Sump Setup - Feedback Needed

[Boostable]

I am working on the design up the sump/refug for the new tank setup and after reviewing many possibilities I have come up with a couple of layouts that I like.

I realize the drawings do not show valves and disconnect, but they will be added.

I would appreciate any feedback good or bad or any recommendations to improve on the setup.

Option #1 "Pre Skim Setup" I like this option allot and it looks to be the most efficient for my setup.




Option #2 "Skim after Setup"



For Larger images use this link... http://www.wilburnfamily.us/album20 and click on the images. "twice for really big"

Jack

[Steven Pro]

I would go with #1 with a few changes. I would get rid of the drip plate unless you are going to do bioballs for a heavy bio-load fish-only display. Otherwise, it is just going to contribute to noise and salt spray. I would also get rid of the separate filter/rock area and make the refugium and return pump areas larger. And finally, I would get the sump drilled so you didn't have to suck water out of the sump with the return pumps.

[Boostable]

Thanks for the suggestions Steven.

I laid this out with the thought of making it as flexible as possible in case I decide to change my focus. "setup, heavy load, etc"

The drip tray is more to support the slide out filter tray I added. It will slide out and allow me easy access for cleanings, as well as allow me to add/use different filter media or carbon if needed. I find in my current setup that I didn't really have a spot to put some "water floss" and thought this would be a good all around solution. Thoughts?

And I agree on the pump inlets and the sump will more then likely be drilled to accommodate. Only makes sense I think.

The sump should hold between 30 and 40G's with enough capacity to hold another 10-15 during any power outages. Its basically a 55 long I have laying around.

Thanks for the tips... keep them coming.

"Getting close.. "

Jack

[Poseidon]

In addition to what Steven has said, in my experience ONE baffle just before the return pumps has been adequate to prevent micro bubbles. That will open up more space for rock etc...

Also, it looks like you are planning on moving a LOT of water through that sump, I would suggest you get ONE large pump rather then the 2 you have pictured. I'll bet 2 pumps would have more problems balancing water levels then one, plus you will save money on valves, unions, etc...

[Boostable]

Mike,

Aren't you running two pumps? I like having two for a little redundancy.

Jack

[Poseidon]

Well.... Technically yes, but 1 is for the Skimmer, the other for return. Those are the 2 MAG 12's anyway. I also use a hagen 802 for the chiller, (I had it laying around), and a Maxijet 1200 on my CPR overflow. ALL of those are in my little 30 gallon sump, along with a HUGE ball of Chaeto...

I just think 1 pump on a return is simpler then trying to match 2. For the flow a couple Tunzes in the tank, or those new ones that Gene has a link for that are coming out soon, look good too.

[Steven Pro]

You should not have any trouble with two return pumps, as long as the overflow system can handle the flow they would generate. I run two Mag-Drive 1200's on my 120 without problems.

[Boostable]

I am narrowing my list of pumps down and will post it when im finished and see what you guys think.

I think im definetly going wth the 1st setup above, with a few modifications as well.

Should work pretty good.

Jack

[Boostable]

Hello Everyone..

Here is my updated Sump setup.. Any feedback? More valves, quick connects, etc?



Big Picture can be found here...

http://www.wilburnfamily.us/albums/a...mp_Setup_5.jpg

Thanks,

JW

[BubbaWPB]

I'm not a sump designer, but dang! That's a nice drawing! Are you an engineer with specialty in drafting?

[Boostable]

LOL... thanks Bubba...

Engineering yes.. but on a Electronic Engineering level... Been in IT/Managment for 15+ yrs, so its my computer obsession that is showing through..

But believe it or not Drafting was my first passion.. WAY back in the day!!

Glad you like it... Hope it works as good as it looks... ;)

JW

[charles6299]

i would have to agree with the 2 pump idea...both pumps together are going to push one volume of water and the two overflows will suck back down the same volume of water that both pumps are pushing........the benefit of two pumps are that you will be getting consistant spray out of both returns.....

[Boostable]

I was thinking of changing it up a bit and moving the refugium to the left and put the return in the middle and then t'ing off the return to feed the refug.. This way I can limit the amount of flow through the refug.

Thoughts?

JW

[BubbaWPB]

The flow through the refugium is something I've thought about with the combined sump/refugium sort of setup. My sump has A LOT more water going through it than my refugium does. Over several months I even cut down on the water flow through the refugium - seems like refugiums and high flow aren't a good mix, IMHO. But that's just one opinion/rambling thought, and I have no clue what to do when it comes to design.

[dougc]

I am running two Gen-X PCX40 (MAK4) pumps for my returns on my AGA 180. I have my skimmer teed off one return and my Phosban reactor teed off the other. I still have to throttle the returns to the tank back a little to match the drain capacity, but not enough that it would stress the pumps. I would recommend using gate valve, not ball valves, to adjust the returns. They are much more easily fine-tuned.

I prefer to have redundant pumps. It came in handy a while ago when a snail somehow got into the impeller of one of the pumps. I'm not sure how it got there, since I have screens over the intakes.