75 gal sump tank config questions

angry gary · 08-29-2006, 12:57 AM

i am going to use a 75 gal tank for my sump on my 180. i will have an asm-g4x skimmer in it and a mag 24 return pump. what baffles if any should i use? i intend on adding a h.o.b. refuge later on.
i figure i could just keep the sump 2\3 full and not have to worry about it.

talk to me people!!

angry gary

Wiskey · 08-29-2006, 01:55 AM

Although it may not be needed on that skimmer I would add some bubble traps. Before or after that make a baffle for it so the level in the skimmer chamber always stays the same, with that skimmer this is very important.

Past that you can just use the rest for a sump, but personally I would add another baffle about 12 inches from your last bubble trap and call that a fuge, the HD bulb works fine, whole fuge would cost about $30 max including lighting.

That would leave you with a small sump though, the way I did it is I used an autotopoff on one tank, on the other I used eggcrate to hold my cheto so only the level in the skimmer chamber doesn't fluxuate. The level in my fuge compartment does vary with evap, but provided I keep the cheto trimmed it should not be a problem.

HTH,
Whiskey

Wiskey · 08-29-2006, 01:56 AM

P.S. glad to hear you decided to go with a 75G sump for your 180, I think you will be much happier.

Whiskey

angry gary · 08-29-2006, 11:08 PM

i am pumped and ready to go. my 180 is in and i gotta set the delivery date. i ordered my skimmer and my mag 24 pump. i guess this weekend i can make and install my baffles. when you refer to bubble traps do you mean like an over-under- over configuration? meaning over a baffle under the next etc.. or an under-over-under.
i remember seeing on this site a picture someone made showing an optimal sump configuration. however i cannot find it??
i am really considering a h.o.b. refuge. i would prefer my sump to be as pure and simple and full of water as possible!!!LOL

Wiskey · 08-30-2006, 12:17 AM

I usually do over-under-over. That last over will set the water level in your skimmer section, meaning you will never fill the sump with water past that point, so make that last over high. Also 2 inches should be between the first over to the under, this will help prevent bubbles from being pushed down and allow them to rise against the water flow.

I will go look for a sight I know of, they will probably tell you to setup this different than I did though, I am just telling you how I do it. Use the setup that makes the most sense to you based on your experience and research.

BRB if I can find it,
Whiskey

Wiskey · 08-30-2006, 12:20 AM

Got it.

Main page:
http://www.melevsreef.com/

How a sump works:
http://www.melevsreef.com/what_sump.html

HTH,
Whiskey