Sump/Fuge Layout Advice

crossi92 · 03/29/2008, 07:47 PM

I am finally getting my 90g rr setup and have been trying to decide the best layout for my 20g sump/fuge. I have seen them laid out in different ways, some with the fuge in the middle, some with the return in the middle. I am thinking of going with the return in the middle, T off of that to the fuge with a ball valve so the flow in there can be controlled. Has anybody that has set one up this way had problems with micro-bubbles since the return is so close to the protein skimmer?

crossi92 · 03/29/2008, 09:17 PM

Any suggestions, other options that have worked?

sjm817 · 03/29/2008, 09:25 PM

Ihe return in the middle is a mixed bag for the reasons you stated. It is nice that you can control the flow, but it puts the return right next to the drain/skimmer bubble producing area. I prefer to keep the drain/skimmer and return as far apart as possible. If you dont go overboard with return flow, the flow through the fuge is fine. A nice big ball of chaeto also is a good bubble diffuser.

I would also recommend a bigger sump if possible. A 30L or a 40B if you can fit it make good sumps.

Good luck.

supertech3 · 03/29/2008, 10:24 PM

I agree with sjm817, I have not had any bubble problems with my set-up return on one side

arctictwist · 03/30/2008, 12:56 AM

I have my drain split so it goes to fuge on one end and skimmer on the other. The return is in the middle. Ball valves control flow to skimmer and fuge. I have a bubble tower in both sections and have no trouble with bubbles returning to the tank.

crossi92 · 03/30/2008, 08:37 AM

Thanks for the replies! The return is an Ocean Runner 2500 so the flow should already be fairly low. I think I will keep the return off to the side.

sjm817 · 03/30/2008, 10:45 AM

Keep it simple. 3 chambers and just a single baffle the same height to divide each section. This forces bubbles to the surface of the sump where they can dissipate. I would again recommend a bigger sump. A 36" long 30L works well.

03/29/2008, 07:47 PM	#1
crossi92 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 559	Sump/Fuge Layout Advice I am finally getting my 90g rr setup and have been trying to decide the best layout for my 20g sump/fuge. I have seen them laid out in different ways, some with the fuge in the middle, some with the return in the middle. I am thinking of going with the return in the middle, T off of that to the fuge with a ball valve so the flow in there can be controlled. Has anybody that has set one up this way had problems with micro-bubbles since the return is so close to the protein skimmer?

03/29/2008, 09:25 PM	#3
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Ihe return in the middle is a mixed bag for the reasons you stated. It is nice that you can control the flow, but it puts the return right next to the drain/skimmer bubble producing area. I prefer to keep the drain/skimmer and return as far apart as possible. If you dont go overboard with return flow, the flow through the fuge is fine. A nice big ball of chaeto also is a good bubble diffuser. I would also recommend a bigger sump if possible. A 30L or a 40B if you can fit it make good sumps. Good luck. __________________ - Scott

03/30/2008, 10:45 AM	#7
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Keep it simple. 3 chambers and just a single baffle the same height to divide each section. This forces bubbles to the surface of the sump where they can dissipate. I would again recommend a bigger sump. A 36" long 30L works well. __________________ - Scott

03/29/2008, 09:17 PM	#2
crossi92 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 559	Any suggestions, other options that have worked?

03/29/2008, 10:24 PM	#4
supertech3 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: El Paso Posts: 1,206	I agree with sjm817, I have not had any bubble problems with my set-up return on one side

03/30/2008, 12:56 AM	#5
arctictwist Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: CT Posts: 818	I have my drain split so it goes to fuge on one end and skimmer on the other. The return is in the middle. Ball valves control flow to skimmer and fuge. I have a bubble tower in both sections and have no trouble with bubbles returning to the tank.

03/30/2008, 08:37 AM	#6
crossi92 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 559	Thanks for the replies! The return is an Ocean Runner 2500 so the flow should already be fairly low. I think I will keep the return off to the side.