Sump planning...

[mkzimms]

My original tank is a 12G Aquapod which has been running beautifully for about 2 years and since tank real estate and diversity is becoming a problem, I'd like to go with something a little bigger. This go around I'd like to move away from the whole "plug and play" setup and get into some more advanced concepts. I've decided on a 30G long w/ a sump.
I am on a budget so i am doing my best to use what i have available for the sump which happens to be a 10 G. Ive done a bunch of reading but i still would appreciate some input. Below is my first design:

Its pretty simple because of the size there is no way i can stick a skimmer in there and i'm afraid of an external because according to a few people i've spoken to they always eventually overflow or leak. Which leads me to my first question. On my 12G i have no skimmer and its never been an issue, do i really need one?
For the refuge I plan on using a layer of coarse sand then a layer of fine sand, the cheato and rock will be on top of that. Ive heard of reef mud, is that something i should be looking into?
The inlet will be filtered using a filter-sock aswell as a coarse filter up in the overflow.
I left the 2 inchs between the inlet and 'fuge to have space for probes, hosing for auto top-off, and any other inputs i may need (chems in filterbags, phosban or kalk reactor).
Im probobly going to be using an external inline mag-drive pump.

 

[mkzimms]

bump

 

[tarball]

Please, I'm not trying to be rude. But you need to do more homework in the DIY section, on sumps. I see a few problems.

 

[l.i. geo]

Why dont you tell him those problems then, instead of just giving him homework, teacher! Thats why he started the thread, to ask the ones that know for advise.

 

[tarball]

Originally Posted by L.I. GEO
Why dont you tell him those problems then, instead of just giving him homework, teacher! Thats why he started the thread, to ask the ones that know for advise.

Hmm, 1st i am no teacher, but I do recognize sarcasm when I read it..

2nd, when I made the comment last night I was about to signing off the site. Didn't feel like getting into a long explanation. Also there is nothing wrong with searching threw the threads in this site. There's more info on this site then a person can use.
Each person likes to do things their own way, which is why this site is an outstanding tool for building a sump.
There are so many different ways to build a sump, I'm not sure there's a perfect answer or answers to suggest.
For instance, mkzimms suggested using an external return pump from sump/refugium returning flow back to DT.
Lots of people use external pumps, but generally on large systems. External pump adds chances of leaks from bulkhead fitting, Connection fittings, & pump.
If mkzimms uses a submerged pump he will not have these risks to contend with. Plus the pump will run cooler because of controlled water temperature.
Another advantage of submerged pumps is the lack of access to atmosphere which lesson the chance of cavitation of pump.
Also a submerged pump will run quieter.
Another note i would point out is the first baffle plate that rises to top of tank. It should stop 2in from top of tank. If for any reason flow begins to back up in first chamber it will overflow out of tank. If there is a gap from top of 1st baffle & top of tank. Flow will spill into middle section of sump, not outside of sump.
I would also use 3 baffle plates instead of 2. I would limit the height of initial inlet flow & add a Aqua c skimmer. 3 baffle plates will break down the air bubbles better which allows better saturation of oxygen into water.
1 more note, I would skip mixing the crushed coral with sand.
Stick with sand only or Miracle mud.
I'm done, I wouldn't want to sound like I'm telling mkzimms how too build the sump.
Good luck, which ever way its done...

 

[mkzimms]

i agree with the third baffle and lowering the first intake chamber baffle. makes complete sense. as for the pump, im only working with a 10gal tank so im going to lose precious refuge room by opening up the last chamber for the submerged pump. another issue i have in my house is the lack of central a/c (we just have window ones) my tanks run a little hot during the summer, so another + of the external pump was lowering heat exchange into the tank. im not sure how the temperature is going to be with the T5's (i only have PCs on my current tanks). i guess im going to have to not be a cheap ass and lay out the cash for a bigger sump, the added volume will stabilize the temperature too. That would give me more room and i could add the skimmer as well.

 

[tarball]

There are thin bodied pumps, that you can use in the 3 inch chamber.
Not trying to change your mind, Just thought I would let you know.