I have a couple of basement sump questions...

[tylersarah]

I'm in the process of setting up a new tank and sump etc.

The sump setup is a 3 chamber 40G breeder with built in fuge and will be a basement sump.

I have seen a lot of people that run a basement sump using an external return pump. I was hoping to use an in sump return pump myself (MAG12). Is there any reason why one would use an external pump? Is it for heat reduction or space issues, or is it just personal prefereance?

Also, would the skimmer be better suited in the overflow chamber or the return chamber of the sump?

Lastly, is carbon, bio balls, or live rock the best choice for filtration in a sump?
I do plan on utilizing the center chamber as the refugium, my initital plan was to use live sand, live rock and a cheato cluster for natural filtration in the said fuge. Is this my best option or should I modify that?


I am sorry if these questions have been covered before and I appreciate anyones help and patience with a newby. And thank you in advance for the assistance.

--Sarah--

[blt]

Flow might be a little high through the center chamber to act as a proper fuge.

I suspect size issues are the biggest reason for an external pump for a basement sump. Bigger pumps can be necessary to overcome the head loss.

[daplatapus]

I've just set up an 80 gal DT with an 80 gal sump. Don't take head pressure lightly. Make sure you really look at your flows, both return and drain's. I'm running a 2900 gph pump and getting only 1800 gph flow after 9' of head pressure. I started off with the herbie style overflow, 1 1/2" drain with 3/4" safety but the suction on that 1 1/2" would suck that thing dry in seconds. I ended up having to close it off almost 75%. Then I re-assigned the drains. Now I'm running my 3/4" as my main and the 1 1/2" as the safety. The 3/4" isn't quite able to keep up with the pump so I had to back the pump off a bit. It's now been running for only a day and a half (I know, I know, it's not long) but it's kept the same level , but I'm much more comfortable with the 1 1/2" safety. Unfortunately I have to leave for work for a couple days, but I think I may have found a solution to my issues, but I'll have to tinker with it when I get back.
My pump is in my return chamber. Here's a pic:



And yes, I am realizing my baffles on the skimmer section probably should have been the other way around

[fshaqrmman]

The biggest issue will be lack of head pressure from the pump
Check out the head loss for the Mag12 here:
http://www.dannermfg.com/infoS.asp#

[sullyfish]

welcome to the site and sounds like you are well on your way !

Your skimmer will go in the overflow chamber of your sump similar to daplataplus photo. As far as filtration in your sump you will rely primarily on the skimmer. Do not use bio balls since they will collect ditritus over time and cause nitrates to go sky high. Carbon will help but you need to change frequently. Live rock is excellent to put in your fuge ( live sand & cheato are great also ). A large return area in your sump is best since that will be where your water level will rise/fall with evaporation.

[tylersarah]

Thanks for the info everyone! It's appreciated.

Also, thanks for the welcome sullyfish

[Sk8r]

I use an Iwaki 100 and have to throttle it back by nearly half, or the spray would go across the living room. But on the 15 foot run (up and then sideways) my old mag 12 couldn't push hard enough to carry it. THere's got to be a happy medium.

OTOH, I run a very happy fuge (sand, rock, cheato) and have the downflow blasting through to feed that pump: there's never been any lack of life in that fuge.