Building my sump/refuge - starting today

[floridacatfish]

I have a 75 gallon tank that I'm converting to a sump/refuge.
What do you think about this design? I would prefer a straight skimmer to refuge to return pump, but I guessing this design is better.
Do I really need to put LRR in the refuge area if my tank is 150g and I already have 225 lb of LR in the tank?
I plan on putting in an automatic top-off to the return area.
Any suggestions? I'm starting to clean the tank out today, would hope to start installing baffles tonight.

 

[natclanwy]

I am using the exact same design, with an external skimmer and I am happy with it. You don't have to put LRR in your refuge but the rubble provides a place for pods and other microfauna to live and breed unmolested by the fish in your DT.

 

[floridacatfish]

Ok, cutting the baffels is a lot harder than I thought it would be. Off to the store to look for a suitable replacement baffel material.

 

[vivioo7]

I just glued my last baffle tonight, I got glass from lowes, they cut it for me its 2.5 mm though I hope it will work. the biggest water level difference will be about 5 inches anyone know? Also I thought pods would live fine in chaeto but LRR would benefit them?
Your design looks good, mine is a little different but I think yours will be better. Have you thought out the micro bubble problem? Also I dont think there is a need to have tripple baffle areas, one would work fine.