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help with sump design

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Salty, Jul 24, 2013.

  1. Jul 24, 2013 #1
    Salty

    Salty

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    So I will be running my first external Skimmer with a 55 glass tank sump. I am about ready to make baffles, so I am looking for ideas on design. I have always done a 3 Chamber design in the past, but that was with one Chamber for the Skimmer.

    Should I do a 2 Chamber with an external? What size chambers should I make? And lastly, how should a baffle (3 baffle bubble trap on both sides, slotted single baffle, ect)?

    Thanks in advance for ideas/blueprints!
     
  2. Jul 24, 2013 #2
    Rocketmann

    Rocketmann

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    I've always thought having a built in chamber for RO water would be handy. Then I wouldn't have to have a separate bucket under my tank. MJB (Mike) or Turbo (Bud) could probably give you some excellent input.
     
  3. Jul 24, 2013 #3
    Salty

    Salty

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    Yeah that's not a bad idea. I know, haha, those are the 2 that I was really hoping to hear from!
     
  4. Jul 24, 2013 #4
    fmsill Cedar Falls

    fmsill Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Mike at mjb isn't takeing on any work right now. Bud Carlson Carlson from turbos aquatics is building me a sump as we speak. I've been really happy with the progress so far. I would highly reccomend getting ahold of him!
     
  5. Jul 25, 2013 #5
    Dave Des Moines Area

    Dave Experienced Reefkeeper

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    I like the idea of a chamber for RO but with just a 55 to work with you will need 15+ gallons/week for evaporation for your tank which would take a big bite out of your sump real estate. I would suggest maybe a frag section if that is something that interests you. Good luck!
     
  6. Jul 25, 2013 #6
    Salty

    Salty

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    Thanks Dave, thats pretty much my thoughts exactly. It really is a good idea, and I would probably do it with a smaller DT or larger sump, but I would lose too much of 55.
     
  7. Jul 25, 2013 #7
    Salty

    Salty

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    Is there anybody that uses an external skimmer that can give me some ideas or help with design??? I was really hoping I could get some advice through here on baffle sizes/styles and chamber design....
     
  8. Jul 25, 2013 #8
    MJB Tanks Pleasant Hill, IA

    MJB Tanks Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    My initial thoughts....

    Still run a 3 chamber setup for versatility but simplify it.
    Intake chamber > slotted or single solid baffle> center chamber > dwn/up/dwn baffles > return chamber

    I suggest it this way because it still allows you to use the center chamber for a mud bottom refugium, a rubble chamber, a frag area..etc while keeping the intake and return chambers clear of debris. Idealy return the skimmer water to the first chamber or as close to it as possible.
     
  9. Jul 25, 2013 #9
    Salty

    Salty

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    Mike, thank you very much, that is the info I was looking for. That is exactly where I was leaning (simplified 3 Chamber) but wanted to get some advice from somebody more experienced with sump construction than myself. I have always bought mine, so this is my first build and the tank is built into the stand so I have no choice.


     
  10. Jul 25, 2013 #10
    Salty

    Salty

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    I'm thinking 12" high baffles, that sound good? How wide should I make my return Chamber? I'm running a mag18 with 3/4 pipe to a 210. My drains are 1". Ideally I want to maximize my refugium Chamber, so wondering what minimum return Chamber should be. I would imagine I can make the intake Chamber pretty small, maybe 6"?
     
  11. Jul 25, 2013 #11
    MJB Tanks Pleasant Hill, IA

    MJB Tanks Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    If you are using an auto top-off system you can certainly take the return chamber down in size. If you aren't it's usually best to account for at least 3 days of evap space in there to cover weekends away from home. Every system is different in that aspect.

    Intake chamber can be small for sure, big enough to accomodate plumbing and filter socks if used.

    Baffle height can vary a lot and not really affect the operating of the sump. Naturally the higher the baffles the higher your total volume and the easier it is to get more water in the return chamber without loosing center chamber space....but don't forget you want to have enough room for whatever will drain back down from your plumbing if the system shuts off....backflow.
     
  12. Jul 25, 2013 #12
    Rocketmann

    Rocketmann

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    +1 on the backflow. My sump fills up to just below the black lip around the tank when I shut off the return. Yikes!
     
  13. Jul 25, 2013 #13
    Salty

    Salty

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    I have check valves on the return lines and multiple siphon breaks on my drain puppies so I think I'm pretty guarded against back flow. Maybe I'll do 14" high then since I have 21" to work with. Ok, well thanks alot for the help, think I'm confident with the design now. I will do the recommended baffle styles for each Chamber with the intake at 6" and return at whatever dimension comes out to be about 6 gallons. I appreciate the advice!
     
  14. Jul 25, 2013 #14
    Salty

    Salty

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    Haha! Uhh... I have drain pipes, not puppies. .. stupid phone
     
  15. Jul 25, 2013 #15
    MJB Tanks Pleasant Hill, IA

    MJB Tanks Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Lol @ drain puppies!!! Good luck /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif
     

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