building a sump

[reefsurfer1]

I am planning on building a sump and would like some advice. I have an 85 gal. tank and a weird stand. Basically the dimensions I have to work with are 44" long x 15" deep x 12" high. I want to have a three or four chamber sump. First, from right to left if you are facing it, would be the drain chamber with maybe some carbon in it, next the protein skimmer, third a refugium, and fourth the return. I could also combine the drain chamber and the protein skimmer and maybe use the other chamber for live rock. I can also cut a hole in the stand for the ps and a light for the refugium. I just cant tank out the board all the way. I have been to melevsreef.com and found a great starting point. I have specific questions though. First, If my tank is 85 gal and my sump will be approx. 30 gal what should my return pump and overflow box be rated at? I was thinking 1000 gph for the pump and 850 gph for the overflow box. The water from the pump will have to travel 4'-4.5'. I read that ideally I want my tank water to turn over 10xs an hour. Then I read somewhere else that only 4-5xs an hour should be from the sump. What are your suggestions. My second question is what size protein skimmer should I use? I was thinking one rated for up to 100 gal tanks. I would also like to know who makes good skimmers. Last question I have would be about the piping. 3/4" pvc pipe seems common is that sound right? Thanks for any advice.

[Parrothead]

for the sump start here, this guy is the master of diy sumps, and has lots of plans and really good instructions


Melevsreef.com | Acrylic Sumps & Refugiums

[reefsurfer1]

I read the whole page. I didnt see where he says what size pump or skimmer to use.

[Parrothead]

Your return pump is based on what size overflow box you are using, example if your over flow box is rated at 700 gph, your return pump needs to be able to handle that, as for the skimmer, I have a skimmer rated for 75 gallon tank, I only have a lightly stocked 55 gallon, refresh my memory, what size tank do you have??, I can get you started with a couple of ideas

[reefsurfer1]

It's an 85 gal tank. I see what you are saying. I guess my question is how big of a pump and overflow would be appropriate for me. Should I be trying to turn the water over 10 times? That would be 850 gph for the over flow and maybe 1000 gph for the pump, right?

[Parrothead]

It's an 85 gal tank. I see what you are saying. I guess my question is how big of a pump and overflow would be appropriate for me. Should I be trying to turn the water over 10 times? That would be 850 gph for the over flow and maybe 1000 gph for the pump, right?

for a 85 gallon tank, I would look at the mag 9.5 with a cpr cs 100 overflow box with the airlifter pump.

as for the skimmer google SWC skimmers, they got some good stuff, and a highly regarded member here turned me on to them.

[reefsurfer1]

I will thank you