i need sump advice!

[coralreefer]

i have a 75 gallon tank and i want to set up a sump. i plan on having an external overflow box with pvc piping to the sump, which will most likely be a large, deep plastic container. is it ok not to have baffles? i most likely wont because the sump will be plastic.
also, can someone give me an estimated guess on how powerful the pump should be? it will be pushing water about 4' 8". thanks

 

[coralreefer]

anyone?

 

[camanuch]

it all depends on what size the overflow is. That is was determines the size of pump. As for the baffels you only need them if you are making sections. Also how many 90*s are there going to be. This all plays a part in it.

 

[coralreefer]

on the return there will probably be two 45 degree angles and 3 90 degree angles

 

[camanuch]

How many gph is your overflow. And what was the head way to the tank from the return. This will all make a difference in chosong a return pump.

 

[coralreefer]

what is a "head way?" i didnt get an overflow yet. also what could i use as a bio filter in my sump besides a trickle filter?

 

[camanuch]

my opinion I would build a fuge using acrylic or plexiglass. Then you can use natral and mechanical filtration. Also it will give you the room for a protein skimmer. Then you use your baffels. The only other fitefs I know of are either hob's or canisters. Imo I wouldn't use either nitrate traps if not cleaned or filters changed regularly. Take a look at my tank through my threads and see what I did. I have a wet/dry going to a DSB then to my return. In the process of doing a protein skimmer for my tank. And getting about 50lbs more live rock to the DT. Also waiting on my cheato's to come. Take a look and tell you exactly how to build it. If you are interested of course.