I need an Acrylic Sump/Refugium

[trodder]

Okay here is the story... I would like to build a new sump for my 30 gallon reef tank. The dimensions that I can work with are:
25 1/2" W X 9 1/2" D X 13" H on one end and 21" on the other. Now I'm sure you are wondering what the heck I mean about 13" one end and 21" on the other... What I want to do is have a refugium with a divder for the sump were the water from the refugium just overflows to were the pump for my skimmer (which is also divided) pumps the water to the skimmer which is plumbed outside of the sump and then drains into the section were the sump return pump is to pump the water back into the main tank. Now the addtional height is something a little different. I want to build a little resivoir to put my kalk/top off water right on top of the sump/refug. Now the next key is I want to reduce the splashing noise as much as possible by putting little ramps in so the water flows onto that insted of droping straight into the sump and refug. No here is the last catch... I need someone who can build it either help me or actually build it. Tell me what the cost is and depending on that I can give you an estimate of when production can start. I will try to post a drawing of an example of what I'm looking for as soon as I can to help you all understand what it is I'm trying to do... I know as well as anyone I don't explain things real well...

[trodder]

Here is a crude image of my crude vision... I am open to any suggestions!

[tyler]

what are the little bits of blue and pink in the sand?

sorry, had to say something since i can't really say anything helpful. looks like a good plan to me though.

[mnreefgeek]

Talk to Greg, geshields. PM him or goto Reefmania.net. He does great work and is local, so if you have problems help is only a LOCAL call away.

[otolith]

I second what Chad says. However, with you design, you don't want the water return directly landing on your sand bed in the refugium. It would be quite a mess. The other thing to do would to use a bulkhead for the skimmer pump instead of a line over the and out, and probably the same for your return pump.
HTH,
Derek

[trodder]

The pink and blue dots are snails and blue legged hermits... I'm suprised with such fine artistry you couldn't tell! LOL!!!!! Sounds good to me Derek, I had debated plumbing it all out to the one side, just not sure how to do it yet. Although I think I have a couple ideas. If I get time later today I may try to modify my drawing a little to reflect that. Also with the noise reduction ramp it should slow the water flow into the refug but I can probably section a small part at the bottom for that water to go without the refug... I'll try to get that into the plans as well. Thanks for thet input guys.... anyone else out there with more to add please drop a line! Thanks!

[otolith]

OK that makes sense now! I would also add that the current thinking is to place the protein skimmer either along side the refugium so water from the over flow goes to both, or that the skimmer gets first crack at the water. That way, the little critters from the refugium don't get swept away in the skimmer.
Derek