supermann017

So I'm doing some research on how I want to build a sump for when I start my first tank and I was wondering what the pros/cons were to the following setups, if any:

Collection(skimmer)--->refugium---->Return

or

Collection (Skimmer)--->Return<----Refugium
-where 75% goes directly to the collection and 25% directly to the Refugium.

I've read a few things on both these sumps but I wanted to see what works for other?

Thanks

au01st

Well, with the fuge in the middle, you will have to slow the tank's turnover rate to get proper dwell time and give macro algae a chance to work. This would also give the skimmer a better chance to work. Pro's are that you only need one drain, no splits anywhere, cons are the slower tank turnover.

With the fuge on one side and return pump in the middle, you run 2 drains from the display tank (or one that splits). You'd use a valve to control the flow through the fuge side while letting the skimmer side run wide open. This allows you to fine tune the flow through the fuge. I prefer this way, myself, but run a separate fuge.

supermann017

So lets say I have a 155g tank and 40g(60max) sump. I would want to have a flow rate of 5x the display volume or 5x the display+sump volume?

155*5=755g?"

or

200*5=1000g?

I will have two seperate overflows coming from the display. How do I determine what size PVC pipes will allow that flow rate?

How do I determine the external return pump size(6ft vertical to return)? From the charts I determined I would need a 1000GPH or 1200GPH based on the above information. If I have a UV Sterlizer on the return line do I need a higher rated pump? Should the UV be on the return line?

Thanks for the help

agsansoo

You want to have 3-5 time the display tank volume through your sump. So 465-755 GPH is right. If the flow is to fast, not much time for things to get filtered or skimmed out.

what size PVC pipes will allow that flow rate? Drain or Return ?

Somewhere on this site is a flow calculator ... Pump manufacturers have head loss charts also.