I Am So Confused! please help with sump PICS

ejk17 · 03/08/2010, 02:36 AM

Alright, I am trying to make an old acrylic tank into a sump. This sump is going under a 90 gallon mixed reef. it is almost the same dimensions as a 40 breeder but is 36x15x16 high. I have some things that i cannot figure out!

First, how high does the water level need to be for my skimmer to function? I have no idea what brand it is but I have included some pics for some help.

Second, I am wondering if i need baffles. The only reason I would want them would be for stopping microbubbles. BUT if i have enough distance between the skimmer and the return pump should i have any problems? (EX: opposite sides of the sump) If I do need them how high should I make them?

Last, Is this skimmer any good? haha i bought it used, will it get the job done?

Thanks so much, This has been frustrating me so much!

Evan

22inches high and 6 inch diameter and 7 inches to intake of pump on unit

Anyone use?

jeepguy242 · 03/08/2010, 02:42 AM

i would put a bubble trap in it, it doesnt sound like your going to run a fuge in the sump, but you might think about it to help with nitrates, as for the skimmer, it looks ok, tho i dont recognize it, and most skimmers like to run in 8-10 inches of water, i run my reef octo at 9 and it skimms like mad! here is some pics if you would like to look at my setup to give you some ideas
http://s1017.photobucket.com/albums/...25%20aquarium/

ejk17 · 03/08/2010, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepguy242

i would put a bubble trap in it, it doesnt sound like your going to run a fuge in the sump, but you might think about it to help with nitrates, as for the skimmer, it looks ok, tho i dont recognize it, and most skimmers like to run in 8-10 inches of water, i run my reef octo at 9 and it skimms like mad! here is some pics if you would like to look at my setup to give you some ideas
http://s1017.photobucket.com/albums/...25%20aquarium/

Jeep thanks for the examples. As for the height of the baffles I have some cut out right now that are 8 inches high but when i saw them in the tank i thought they might be a little to short for the skimmer and also just because of so much wasted space. Would that work or is it better just to go higher? also i am considering a fuge, with that could i just put another single baffle in where i want it?

jeepguy242 · 03/08/2010, 02:52 AM

can make it anyway you like, just dont put you bubble trap baffles too close together, i did and they just push the bubbles through with the flow, not all of them make it but some do, and i got bubbles in the display., i would personally go 10 inches because you can always put the skimmer on a platform to adjust it up if it needs it, but you cant adjust it down if it needs more and your water is only 8 inches if you know what im saying

lordofthereef · 03/08/2010, 03:06 AM

That looks like a coralife super skimmer. From my readings most believe it to be junk. Frankly I have never used one, so I can go only with what I have heard. To say the least, I have heard far more complaints than praise about the super skimmer and the coralife company, for that matter. All that aside, the general height needed for most in sump design skimmers is 8-10" of water. This may differ for the coralife, though I doubt it. Perhaps you can find the instruction booklet in pdf form or someone who has one or knows them better than I do will chime in. As far as baffles go, you would want at least one baffle IMO to set skimmer water height. Otherwise as your sump levels fluctuate with evaporation, you will get varying efficiency out of your skimmer (any in sump skimmer). If the skimmer will fit into a bucket, you could easily just set it in a bucket with your display overflow plumbed directly into that bucket. The bucket would need to have various drainage holes placed at the desired water level. This way you wouldn't have to mess with baffles if you didn't want to, but would always have a steady water level for the skimmer.

jeepguy242 · 03/08/2010, 03:14 AM

Nice on the bucket idea, i never would have thought of that

ejk17 · 03/08/2010, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordofthereef

If the skimmer will fit into a bucket, you could easily just set it in a bucket with your display overflow plumbed directly into that bucket. The bucket would need to have various drainage holes placed at the desired water level. This way you wouldn't have to mess with baffles if you didn't want to, but would always have a steady water level for the skimmer.

I am very curious about this... It sounds like an easy solution to not have to use acrylic glue. Do you know how exactly this could work? Im not sure how the drainage wholes would work. but sounds interesting.

lordofthereef · 03/08/2010, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ejk17

I am very curious about this... It sounds like an easy solution to not have to use acrylic glue. Do you know how exactly this could work? Im not sure how the drainage wholes would work. but sounds interesting.

It is incredibly simple. Measure out the height you want (let's say 9") from the bottom of the bucket and draw a line. Get a spade drill bit and drill holes (I would go with 1/2" or something) along the line, say 1/2" apart until you have holes half way around the bucket (you can do the entire perimeter of the bucket as well, I just like to do as few holes as necessary)

Of course, you could get more complicated with bulkheads and plumbing (you may consider this if you want no splashing to occur from the water draining from the bucket into the sump) but the easiest setup by far is the one previously mentioned.

ejk17 · 03/08/2010, 03:26 AM

Hmm i understand now the only thing i would have to figure out would be to make the skimmer fit in a standard 5 gallon bucket. The skimmer with the pump attached is right under 11inches which is a tad bit to large for the bottom of the bucket. But im sure i could raise it up or just find a different bucket. but other than that, a great idea! thanks for the suggestions.

lordofthereef · 03/08/2010, 03:29 AM

A cheap rubbermaid tote would work too, just make sure it is food grade.

jeepguy242 · 03/08/2010, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ejk17

Hmm i understand now the only thing i would have to figure out would be to make the skimmer fit in a standard 5 gallon bucket. The skimmer with the pump attached is right under 11inches which is a tad bit to large for the bottom of the bucket. But im sure i could raise it up or just find a different bucket. but other than that, a great idea! thanks for the suggestions.

maybe a bathroom trash can? come in all different shapes, drill a hole in it to put water level right where you want it

ejk17 · 03/08/2010, 03:45 AM

Yeah good point guys, i think i might go in a whole new direction with this sump! haha

Shane Hoffman · 03/08/2010, 08:37 AM

I would use the baffles, they truly help alot with the baffles. Not sure about the skimmer but it definately is NOT a coralife super skimmer.

hebygb · 03/08/2010, 10:49 AM

The only way to tell if a skimmer is or isnt junk, is to put it in place, break it in, and run it. Either way you go, baffles or bucket chamber, you should do something so that your skimmer ALWAYS runs with the same depth of water. Once you break it in (use it for a couple of weeks, or more) you will see what adjustment you need to have it skim. You can do this via the height adjustment or raise it using sheets of acrylic or building a small stand.

What may appear as wasted space in a sump will not be wasted over time. Chances are you will add a heater, maybe a reactor or two. And of course the vertical emptiness is designed to accomodate the headloss from your DT during power outage/maintenance/pump failure.

hizza · 03/08/2010, 11:29 AM

I'm building my own sump and found a lot of useful information here.

http://www.melevsreef.com/29g/sump/design.html

lordofthereef · 03/08/2010, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane Hoffman

Not sure about the skimmer but it definately is NOT a coralife super skimmer.

I guess you are right. Looking at some online pics, it looks more like an ASM or Euroreef, but it is still neither of those (have had euroreef and currently own an ASM). Now I am intrigued as to what brand this skimmer is...

ejk17 · 03/08/2010, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hebygb

The only way to tell if a skimmer is or isnt junk, is to put it in place, break it in, and run it. Either way you go, baffles or bucket chamber, you should do something so that your skimmer ALWAYS runs with the same depth of water. Once you break it in (use it for a couple of weeks, or more) you will see what adjustment you need to have it skim. You can do this via the height adjustment or raise it using sheets of acrylic or building a small stand.

What may appear as wasted space in a sump will not be wasted over time. Chances are you will add a heater, maybe a reactor or two. And of course the vertical emptiness is designed to accomodate the headloss from your DT during power outage/maintenance/pump failure.

I agree with you heb, I am hearing its crap and its not and what to do with it and i think its best to get everything up and running and go from there. As for the melevsreef Ive checked it out and it helped alot. Im pretty sure im swayed towards the bucket chamber idea since im not the greatest with acrylic materials. I think I can reduce noise by using the bucket idea as well. I am in no rush to add livestock so I will have plenty of time to tinker with it.

ejk17 · 03/09/2010, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ejk17

22inches high and 6 inch diameter and 7 inches to intake of pump on unit

Anyone use?

Can i add a 2ft tube from the skimmer pump to the skimmer body? or will that effect the performance? I want to do this because i cannot find a container large enough to contain my skimmer that will fit in my sump, so i want to put the pump outside the container with the skimmer inside.

Texastravis · 03/09/2010, 08:54 AM

I didnt read many of the replies but if you are making a sump you will need baffles. I just posted a small "how to" on a bubble trap/baffles.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1802407

Good Luck

java · 03/09/2010, 09:46 AM

i would think you would want the pump close to the skimmer, it would probably be fine 2 feet away but you would lose some efficiency i would think.
here is my sump if it helps at all. skimmer goes on the Left return in the middle and fuge on the right.

i also used baffles, makes a big differance, my skimmer is similar to yours and it will put out alot of bubbles.

ejk17 · 03/09/2010, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by java

i also used baffles, makes a big differance, my skimmer is similar to yours and it will put out alot of bubbles.

Since you have a similar skimmer can i ask what level you keep your water at in the skimmer area in inches?

Thanks

ejk17 · 03/09/2010, 07:12 PM

I think i found the container im using. It gives me just the right amount of room for the skimmer and seems to be pretty durable. Im drilling a 1 inch hold for a bukhead and pipe for the outlet, where i want to water to stay at a constant level.
Whatcha think?

java · 03/09/2010, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ejk17

Since you have a similar skimmer can i ask what level you keep your water at in the skimmer area in inches?

Thanks

just had to go measure. its 10"

java · 03/09/2010, 09:43 PM

i like the container idea. that one seems to fit just fine, but why do you need a bulkhead? its in a tank couldnt you just dril a couple holes at the height you wanted the water?

na0404 · 03/09/2010, 10:28 PM

java im trying to make the sump as quiet as possible so the bulkhead will help a bit with the noise of the trickling water. But thanks for the information on the water height, I appreciate it.

03/08/2010, 02:36 AM	#1
ejk17 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Windermere, FL Posts: 364	I Am So Confused! please help with sump PICS Alright, I am trying to make an old acrylic tank into a sump. This sump is going under a 90 gallon mixed reef. it is almost the same dimensions as a 40 breeder but is 36x15x16 high. I have some things that i cannot figure out! First, how high does the water level need to be for my skimmer to function? I have no idea what brand it is but I have included some pics for some help. Second, I am wondering if i need baffles. The only reason I would want them would be for stopping microbubbles. BUT if i have enough distance between the skimmer and the return pump should i have any problems? (EX: opposite sides of the sump) If I do need them how high should I make them? Last, Is this skimmer any good? haha i bought it used, will it get the job done? Thanks so much, This has been frustrating me so much! Evan 22inches high and 6 inch diameter and 7 inches to intake of pump on unit Anyone use?

03/08/2010, 02:42 AM	#2
jeepguy242 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Winston Salem NC Posts: 370	i would put a bubble trap in it, it doesnt sound like your going to run a fuge in the sump, but you might think about it to help with nitrates, as for the skimmer, it looks ok, tho i dont recognize it, and most skimmers like to run in 8-10 inches of water, i run my reef octo at 9 and it skimms like mad! here is some pics if you would like to look at my setup to give you some ideas http://s1017.photobucket.com/albums/...25%20aquarium/ __________________ Greensboro NC area reef club Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef, 40 gallon sump, mag 9.5 return, quiet one 6000 closed loop, reef octo NWB-150 2010 model, diy kalkwasser reactor and ATO, 3 250 watt MH 14k

03/08/2010, 02:52 AM	#4
jeepguy242 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Winston Salem NC Posts: 370	can make it anyway you like, just dont put you bubble trap baffles too close together, i did and they just push the bubbles through with the flow, not all of them make it but some do, and i got bubbles in the display., i would personally go 10 inches because you can always put the skimmer on a platform to adjust it up if it needs it, but you cant adjust it down if it needs more and your water is only 8 inches if you know what im saying __________________ Greensboro NC area reef club Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef, 40 gallon sump, mag 9.5 return, quiet one 6000 closed loop, reef octo NWB-150 2010 model, diy kalkwasser reactor and ATO, 3 250 watt MH 14k

03/08/2010, 03:06 AM	#5
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	That looks like a coralife super skimmer. From my readings most believe it to be junk. Frankly I have never used one, so I can go only with what I have heard. To say the least, I have heard far more complaints than praise about the super skimmer and the coralife company, for that matter. All that aside, the general height needed for most in sump design skimmers is 8-10" of water. This may differ for the coralife, though I doubt it. Perhaps you can find the instruction booklet in pdf form or someone who has one or knows them better than I do will chime in. As far as baffles go, you would want at least one baffle IMO to set skimmer water height. Otherwise as your sump levels fluctuate with evaporation, you will get varying efficiency out of your skimmer (any in sump skimmer). If the skimmer will fit into a bucket, you could easily just set it in a bucket with your display overflow plumbed directly into that bucket. The bucket would need to have various drainage holes placed at the desired water level. This way you wouldn't have to mess with baffles if you didn't want to, but would always have a steady water level for the skimmer. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

03/08/2010, 03:14 AM	#6
jeepguy242 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Winston Salem NC Posts: 370	Nice on the bucket idea, i never would have thought of that __________________ Greensboro NC area reef club Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef, 40 gallon sump, mag 9.5 return, quiet one 6000 closed loop, reef octo NWB-150 2010 model, diy kalkwasser reactor and ATO, 3 250 watt MH 14k

03/08/2010, 03:26 AM	#9
ejk17 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Windermere, FL Posts: 364	Hmm i understand now the only thing i would have to figure out would be to make the skimmer fit in a standard 5 gallon bucket. The skimmer with the pump attached is right under 11inches which is a tad bit to large for the bottom of the bucket. But im sure i could raise it up or just find a different bucket. but other than that, a great idea! thanks for the suggestions.

03/08/2010, 03:29 AM	#10
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	A cheap rubbermaid tote would work too, just make sure it is food grade. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

03/08/2010, 03:45 AM	#12
ejk17 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Windermere, FL Posts: 364	Yeah good point guys, i think i might go in a whole new direction with this sump! haha

03/08/2010, 08:37 AM	#13
Shane Hoffman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: 45 mins from Chicago Posts: 2,009	I would use the baffles, they truly help alot with the baffles. Not sure about the skimmer but it definately is NOT a coralife super skimmer. __________________ A wise man once said "Never play leap frog with a unicorn" Current Tank Info: 150 gallon glass with 20 gallon sump, 175lbs of coraline covered live rock, EuroReef skimmer rated for 250gal, 25watt Aqua UV sterilizer, Fluval FX5, Hamilton 3x250watt MH, 160 watt Blue actinic....Mixed reef

03/08/2010, 10:49 AM	#14
hebygb Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Elmhurst, IL Posts: 2,207	The only way to tell if a skimmer is or isnt junk, is to put it in place, break it in, and run it. Either way you go, baffles or bucket chamber, you should do something so that your skimmer ALWAYS runs with the same depth of water. Once you break it in (use it for a couple of weeks, or more) you will see what adjustment you need to have it skim. You can do this via the height adjustment or raise it using sheets of acrylic or building a small stand. What may appear as wasted space in a sump will not be wasted over time. Chances are you will add a heater, maybe a reactor or two. And of course the vertical emptiness is designed to accomodate the headloss from your DT during power outage/maintenance/pump failure.

03/08/2010, 11:29 AM	#15
hizza Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 2	Sump Info I'm building my own sump and found a lot of useful information here. http://www.melevsreef.com/29g/sump/design.html

03/09/2010, 08:54 AM	#19
Texastravis Moved On Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 573	I didnt read many of the replies but if you are making a sump you will need baffles. I just posted a small "how to" on a bubble trap/baffles. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1802407 Good Luck

03/09/2010, 09:46 AM	#20
java Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 325	i would think you would want the pump close to the skimmer, it would probably be fine 2 feet away but you would lose some efficiency i would think. here is my sump if it helps at all. skimmer goes on the Left return in the middle and fuge on the right. i also used baffles, makes a big differance, my skimmer is similar to yours and it will put out alot of bubbles.

03/09/2010, 07:12 PM	#22
ejk17 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Windermere, FL Posts: 364	I think i found the container im using. It gives me just the right amount of room for the skimmer and seems to be pretty durable. Im drilling a 1 inch hold for a bukhead and pipe for the outlet, where i want to water to stay at a constant level. Whatcha think?

03/09/2010, 09:43 PM	#24
java Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 325	i like the container idea. that one seems to fit just fine, but why do you need a bulkhead? its in a tank couldnt you just dril a couple holes at the height you wanted the water?

03/09/2010, 10:28 PM	#25
na0404 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 13	java im trying to make the sump as quiet as possible so the bulkhead will help a bit with the noise of the trickling water. But thanks for the information on the water height, I appreciate it.