sump/fuge tips?

[hardaur]

Hey all,

I'm about to pick up a 29G (30x18x12) aquarium to modify into a sump/fuge. Just wanted to run some stuff by you and see if I'm headed in the right direction. The display is a 105G DAS. I would guess that my HOB overflow is capable of 1200GPH or so (it's a 600GPH that I was able to squeeze 2 U-Tubes in, with a stockman it moves some water), the return pump is a CA4000, right now it's balancing out pretty nice with my current sump/fuge (modified SLS 150 W/D). Also, I'm looking to do a 6" DSB in fuge.

I'm looking at 3 sections, incoming/skimmer, fuge, and return. I haven't yet decided if I'm doing a center fuge or an end fuge with a center return. I'd prefer the center return I think, but will be stopping by HD today to see if I can figure out an easy way to plumb it. If not, I'll just go with the fuge in the middle.

I've seen arguments on both sides of a full set of baffles (3:low, high, low) on each side (assuming center fuge). It would take up a lot of space, but would remove a significant chunk of bubbles as the water goes from (external) skimmer to fuge. What do you think? Is there something I can do that conserves space but still removes a good chunk of the micro bubbles? My goal is the largest fuge possible.

Also, I've never really understood figuring depth on these things. How tall should I make the baffles/water level? Also, they should be approx 1 inch apart, correct? Also the middle baffle should be up by 1 inch?

Also, is there any reason to make the incoming/skimmer and return sections any bigger than needed to house the pumps?

I think I have an ok system in mind, certainly not glamourous, but hopefully functional. I appreciate any suggestions or information anybody might have.

Thanks!

H

 

[Firewolf4]

You have alot of questions here so I'll pic and choose and see if I can catch them all.
1, Size of areas- return and skimmer section:
the larger the area you have for your skimmer section, the more water you can process through your skimmer. you can cut down the size of the retrun section, but that will be the section that you'll notice needs to be topped off (only variable level in the sump) you can get away without using the triple baffle on the fuge size and just run with a toothed single baffle. This will cut down on microbobbles as well as giving you that extra 2 inches of tank you can use. if Microbubbles seem a problem in the fuge, you can add a bubble trap and fill it with live rock rubble. I personally WANT microbubbles in my skimmer section as I have them pointed directly into the intake of my skimmer. It makes it easier to quiet down my air intake but still take in the right amount of air.
If I had to redesign my Sump, I would've used a bigger tank ( I'm using a 30 Gal) and my return section would be larger. I top off about 2 quarts per day on a 150. I also have a top off 10 gal tank that I add my RO water to and pump it in as needed. With High temps and lots of evaporation, I've topped off as much as 5 gallons per day. The advantage is that I can hear the return pump surging when it starts to suck air.
my pump is a Laguna 1500 that's performed flawlessly AND has a quick disconnect.

I would link you over to my Gallery however DFWMAS seems to have LOST it. :evil: