Sump configuration - refugium before or after skimmer

[lacrosseboss18]

Hi
Looking for a new sump and comparing different setups.
Goal is for pods, don't think refugium will be large enough for nutrient control
Sump will be 48 x 20 x 16
Display is a 225g - sps dominant tank

Option 1: Typical setup
Drain >> socks >> Skimmer >> refugium >> Return

Option 2: Refugium before skimmer
Drain >> Socks >> Refugium >> Skimmer >> Return

Option 3: Refugium after return
Drain >> socks >> Skimmer >> Return >> Refugium


Pros and Cons
Option 1 - less volume for chaeto
Option 2 - i can have more volume for chaeto, but concerned with pods being taken out by skimmer
Option 3 - more volume for chaeto, have to run fuge off of return pump to supply fuge

Thanks for help

 

[Mandelstam]

I would run it after skimmer, and preferably as in option three. So there's my vote. And it's mainly for the reason you mentioned yourself.

 

[Reefinny]

Am I allowed to vote even though I know the answer haha! I'll let everybody else chime in Joe but you know my feelings.

 

[rockstarta78]

Do you ever plan on running Triton method? If so, I would go for Option 2. According to Triton method your refugium is supposed to be 10%+ your DT water volume and should be the first chamber where you drain the water.

 

[Brian W]

After the skimmer. If you ever want pods you do not want the skimmer sucking them up.

 

[lacrosseboss18]

Am I allowed to vote even though I know the answer haha! I'll let everybody else chime in Joe but you know my feelings.

Sure you can post your opinion

 

[lacrosseboss18]

Do you ever plan on running Triton method? If so, I would go for Option 2. According to Triton method your refugium is supposed to be 10%+ your DT water volume and should be the first chamber where you drain the water.

I don't have a desire to run triton but who knows in the future.

 

[lacrosseboss18]

After the skimmer. If you ever want pods you do not want the skimmer sucking them up.

Ive heard conflicting opinions on this. Would the skimmer really suck up that many pods? I know Synergy they have theirs before the skimmer. Be interesting to hear from some Triton people on this since they have theirs in front of the skimmer

 

[tito]

I've done all three options. Unless you plan on running the Triton method I prefer option 3.

Reason I like option 3 is because of more volume and ability to control flow through fuge.

 

[rockstarta78]

I don't have a desire to run triton but who knows in the future.

Funny thing is, I am on the same boat as you. I am planning my next build, and was thinking sump configuration. I do not want to Triton right off the bat, but what if I change my mind. And I do that all the time. So I think I am going to do Triton sump but not Triton method.

 

[lacrosseboss18]

I've done all three options. Unless you plan on running the Triton method I prefer option 3.

Reason I like option 3 is because of more volume and ability to control flow through fuge.

Thanks. How did you feed the fuge? was it off your return pump or through one of the drains

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I would run it after skimmer, and preferably as in option three. So there's my vote. And it's mainly for the reason you mentioned yourself.

Yup. That. I need go no further in the thread.

 

[tito]

Thanks. How did you feed the fuge? was it off your return pump or through one of the drains

I actually used a second pump in the return chamber that ran to a manifold that fed the fuge, reactor, etc.

You could feed it off the main return pump but I chose not to with running a herbie drain.

 

[Brian W]

Ive heard conflicting opinions on this. Would the skimmer really suck up that many pods? I know Synergy they have theirs before the skimmer. Be interesting to hear from some Triton people on this since they have theirs in front of the skimmer

I just always thought it made since. rather be safe than sorry.

 

[Brian W]

here is my setup. Going to use the Triton method.
custom built.
Overflow > Skimmer > Fuge > Return

 

[Monkichi]

I've done all three options. Unless you plan on running the Triton method I prefer option 3.

Reason I like option 3 is because of more volume and ability to control flow through fuge.

This. I do this using the return pump and ball valve to control flow to fuge. I recently cleaned it out for the first time in years and was able to just open the valve and create high flow and blow at the crap out into floss to catch it.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

here is my setup. Going to use the Triton method.
custom built.
Overflow > Skimmer > Fuge > Return

You for got Texas.

 

[Brian W]

You for got Texas.

;Joyful;Joyful;Joyful;Joyful;Joyful;Joyful;Joyful;Joyful;Joyful;Joyful;Joyful

 

[danschoenherr]

I am currently building a version 3. I will be building a manifold after return pump with one outlet having a gate valve to feed the fuge and another ball valve for water changes. ( I will add another ball valve above manifold to shut off return line for water changes)

 

[JoshuaRock]

I am laying out my first sump and was leaning towards method 1, but have seen a lot of method 3. I think if you got the space and skills to plumb # 3 it would seem to be the best of all worlds to me.