Sump Confuguration questions and suggentions.

[dhutcheson]

I am am ready to change my sump configuration?
I have a Aqueon Proflex 4 and it works well however, I have a refuge set up in the middle chamber which means I use the third chamber of the sump for a my return and skimmer. This is where the issue comes in due to the fluctuation in water levels due to evaporation I adjust my skimmer every couple of days. And with out a bubble trap between the skimmer and return in the same area can cause micro bubbles. I would really like to move the refuge into the third chamber and set up an additional external chamber for the return or vice-versa with an external fuge pumping back into the return area. Either of these choices would require an extra chamber to be custom built. And probably not the best option.

Another option would be to sell the Proflex 4 and purchase a 40 breeder and build a custom sump in this case I would configure the first chamber for the filter socks and skimmer , a refuge in the center, and the return in the third chamber.

To complicate this a little further I have the Bubble King Mini 200 skimmer which still has a fairly large foot print for an in the sump skimmer that is just awesome and that I plan to continue to use. Oh and it also must fit into a 48"x 24" stand.

What I would like input on is which looks to be the best option? Any advice on local builder? And any other options or advice you can think of.

 

[revsgirl]

:bump2:

 

[Engloid]

Option 1: run the skimmer outlet back to the first chamber of your refugium.

Of not possible...
Option 2:

Run a crossover pipe from the first or secong section of the sump (whichever the water volume is consistent and good for the skimmer). this can also be done by drilling onto the side of the refugium. Plumb it onto another container, even a bucket if you have to. This will create a place for the skimmer to stay, that has consistent water level. Then plumb the skimmer outlet back into the first refugium section...which means any microbubbles have to go all the way through 2 dividers before the return pump could pick them up.


Hope this makes sense.

 

[EvilMel]

I'm all about the 40 breeder option.

 

[redtop03]

I'm all about the 40 breeder option.

+1.....my first sump was a 40b,I used 1/4" acrylic siliconed in it for the bubble trap and fuge section as well,this was my first attempt at DIYing a sump so go easy on me LOL but it worked flawlessly for my 120g tank...

it was fuge,skimmer,return with an internal return pump...I later put the skimmer in the return section and the return pump in the center,it worked well that way too but I did get a few bubbles back into the DT from the fuge....

I would now build it so the refugium would be in the center and have the skimmer on a stand that would have it at the proper water level and maximize the water level in the fuge plus have taller bubble trap dividers and run it a maximum water level across the sump