Sump/fuge design question for 10g sump

cbear44 · 01/06/2007, 07:32 PM

Currently I have a 20H which drains via overflow into a 10g sump setup with 2 compartments.

Drain/Skimmer -> Return (530gph, 300gph with head loss)...I will probably upgrade so I can drive a manifold return.

I want to redesign a new 10g sump/refuge with 3 compartments (limited due to space to a 10g tank) What is the best setup?

Option 1
Drain/Skimmer -> Fuge -> Return
- concern is skimmer before fuge, too much (?) fuge flow

Option 2
Drain/Skimmer -> Return <- Fuge fed by small pump from 2nd compartment
- This would allow separate control of flow to tank and to fuge without feeding off the return pump.

Option 3
Drain -> Fuge -> Skimmer/Return
- fixes option 1 problem

Option 4
Drain1/Skimmer -> Return <- Fuge/Drain2
- I'd have to figure out how to split the overflow drain and regulate flow to decrease to fuge (unless this isn't necessary)

Opinions?

AVALover5498 · 01/06/2007, 07:45 PM

Well,

I'm about to build Option 1: Drain/Skimmer -> Fuge -> Return.
And I think it would work fine. It's what most people use on small tanks.

Forget Option 2. You would have to buy a second pump, and you would be adding more heat to the tank+ you would have another pump in your tank.

Option 3: Drain -> Fuge -> Skimmer/Return,
Is bad because the skimmer would be taking out a lot of the copepods and brittle stars that would be food for many of your tank inhabitants.

Option 4: Drain1/Skimmer -> Return <- Fuge/Drain2,
Is a good plan. You could use a ball valve on the line going to the fuge to regulate the flow. I'm actually thinking about changing to this one. I've seen many a people using this design with success.

Well, I hope whatever you do it works our for you.
Good Luck,

-Chris-

01/06/2007, 07:32 PM	#1
cbear44 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 21	Sump/fuge design question for 10g sump Currently I have a 20H which drains via overflow into a 10g sump setup with 2 compartments. Drain/Skimmer -> Return (530gph, 300gph with head loss)...I will probably upgrade so I can drive a manifold return. I want to redesign a new 10g sump/refuge with 3 compartments (limited due to space to a 10g tank) What is the best setup? Option 1 Drain/Skimmer -> Fuge -> Return - concern is skimmer before fuge, too much (?) fuge flow Option 2 Drain/Skimmer -> Return <- Fuge fed by small pump from 2nd compartment - This would allow separate control of flow to tank and to fuge without feeding off the return pump. Option 3 Drain -> Fuge -> Skimmer/Return - fixes option 1 problem Option 4 Drain1/Skimmer -> Return <- Fuge/Drain2 - I'd have to figure out how to split the overflow drain and regulate flow to decrease to fuge (unless this isn't necessary) Opinions?

01/06/2007, 07:45 PM	#2
AVALover5498 Zoa Freak Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sioux City, IA Posts: 752	Well, I'm about to build Option 1: Drain/Skimmer -> Fuge -> Return. And I think it would work fine. It's what most people use on small tanks. Forget Option 2. You would have to buy a second pump, and you would be adding more heat to the tank+ you would have another pump in your tank. Option 3: Drain -> Fuge -> Skimmer/Return, Is bad because the skimmer would be taking out a lot of the copepods and brittle stars that would be food for many of your tank inhabitants. Option 4: Drain1/Skimmer -> Return <- Fuge/Drain2, Is a good plan. You could use a ball valve on the line going to the fuge to regulate the flow. I'm actually thinking about changing to this one. I've seen many a people using this design with success. Well, I hope whatever you do it works our for you. Good Luck, -Chris-