Modular sump design

[dedfish]

I've been struggling to design a sump system that will fit in the stand I built for my 40Gal breeder. My biggest problem seems to stem from trying to maximize my sump size and keep the dimesions small enough to fit through by stand door.

Has anyone tried a modular sump? What I am picturing is 3 different "boxes" connected by bulkheads. The different pieces would be connected after putting them into the stand. One "box" would be a wet/dry, another "box" would be a place for the skimmer, and the third "box" would be the return. What I am hoping for is to keep this system flexable enough so that as I progress from having a FO to FOWLR to Reef I could remove the wet/dry box and replace with a refugium.

Does anyone see any blatant problems with this design? Any input or opinions is appreciated.

Tag along question: Do submersible pumps really transfer a lot of heat to the water? If I go with a submersible pump then I would be able to use more space for the sump.

Current Tanks: 40Gal Breeder still in setup stage

[gregt]

If this worked, then yours probably will:

http://saltyzoo.com/PhotoAlbum/page....uipment/020119

[Minnreefer]

Welcome to TheReefTank.

The only problem I can see with yor design is getting enough flow thru the bulkheads, the bulkheads will allow flow thru I just am not sure how much.

I would suggest if starting out buy a good external pump like iwaki or ampmaster, I think that they are more effecient. I have a MAG 12 and a Mag 18 in out 135 and I am sure that they add some heat.

HTH

Welcome again to TRT

Jon

[Madmike]

Minireefer is dead on with the mag pump heat comment. I run genx mak4 return from my sump...no heat issues. I recently upgraded my skimmer from maxijet/remora to a kent ex/mag12. the mag12 alone heated up my water from 78 to 81 degrees . Had to add one more fan on the sump just to compensate.
later
mike

[Geoff]

Welcome to TRT!!!



the modular sump idea will work fine. make sure the bulkheads are large enough. to handle any flow you may want to put through it. the bigger the better. you problem here will be drilling the holes. i would not go any smaller than 1". you may need many of these holes to maintain flow in the sump. i think i remember a 1" bulkhead being able to handle around 500gph. you would need to add more if you are going to be pushing more flow. 2" would be a lot better.

mags can get pretty warm. i also have a Little Giant submersible that i use as a heater and circulator for my freshly made SW. pump heat is a concern if you are in a warm climate.

G~