Need Advice - Skimmer and Return Pump

PhoenixFire · 09/02/2012, 09:44 PM

I'm attempting to build a sump for my 72 bowfront DT using a 15 gallon tall (20 1/4 x 10 1/2 x 18 3/4). It's the largest tank that will fit the width of the cabinet space beneath. This is my first saltwater reef tank and my first attempt at a sump so I'm looking for some advice on the equipment I can put in it and how to best lay it out given the dimensions. From my understanding the baffles will be dependent on my skimmer and pump footprint and water depth requirements.

I'm looking for recommendations on a good protein skimmer that has a small footprint, as well as suggestions for my return pump. I have approximately 4' of vertical plumbing with at least 2 90° turns. I'm considering extra plumbing to drop some return water back in the sump but I haven't really made any final decisions on this yet. My plan is to place the order for a skimmer, return pump and some circulation power heads tomorrow and try to get it all set up and ready for water by next weekend.

Please help me out with my equipment needs because the market is practically flooded with different vendors and far too many options for a novice to consider. If you guys have any suggestions for baffle height and placement I'd appreciate that advice as well. Thanks!

PhoenixFire · 09/03/2012, 12:27 AM

After doing a lot more reading on the topic I've come across the Bubble Magus NAC 7, and the SWC Xtreme 160 Cone. Both of these are under $300 which I like, and seem to be more than enough for my current tank. At this point I'm leaning toward the BM because it costs a little less, and can sit in deeper water which I think may be good given the size of the sump I'm working with. I'm going to make the purchase sometime tomorrow but I'd love to get some feedback from anyone that's used these skimmers, or others around the same price point.

Sump design help would be great too.

09/02/2012, 09:44 PM	#1
PhoenixFire Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 15	Need Advice - Skimmer and Return Pump I'm attempting to build a sump for my 72 bowfront DT using a 15 gallon tall (20 1/4 x 10 1/2 x 18 3/4). It's the largest tank that will fit the width of the cabinet space beneath. This is my first saltwater reef tank and my first attempt at a sump so I'm looking for some advice on the equipment I can put in it and how to best lay it out given the dimensions. From my understanding the baffles will be dependent on my skimmer and pump footprint and water depth requirements. I'm looking for recommendations on a good protein skimmer that has a small footprint, as well as suggestions for my return pump. I have approximately 4' of vertical plumbing with at least 2 90° turns. I'm considering extra plumbing to drop some return water back in the sump but I haven't really made any final decisions on this yet. My plan is to place the order for a skimmer, return pump and some circulation power heads tomorrow and try to get it all set up and ready for water by next weekend. Please help me out with my equipment needs because the market is practically flooded with different vendors and far too many options for a novice to consider. If you guys have any suggestions for baffle height and placement I'd appreciate that advice as well. Thanks!

09/03/2012, 12:27 AM	#2
PhoenixFire Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 15	After doing a lot more reading on the topic I've come across the Bubble Magus NAC 7, and the SWC Xtreme 160 Cone. Both of these are under $300 which I like, and seem to be more than enough for my current tank. At this point I'm leaning toward the BM because it costs a little less, and can sit in deeper water which I think may be good given the size of the sump I'm working with. I'm going to make the purchase sometime tomorrow but I'd love to get some feedback from anyone that's used these skimmers, or others around the same price point. Sump design help would be great too.