Sump/fuge design for new tank, need suggestions on design flaws

bucfan · 09/13/2014, 04:07 PM

This is my sump/fuge design. I am looking to see if this is a workable design. Appreciate ideas, critiques. sump design.pdf

Indymann99 · 09/13/2014, 04:18 PM

I would ditch the sponge off the fuge, but add provisions for filter socks on the drains.

shaggss · 09/13/2014, 04:28 PM

Looks good but I agree with Indy, remove the sponge from the fuge overflow. You want all the little critters from the fuge to make it up to your display. Put the inlet pipe for your fuge at the opposite end of the overflow to promote flow through the fuge.

I would not run filter socks all the time but it's nice to have the option. Also, if running a bean or Herbie overflow, baffles are not really needed. Just one partition to set a constant water level for your skimmer. This will jive you a bit move room if you need it.

Your design looks good.

bucfan · 09/13/2014, 04:37 PM

The reason I placed the sponge was to prevent anything from the fuge getting into my return pump. Or is that ok? Also if I don't run filter socks all the time what happens to all the junk that comes down from the tank?

shaggss · 09/13/2014, 07:55 PM

Put teeth on the fuge overflow to stop the larger pieces of algae etc.....but you want the small pods to make it to your display. They will get trapped in the sponge.

There is a lot of personal preference if you run socks or not. I think they can be useful but not 24/7. If you have reasonable flow and remove the baffles (except one) then there is really no place for deteris to get trapped.

bucfan · 09/13/2014, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaggss

Put teeth on the fuge overflow to stop the larger pieces of algae etc.....but you want the small pods to make it to your display. They will get trapped in the sponge.

There is a lot of personal preference if you run socks or not. I think they can be useful but not 24/7. If you have reasonable flow and remove the baffles (except one) then there is really no place for deteris to get trapped.

Was planning to have teeth as you suggested.

What about the detritus that gets into the return pump or skimmer pump? Would that not cause damage? Also in my current tank my socks are always full of stuff some of it hard, think coraline. I'm afraid that stuff gets into the skimmer pump and messes it up. Or am I wrong?

D-Nak · 09/14/2014, 02:14 AM

You basically have a choice -- either go with filter socks or allow detritus to settle in your sump. I don't use filter socks on one of my tanks and use a wet-dry vacuum to periodically clean the sump. On another tank I run filter socks 24/7. I haven't decided which I like better yet. It is nice to have the option to run filter socks as previously mentioned, so you may want to keep the holders for them.

Have you seen how Trigger Systems designs their new Emerald line of sumps? They have a compartment that allows you to use socks, and/or a filter pad. I just wish they would design a sump with the return section in the middle. My sump looks like this:

The only change I made was removing the 7" sock and holder. It would've been hard to remove from behind the skimmer. I am also using gate valves on the drains as well as the refuge input.

09/13/2014, 04:07 PM	#1
bucfan Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 415	Sump/fuge design for new tank, need suggestions on design flaws This is my sump/fuge design. I am looking to see if this is a workable design. Appreciate ideas, critiques. sump design.pdf

09/13/2014, 04:18 PM	#2
Indymann99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,447	I would ditch the sponge off the fuge, but add provisions for filter socks on the drains. __________________ 120g DT 100lbs LR / 200 lbs LS, 45g fuge, VectraM1 Return, Herbie drain, 4x RW-8, 2x AI Hydra 26 w AWM, ASM G2, Apex controller, Apex BoB w floats ATO

09/13/2014, 04:28 PM	#3
shaggss Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,709	Looks good but I agree with Indy, remove the sponge from the fuge overflow. You want all the little critters from the fuge to make it up to your display. Put the inlet pipe for your fuge at the opposite end of the overflow to promote flow through the fuge. I would not run filter socks all the time but it's nice to have the option. Also, if running a bean or Herbie overflow, baffles are not really needed. Just one partition to set a constant water level for your skimmer. This will jive you a bit move room if you need it. Your design looks good. __________________ NEVER get eye level with an infants anus! New build, planning stages. 30 x 20 x 20", Geisemann Spectra 250W with Radium, Profilux controller, Profilux doser 2, Fluval SP4 return pump, Life Reef 28

09/13/2014, 07:55 PM	#5
shaggss Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,709	Put teeth on the fuge overflow to stop the larger pieces of algae etc.....but you want the small pods to make it to your display. They will get trapped in the sponge. There is a lot of personal preference if you run socks or not. I think they can be useful but not 24/7. If you have reasonable flow and remove the baffles (except one) then there is really no place for deteris to get trapped. __________________ NEVER get eye level with an infants anus! New build, planning stages. 30 x 20 x 20", Geisemann Spectra 250W with Radium, Profilux controller, Profilux doser 2, Fluval SP4 return pump, Life Reef 28

09/14/2014, 02:14 AM	#7
D-Nak Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 5,797	You basically have a choice -- either go with filter socks or allow detritus to settle in your sump. I don't use filter socks on one of my tanks and use a wet-dry vacuum to periodically clean the sump. On another tank I run filter socks 24/7. I haven't decided which I like better yet. It is nice to have the option to run filter socks as previously mentioned, so you may want to keep the holders for them. Have you seen how Trigger Systems designs their new Emerald line of sumps? They have a compartment that allows you to use socks, and/or a filter pad. I just wish they would design a sump with the return section in the middle. My sump looks like this: The only change I made was removing the 7" sock and holder. It would've been hard to remove from behind the skimmer. I am also using gate valves on the drains as well as the refuge input. __________________ Tank info: 120 gallon 48x30x20 high DT. Clownfish breeding rack in full swing: C-Quest Onyx, Bali Aquarich P1 Picasso + Rod's Onyx, wild percula + Rod's Onyx.

09/13/2014, 04:37 PM	#4
bucfan Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 415	The reason I placed the sponge was to prevent anything from the fuge getting into my return pump. Or is that ok? Also if I don't run filter socks all the time what happens to all the junk that comes down from the tank?