DIY Sump

[jaxfishgirl]

So, I am planning on turning a 30gal tank into a sump tank. I have designed it how i think would work, i would just LOVE opinions
I am by NO means an artist, so don't laugh at my picture

please let me know what i need to fix, what would work better, any suggestions. My husband knows all about plumbing, he said something about valves and whatnot. I don't know plumbing language. but any suggestions are much appreciated

 

[scsinet]

Well your plumbing arrangement looks great, as does the basic layout of the sump. You've got the classic 3 compartment design.
Now, I do see problems with your baffles.
You show the water level in the skimmer's compartment to be very high. You'll need to consult your skimmer's instructions to determine the best water level for it.
I see a total of 4 baffles - 3 separating the skimmer from the return section, and one separating the fuge from the return.
Your skimmer baffles the way they are drawn won't do anything to keep the water level higher than your left most baffle. The one in between the two short ones has no real purpose, since it ends near the bottom of the sump. Instead, this baffle should go to the bottom and be as high as it needs to be for the skimmer.
Also, although your drawing may not be to scale, I'd make the fuge baffle higher, as evaporation will drop the water level in the fuge all the way down to the top of that baffle.

 

[jaxfishgirl]

Originally Posted by SCSInet
http:///forum/post/3166255
Well your plumbing arrangement looks great, as does the basic layout of the sump. You've got the classic 3 compartment design.
Now, I do see problems with your baffles.
You show the water level in the skimmer's compartment to be very high. You'll need to consult your skimmer's instructions to determine the best water level for it.
I see a total of 4 baffles - 3 separating the skimmer from the return section, and one separating the fuge from the return.
Your skimmer baffles the way they are drawn won't do anything to keep the water level higher than your left most baffle. The one in between the two short ones has no real purpose, since it ends near the bottom of the sump. Instead, this baffle should go to the bottom and be as high as it needs to be for the skimmer.
Also, although your drawing may not be to scale, I'd make the fuge baffle higher, as evaporation will drop the water level in the fuge all the way down to the top of that baffle.
i am glad you said something about the baffles. I saw on another website where a guy made him skimmer baffles just like the way i drew it. more research. Back to the drawing board!
As for the skimmer section, I just drew water in there, i can't remember how much water the skimmer needs...will check once i get home.
thanks!

 

[posiden]

I did a little editing. As mentioned, the heights will be determined by the skimmer. It will also determine the width that the section needs to be. Some skimmers have big foot prints. But for now you have a real good idea. I hope this helps.
Oh, don't run the drains to the bottom like that. It will create back pressure making for a noisy drain.

 

[jaxfishgirl]

Originally Posted by Posiden
http:///forum/post/3166334
I did a little editing. As mentioned, the heights will be determined by the skimmer. It will also determine the width that the section needs to be. Some skimmers have big foot prints. But for now you have a real good idea. I hope this helps.
Oh, don't run the drains to the bottom like that. It will create back pressure making for a noisy drain.

thanks posiden. editing my drawing helped me visualize it

 

[posiden]

Your welcome.