Filter Sump Refeg ??? HELP

[djcanis]

Ok, I am really confused with all the different terms and after looking through all the DIY posts I'm evenmore confused. I am trying to assembly a DIY sump for my 90 reef tank. Can someone help me see if I have this right.
I need an overflow box? Is that necessary, can some other source get teh water from the tank to the sump? I.E. powerhead?
Now my sump is gonna be 4 stages, the overflow will feed into the skimmer, teh skimmer will flow into the 20 gal tank which is speerated into 4 compartments, a bubble difusser, a section with LS and LR, the next section is I believe chaeto (sp) and the final section will be the tank return.
Do I and if so, need light and how much. Should there be any type of live stock in the setup, snails, crabs, etc...
In the sump where would I put the heater if I wanted it there and not in tht tank.
Think thats a good point to start, will have more questions in time.
Thanks...

 

[natclanwy]

An overflow box is the only reliable way to get water to the sump other than drilling and installing an internal overflow. Eshopps is a good brand of HOB overflow and Glass Holes makes excellent internal overflows. Avoid the CPR style overflows they are not nearly as reliable.
As long as your skimmer is designed to be setup that way your plan is sound, the LR and sand can be combined in the same chamber as the chaeto though.
Yes you need a light over the refugium chamber it can be a simple 6700k CFL from walmart and a clamp light or you can go with something a little more expensive its up to you. As far as critters you can add a few hermits or snails if you want to its entirely up to you.
Yes you can put the heater in the sump, you want to try and put in chamber that has constant water level so that it is never exposed to air as water evaporates out of the tank.
Let us know if you have more questions