Can someone tell me step by step how to build a sump

[Rcpilot]

Originally Posted by RyanG

The only thing that I would change about RC's design would be to have both overflows drop into the skimmer chamber, then overflow to return chamber with a small maxi-jet powerhead pumping into the refugium(with a taller divider) then gravity overflow back into the return chamber.

Too complicated and I don't believe in starving my refugium. I think it's okay to dump nutrient rich water into the refugium instead of skimming the water first and then dumping it into the refugium after it's been stripped of nutrients.

It all goes through the skimmer eventually.

Either way will work. It comes down to personal preference.

I do want my entire system flowing through my fuge and skimmer/sump. But I want it running slowly. Let's take the 90g tank I have. It's not set up yet. When I do put it all together, it'll most likely have a 29g tank for the sump. The tank is 18" high x 12" wide x 30" long. In all likelihood, it'll have about 15--20g of water in it. That leave 10-15g for an overflow. Enough.

But I want to run it about 300-400GPH. I believe in dwell time too. I want to run a DSB in my refugium and I want contact time so that it can do it's job of removing nitrates.

I would run a closed loop for general circulation. Trying to push enough water through a refugium to also provide circulation on a 90g tank? 2700GPH through a 30g tank? Can you say tropical storm? Nope. Run the sump at 300-400 GPH and use the Dolphin on a closed loop for circulation.

[yote]

It all depends on what you want out your fuge.Some people use em to breed pods,where others,myself included,use it for nutrient export.Both designs suit their purpose extremely well.

[RyanG]

I guess I just dont see what is so complicated to suction cup a maxi to the side of a fuge and run a piece of tubing to the fuge compartment even if it comes from the skimmer section.

Doesnt matter either way, I just dont want to have 900+/- gph running through my fuge.

[Bifferwine]

My skimmer has three sections. The first one is where the water enters and it holds my equipment. The middle section is a fuge with a DSB and macroalgae and live rock rubble. The third section holds the return pump. Three sections, two plexiglass baffles -- simplest design ever. I don't need a bubble trap, I don't get microbubbles with a sump this size.

[Piggy]

I built mine like Biff's except I have a bubble trap.

[2008pollyanna]

Yes, Its my turn to go bigger on a sump...I am going to design it with baffles as I have a AquaC Remora overhang skimmer and just cant seem to eliminate the micro bubbles and sediment I seem to have developed. I believe it all stems from when I added a gallon size ziplock bag of very fine figi live sand to boost my organics in my tank. The substrate in my tank is a hawiian medium coarse sand with like black volcanic larger particles. For whatever reason, I felt I wanted to add finer live sand. I did. But, I think that is what has contributed to my sediment. The micro bubbles,....well, with the overhanging skimmer it has quite a drop into my sump. And with the benefits of going bigger on the sump. The water quality shall be easier to maintain. I am purchasing a used 40 gallon tank for the sump. I can then add baffles and such. Any ideas will be apprecited.

[Gooseman]

when adding baffles what kind of silicone caulking do you use to seal it up without the worry of chemically polluting the water?

[kyle]

Originally Posted by Gooseman

when adding baffles what kind of silicone caulking do you use to seal it up without the worry of chemically polluting the water?

i got mine at the LFS and its for building aquaruims so im almost positve it will work for baffles and i dont think it would polute if its made for aquaruims

[daugherty]

just look fro 100% silicone nothing for bathrooms as they have mildu inhibaters in the silicone you can but it at home deopt for 79 cents a tube

[2008pollyanna]

Aquarium Sealant from the LFS. Works great and economically priced. Under $3 for tube and definately enough to do the trick. Had a crack in my smaller sump, sealed it perfectly.