sump fuge setup comments

[dirk_brijs]

will be setting up a new sump set up but would like to get some comments and advise before I give the plan to my glass maker.
- Sump will be holding a ReefOctopus Orca 180 skimmer.
- Return chamber will be holding a 6000Lt return pump. and a 2500Lt pump to a chiller.
- Fuge compartment will be holding 35gL;
intake from main tank will be in the 2 corners coming from the top through a filter sock coming into the chambers from the bottom.
This sump fuge setup will be connected to a 160gL reef tank.

 

[acrylic51]

I am following it a bit, but don't understand how the water makes it to the return chamber from in the input on the left side. I see the baffles which somewhat indicates to me that the skimmer is going to be housed in the sump area??? Is that panel that separates the baffled area from the return chamber not all the way to the bottom? I also think your panel where the teeth are cut into might be a bit high??? What is the purpose of the chamber being that high? Looks solid; just not following it all though.

 

[2quills]

I think I understand...actually, it doesn't look like a bad little set up. He's got two drains coming in, one to the fuge and one to the skimmer area...the fuge overflows into the skimmer area and then I believe I see a little bubble trap there going to the return section.
 
If it were my design I might make the bubble trap a little bit taller and just put my skimmer on a stand if I had to in order to give myself a little bit deeper of a return chamber. And like, Acrylic mentioned...I don't know if I'd want the water level in the fuge to be so close to the top, I'd maybe drop it an inch or two. I don't think you'll have any issues with it overflowing if your returns in your main tank is set properly, I'm just thinking more along the lines of splashing/spillage issues if you ever had to stick your hands in there to do anything.
 
I like it though!

 

[al&burke]

I think I would be concerned that the baffle are high. Incase of a power outage the return flow from piping and the little bit in the overflows might overflow the sump. Just my 2 cents.

 

[dirk_brijs]

Both drain lines and return line will be fitted with no return valves so backflow is not possible.
If it happens anyway levels in the sump section and return chamber are set at 30cm so lots of room in the tank left for a highly unlikely backflow.

 

[acrylic51]

I like the setup just don't understand why the teeth are at the top....I question it, because with the baffling system set, the water level appears that it would never reach the teeth to make it to the return chamber that way, so the teeth appear to be negated!!!!!

Now if that 2nd baffle is all the way to the top even with the wall with the teeth, you'll have to build a stand for the skimmer without a doubt, since the Octopus likes 6"-10" of water level, and if the wall does continue all the way across that high, then yes with any power outage you will have some; again you will have some regardless how small the amount is your pushing the very limits of the sump with the water level riding that high. Maybe I'm just missing something in the drawing though!!!!

 

[2quills]

Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///forum/thread/379937/sump-fuge-setup-comments#post_3304687
I like the setup just don't understand why the teeth are at the top....I question it, because with the baffling system set, the water level appears that it would never reach the teeth to make it to the return chamber that way, so the teeth appear to be negated!!!!!

Now if that 2nd baffle is all the way to the top even with the wall with the teeth, you'll have to build a stand for the skimmer without a doubt, since the Octopus likes 6"-10" of water level, and if the wall does continue all the way across that high, then yes with any power outage you will have some; again you will have some regardless how small the amount is your pushing the very limits of the sump with the water level riding that high. Maybe I'm just missing something in the drawing though!!!!
I believe the way it looks to me, Shawn is that the water will rise in the fuge and spill over and through the teeth into the skimmer chamber which he has labeled as the sump chamber. From there is looks like it comes around and enters the return chamber via the bubble trap which he has labeled as being 300mm and 200mm high on the baffles.

 

[dirk_brijs]

Maybe these will clear up some question.
Water in the Fuge chamber will go through a single baffle through the teeth set at 45cm (17.75") high making the water level at 45cm high. (15.5x29.5x17.5=35gL)
Water will drain into sump chamber where baffles are set up at 30cm (11") drain into the return chamber.
Is this too high a level for the skimmer?
Hope this clears up things?
More comments or advise?

 

[2quills]

I don't think 11 inches is to high. As long as you have the room to raise your skimmer up on a stand if need be. I'm not sure what the optimum water depth is for that perticular skimmer but I'm going to guess and say roughly about maybe 8 inches or so. I'm a fan of making the return chamber as large as you can so that you have more time inbetween top off's. But I love the design.

 

[acrylic51]

Makes perfect sense now looking at it from this angle....I don't think 11" is to high....worse case just do what Corey recommended with the skimmer. Are those bubble towers in the corners where the water will enter from the main tank? Looks like a good plan!!!!!

 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dirk_brijs http:///forum/thread/379937/sump-fuge-setup-comments#post_3304704
Maybe these will clear up some question.
Water in the Fuge chamber will go through a single baffle through the teeth set at 45cm (17.75") high making the water level at 45cm high. (15.5x29.5x17.5=35gL)
Water will drain into sump chamber where baffles are set up at 30cm (11") drain into the return chamber.
Is this too high a level for the skimmer?
Hope this clears up things?
More comments or advise?

 

[dirk_brijs]

Yes both of them get flow from main tank. Both water towers will be filled with white micro filter pads (was maybe thinking filling them up with Bio Balls but not sure if this would make sense?) to get a first treating of the main water.
Water will enter chambers from the bottom of the towers instead of another baffle setup.

 

[dirk_brijs]

had one adjustment
removed the double baffle from the flow from skimmer chamber to return chamber. removed the second baffle from 29cm as this would prevent any water loss due to evaporation possible right?

 

[2quills]

Quote:
Originally Posted by dirk_brijs http:///forum/thread/379937/sump-fuge-setup-comments#post_3305460
had one adjustment
removed the double baffle from the flow from skimmer chamber to return chamber. removed the second baffle from 29cm as this would prevent any water loss due to evaporation possible right?
No I don't believe removing it is going to do anything in the way of preventing evaporation. Evaporation is going to happen regardless. You're always going to have to do freshwater top offs.