55 gallon sump setup

[jstdv8]

Is this right? I see alot of other sumps that the water level goes all the way accross from the left baffle same level all the way to the return pump side.
I have two water falls coming off of my baffles.
I have enough room for all the water to backflow out of the return and out of the overflow without running over. Just wondering if it should be higher like the other pics Ive seen for some reason.
please ignore the part where I dont have any cheato or lighting on it yet

 

[jstdv8]

sump bump

 

[beaslbob]

The far right baffle determines the level in the refugium area. By replacing that with a taller baffle you could raise the water level in the refugium section to just a inch or so below the tank rim. And therefore have more volume for the chaeto and the like.
my .02

 

[jstdv8]

if the pump goes out what is there to protect from an overflow then?

 

[jstdv8]

I also put all but about 5 pieces of small LR into the DT from out of the sump and i ahve a big ball of cheato in there now. plenty of room. Just wondering if there is a reason that I see lots of pics of the water level going all the way from the baffle on the left straight accross to the wall on the right?
I can only see that you have more leway with the water level before you would have to add water in order not to burn out the pump. and the increase in water volume. but im thinking its probably better safe than sorry.

 

[mie]

Originally Posted by Jstdv8
http:///forum/post/3204259
if the pump goes out what is there to protect from an overflow then?
You need to do a test on the fill amount. Fill the sump around half way and unplug the return pump, watch the water level to see were the water will stop rising at, then adjust accordingly. Once you figure out the max fill line you wont have any overflow issues if the pump or power goes out.

 

[posiden]

Originally Posted by beaslbob
http:///forum/post/3203787
The far right baffle determines the level in the refugium area. By replacing that with a taller baffle you could raise the water level in the refugium section to just a inch or so below the tank rim. And therefore have more volume for the chaeto and the like.
my .02
If they did what you would suggested, they would not have any head space left in the sump nor would the skimmer survive the flood. The level would swamp the skimmer.
Originally Posted by mie
http:///forum/post/3204296
You need to do a test on the fill amount. Fill the sump around half way and unplug the return pump, watch the water level to see were the water will stop rising at, then adjust accordingly. Once you figure out the max fill line you wont have any overflow issues if the pump or power goes out.
They have stated that they have room for back flow when the power goes out from both the OF and the return line.
Jstdv8,
Do as your screen name suggests.
dv8 from what you have seen or read about. IMO there is nothing wrong with what you have built. Like you have already mentioned, the only benifits you would gain is, less need to refill the evap section. You already know that is where the pump lives. You have a good clean build, nice silicone work and it functions like you wanted it too. Get a light on that cheato you put in there and enjoy.
Happy reefing.

 

[mie]

I missed the backflow part.......Carry on.

 

[jstdv8]

thanks guys!
I hadnt considered the skimmer part, thats a good point.
i do appreciate everyones input. always helpful