Sump and Fuge upgrade

cipher43

cipher43

Member
Ok so on my 30 gal i currently have a 10 gal sump/fuge set up kinda like the tank to the right with the baffles more in the middle. Going to be upgrading to a 75 gal and wanting to know what you think of this set up.

So both tanks are 10 gallon tanks. The left one is the fuge with the box in the corner for the inlet. The blue X pattern is the egg crate stuff to keep the cheato and everything in the fuge. I didnt put in the 2 connectors but they will be there. The right side would be the sump with the bubble trap. I may move the bubble trap to the left or right depending on where i need space.
 
al&burke

al&burke

Active Member
First thing the left side fuge you want to feed that separate from the sump side - you don't really need baffles or the tower in the corner, one suggestion would be to raise it so it drain into the sump. If you are worried about the cheato put a strainer on the outlet of the fuge. The sump feed it from the right with another separate line this is where your protein skimmer will be then have it go throught the baffles then out the return pump.
 
cipher43

cipher43

Member
so if i raise it then just have holes in the fuge side and have pipes dump into the sump side instead of having them hooked togeher right. also do i have the baffles high enough for the bubble catcher or are they too tall?
 
al&burke

al&burke

Active Member
Yes - I have my fuge draining into the return side of my sump - I have a 1" pipe that goes down into the water to reduce noise and bubbles. The baffle heights are dependant on the type of skimmer you are going to get or have.
 
cipher43

cipher43

Member
right now i have a HOB sea clone 100 but not sure if im gonna keep it if i upgrade to 75 gal. Got bad advice on getting it and now everyone said that its crap that ive talked to since then.
 
al&burke

al&burke

Active Member
I bought a SWC 160 protein skimmer, I am liking it so far, my total DT volume is 105 gallons - fuge 18 gallons, sump 13 gallons.
 
al&burke

al&burke

Active Member
Yes that is correct - remember you will have a feed to your fuge, and a separate feed to your sump, you want more flow through the sump side. Once you pick out a new skimmer and a return pump we can put a quick, drawing together, I am kind of hoping Corey chimes in he is really good with equipment. One good thing about the SWC skimmer they have a small foot print. Just a suggestion are you thinking of an algae turf scrubber, now is the time if you want to.
Al
 
al&burke

al&burke

Active Member
I am sorry - there is a thread going on this site, maybe we should save that for Phase II. Read about it it is pretty ineresting the results people are getting, if it is done properly.
 
al&burke

al&burke

Active Member
Hey Chifer43 - here is a picture of my fuge with notes expaining what everything is. Just to help you out.
 
cipher43

cipher43

Member
I looked up the turf algae scrubber and i dont think i need it because i havent ever had a problem with phos. My nitrates are alittle high but still trying to get them back down after the move we did 2 weeks ago.
 
cipher43

cipher43

Member
Ok so i have a new problem now to try and figure out. I have 2 10 gal aquariums that i was planning on hooking together for the fuge/sump for a 75 gal. Thing is i havent bought the 75 yet and have now found a 120gal for really cheap. Would i be better off upping it from the 2 10 gal(20X12X10 each) standard rectangle aquariums to what i have as my DT atm which is a 30 gal (30X12X18). My issue is The 30 gal is kinda tall and the 2 10 gals are longer so i would be able to put more stuff in it if i need to. Then again the 30 is bigger....... Need help before i tear out the rest of my hair.
 
cipher43

cipher43

Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Al&Burke http:///forum/thread/385206/sump-and-fuge-upgrade#post_3379153
Won't let me edit - if you can afford it get the 120 - i wish I had when I started out.
its a used one that is 200 bucks for tank and i think some base rock with it. Its also drilled and all so i dont have to
it doesnt have a stand even tho i wanted to build my own anyways. Once i get it, so long as its not a total piece, i plan on doing a total build thread of light, stand, canopy, fuge, and sump.
 
cipher43

cipher43

Member
Ok have another question for you. Currently i have a Rio 2100 return pump which puts out just shy of 700 GPH (2630 LPH) before head loss. How big of pump will i need for the 120g or can i just get a pair of those koralina pumps and put in the tank, or both?
 
al&burke

al&burke

Active Member
Usually you should try to have a 5X turn over rate, the Kaorlia's are separate from the water you remove to go through your sump. So let's say you are pumping 550 gallons that would be about a 4.6 turn over
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top