. This will allow it to be installed in the stand without having to drain and remove the main tank like the 10 gallon tank. Ok a quick explaination... I built the stand to accomodate the 10 gallon tank but it won't fit through the door, the stand needs to be placed down over the top of it..... When I had a leak the sump was repaired in place.... What a pain in the butt.. Let me know what you guys think........ Thanks!

[Reefland]

Well if nothing else the diagram looks great!

What I don't see in there is a place for the skimmer...what are you planning for this?

[Horace]

Here is a design for a sump/refugium that seems like it would work nicely and would not take very much effort to build. I plan on using this design in a 30 Gal sump.

http://www.sjpdesigns.com/NewReef/sumphowto.htm

[The R/C Man]

Hey Scott!

The skimmer is a Rema Aqua C and it will hang of the left side of the sump next to the inlet box. I am also going to incorporate some holders for the heater, PH probe, and top off switches......

Horace,

That is almost exactly what I have now... I just can't remove it from under the tank if I need to.... See the attached pic....

[slwedge71]

Ok when you have your overflow set up, how do you prime it?

[TheGrimReefer]

this thread is from a long time ago so idk if youll get an answer from them. if you refer to sump refugium design... HELP! that is my current DIY project with pictures. My weir box will have a 1/4 hole drilled in it in the siphon areal with an airline and a checkvalve. you simply suck all the air out of the siphon section and your in buisiness. Ive heard of people also putting the airline into the cage of a powerhead or onto a pump so the venturi effect draws out any air that may collect in there. On other designs ive heard of people putting them in the tank and inverting them several under water to remove the air in the siphon tube.

[The R/C Man]

slwedge71,

Welcome to Reefland!

There are a couple options to get the siphon going. As Grim mentioned you can use a 1/4" line to physically suck out the air to start the siphon. With a hole drilled in the top of the siphon you can leave a 1/4" line attached and drop it in to the sump so it will continue to remove air bubbles. You can also purchase a siphon pump for about $15. With all that said, a siphon overflow will fail on you at some point. The siphon will get clogged or the siphon pump will quit working (I replaced 4 of them) etc. If your tank is not running yet you could always purchase a predrilled/slotted box and have the back of your tank drilled so you can mount it. This is a much better alternative and after messing with various types of siphon overflows they are to much of a headache for me.

If you could explain your current set up or provide some pictures I can maybe give you additional help....

Cheers,
Greg

[The R/C Man]

I was looking all over for this link lol. Here is a great place to get overflows from: Glass-Holes.com dope aquarium stuff You will need to get the tank drilled though. There are videos on their website. I talked to these guys a MACNA 2010. Good people, I am sure they will provide you with any assistance you need....