Converting Sump to Refugium question

[the_buzz_m]

I've posted this in the DIY section, but not getting quite the amount of replies I usually get in here. So, I come to you with a quick question about converting my sump to a refugium.
Current system is a 75g reef with about 100lbs LR. I want to setup the refugium for two reasons: a) control nitrates, phos, and pH---b) supply more copopods to prepare for when I purchase a manderin. I also have a 10g tank setup just to grow copopods for when I get him/her too.
Anyway, I have three pics below. The first is a design of my current sump. The next two are designs of what I expect to do with a refugium. The main difference in the two are where the water flows (top or bottom) out of the refugium part. I need to know which one would be the best design and why.
I appreciate your knowledge and time. Thank You!!
the_buzz_man

 

[rujelus22]

Either one would be fine but I like the second design better has more room for the refuge and the bigger the better in my opinion

 

[jakebtc]

the second pic is the best other then the fact that the last baffle on the right side neds to be the highest one otherwise you are defeating the whole purpose of having the 2 baffles on that side you'll have air bubbles and mess in your main display without the baffles switched

 

[jakebtc]

if not clear what I mean is use the measurements from pic 2 but use the baffle arrangement from pic 3

 

[reefnut]

Originally Posted by jakebtc
if not clear what I mean is use the measurements from pic 2 but use the baffle arrangement from pic 3

Ditto... I would also remove the Filter/ Filter Holder. In a refuge you want the debris from the display to enter the refuge to feed the critters IMO.

 

[jakebtc]

I agree, if anything move it between the other side's baffles so it filters right before going back to the tank

 

[reefnut]

A filter after the refuge would stop pods and such from migrating to the display... I'd just ditch the filter.

 

[the_buzz_m]

I appreciate the many replies...i knew I could count on this section to answer the questions.
From what I gather, you suggest the third pic. You say to use the 2nd pic's measurements but the 3rd pic's baffles. I don't see how that is possible. The baffles from both are in the same place, just reversed from starting at bottom or not. I still think that the 11" would be enough. If I take out the filter, then I may be able to move the baffles on the left over a tad and maybe gain another inch.
I am also thinking about just getting another whole tank that is a little longer to where the skimmer would be inside the tank, instead of hanging on side. I have had two instances where it started pulling too much and overflowing from the top. This way, if that happened again, it would overflow into the fuge.
Once again, I appreciate all the advice. Things are looking good right now with my pod tank, so I am getting ever so closer to being able to get a manderin. This fuge will just make things even better for him/her.
the_buzz_man