Another sump/refug question

Daniel.luu · 08/10/2008, 10:06 AM

Hi,

Is there any benefit to building a sump/refugium where the return is in the middle section instead of the last section in a sump?

The usual way that i've been reading is that you have a 3 sectional sump with a skimmer section >> refugium >> then return pump.

Recently, i found another thread that it shows the first section being a skimmer >> return >> then refugium.

Not sure if there's any advantage doing the return pump in the middle.

I'm building one now and a little confused on the process. Please shed some light on this question.

Additionally, I have two overflows, one will go to the Protein skimmer and one will go to the refugium. So it makes sense to put the return pump in the middle.

Thanks much.

FutureBoyGenius · 08/10/2008, 10:19 AM

It just dosen't sound like you would have much control of where the water is going, in what order. I don't really see a problem with it though. I would post it on this thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1410456 and see what some of those guys think.

kau_cinta_ku · 08/10/2008, 10:21 AM

I have mine with the return in the middle, only I have 1 drain but splits off to 2. 1 to the skimmer and 1 to the fuge and it works great.

Daniel.luu · 08/10/2008, 10:43 AM

Thanks FutureBoy, I've got my question answered.

Kau_cinta - i guess either way will work, but many people prefer to have the overflow goes directly to Skimmer, then flows through the refugium, then return pump.

Thanks,

kau_cinta_ku · 08/10/2008, 10:58 AM

yeah alot of ppl like it the other way. myself though likes to have raw water drain into the fuge rather then getting skimmer 1st though.

crvz · 08/10/2008, 11:07 AM

The idea of a return in the middle is that you feed the refugium with straight tank water, prior to getting skimmed. I used to run my sumps like that, but I've since changed to have the refugium/prop section in the middle of the sump.

Daniel.luu · 08/10/2008, 11:10 AM

CRvz,

What make you changed back? Did you see any difference between the two methods?

08/10/2008, 10:06 AM	#1
Daniel.luu Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 510	Another sump/refug question Hi, Is there any benefit to building a sump/refugium where the return is in the middle section instead of the last section in a sump? The usual way that i've been reading is that you have a 3 sectional sump with a skimmer section >> refugium >> then return pump. Recently, i found another thread that it shows the first section being a skimmer >> return >> then refugium. Not sure if there's any advantage doing the return pump in the middle. I'm building one now and a little confused on the process. Please shed some light on this question. Additionally, I have two overflows, one will go to the Protein skimmer and one will go to the refugium. So it makes sense to put the return pump in the middle. Thanks much.

08/10/2008, 10:19 AM	#2
FutureBoyGenius Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 354	It just dosen't sound like you would have much control of where the water is going, in what order. I don't really see a problem with it though. I would post it on this thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1410456 and see what some of those guys think. __________________ ~Addicted to Salt~ Current Tank Info: Planning my next build

08/10/2008, 11:07 AM	#6
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	The idea of a return in the middle is that you feed the refugium with straight tank water, prior to getting skimmed. I used to run my sumps like that, but I've since changed to have the refugium/prop section in the middle of the sump. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

08/10/2008, 10:21 AM	#3
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	I have mine with the return in the middle, only I have 1 drain but splits off to 2. 1 to the skimmer and 1 to the fuge and it works great.

08/10/2008, 10:43 AM	#4
Daniel.luu Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 510	Thanks FutureBoy, I've got my question answered. Kau_cinta - i guess either way will work, but many people prefer to have the overflow goes directly to Skimmer, then flows through the refugium, then return pump. Thanks,

08/10/2008, 10:58 AM	#5
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	yeah alot of ppl like it the other way. myself though likes to have raw water drain into the fuge rather then getting skimmer 1st though.

08/10/2008, 11:10 AM	#7
Daniel.luu Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 510	CRvz, What make you changed back? Did you see any difference between the two methods?