Custom Sump/Fuge

[GatorDrew]

I've been trying to get some additional input on my custom sump/fuge. Since this is my first DIY project, I'm a bit intimidated.

I have a 90G reef tank... currently have a wet/dry.

The return pump will supply the phosban...

I still want to have the inlet "pour" over the LR. Just seems like a good idea. The inlet also supplies the refugium. I'll use a ball valve there.

The mag-drive pump that I'm lookin at is 4.5" wide. So, 6" in the return would allow for some breathing room, etc.

With these modifications, the refugium is ~10 gallons.

I should add... I'm still trying to figure out how to place filter pads / chemi-pure, etc.

Also... the last baffle before the return... Could I get rid of that baffle so that water comes in through the bottom?

[tecwzrd]

How tall is the custom sump/fuge? From the diagram it appears it's 18.75" tall and you top right baffle lists it at 18" high. If that's the case your top baffle should only be 15" high to allow for some drainage back from the tank.

Originally Posted by GatorDrew

The return pump will supply the phosban

Are you running a Phosban reactor and plumbing the return with a ball valve to it? Phosban does best in a reactor with low flow.

[roka64]

Originally Posted by tecwzrd

If that's the case your top baffle should only be 15" high to allow for some drainage back from the tank.

I think that is what the 1 inch "teeth" are for, but I could be mistaken.

Originally Posted by tecwzrd

Phosban does best in a reactor with low flow.

I agree 100%, very little flow, or the phsban breaks up and ends up floating to the surface of the water.

[tecwzrd]

Just noticed the tank size at top (29 gal 18.75 tall).

Even with the 1" teeth its 17" high which only allows for 2 gal of drain back with a 90 gal tank. Assuming the water is 1" above the overflow during operation (typical) then the sump would need to be able to hold 3.9 gal extra when the pumps off and with a 15" high baffle it gives about 5 gal of extra storage capacity (24 gal versus 29 gal).

[roka64]

Good point! LOL!

[GatorDrew]

Wouldn't the backflow go to where the return pump is? If that's the case, then the refugium can be 18" since the return pump area is only 10" high.

I'll take your advice though and lower the last baffle down an inch...

To answer the other question... yes, the return pump will power the phosban reactor. There will be a ball valve between the return pump and reactor. I'll try to achieve ~90gph, although I really don't know how to measure flow.

Also - here is a slighty more updated picture. Notice that I made it so the water flows into the return area from the bottom, thus avoiding splash, etc.

The only thing I don't know is... is the first baffle on the left really necessary?

[tecwzrd]

As long as the Phosban isn't tumbling then it should be fine. The DRS sells a flow meter if you need to know though.

Lowering the baffle on the fuge side isn't going to be an issue since you're only going to be flowing 200-400 gph anyways.

Really the way you have it set up is fine as long as you leave room for 4 gal of water which is really what I was concerned about.

[MT79]

here is a slighty more updated picture. Notice that I made it so the water flows into the return area from the bottom, thus avoiding splash, etc.

Remember that as water evaps, the water level in the return chamber will drop, causing some splashing into that chamber. Having that "under" on each side of the return will help limit bubbles that make it to the pump. I also found rounding the top edge of the backside of the final "overs" helps water slide down the baffle rather than crash over.

he only thing I don't know is... is the first baffle on the left really necessary?

No I don't think so.

[tecwzrd]

Originally Posted by MT79

No I don't think so.

Missed that but I agree since your skimmer is going to be producing some bubbles as well having a bubble guard isn't pointless but is a waste of space that could be better dedicated to the fuge.

[GatorDrew]

Wow... I really appreciate your opinions. It's really helping me out!

This is it without that first baffle. I'm not at home so I don't have photoshop to edit the original. However, fuge would now be closer to 10" wide.

If I get 1/4" thick glass... I should be pretty well off.

I really want to have the bubble trap. I know it could be better used for the FUGE, but NOTHING... I mean NOTHING annoys me more than seeing a million freakin bubbles. Currently, my protein skimmer just pours onto a filter pad.

So, yay or nay? Think this sucker is ready to be wrapped up?