Input Needed: Maximize Area Idea

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by Manny_World, Jan 12, 2014.

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  1. Pickupman66

    Pickupman66 Tassled File Fish

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    Skip the Fuge part. I had this exact setup a few years ago. Attached ar ephotos of my sump. One thing to be sure to do is to keep the skimmer in an area of the sump that is CONSTANT level so that it performs consistently. this is SO essential with the modern skimmers.

    In this TOP photo. from Left to right we have 1. Bioballs/Rubble/drain area (removed so it was just an open void to allow bubble to escape. 2. Media area for Purien and Chemi-Pure. 3. Skimmer/Fuge area. heater was in here 4. return area with 2 extra stupid baffles they installed. I wanted them close together but they screwed up. I drilled them out to make this whole space 1.
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    I neded up modifying the return area because it was TOO SMALL. My best advice would be to make a skimmer/FUGE area and then your return area. be sure to have an ATO installed as with my 75, they can evap up to 1 gallon/day.
     
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  3. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    yes, definitely don't get discouraged! I'd go with DSC's experience. Are you wanting to make sure that the pods are in your system at all times? From reading information, you can create little pod apartments within your tank as well. You put the pods in an area and then make a little pile of rubble and sand on top and this protects the pods somewhat from munching by more aggressive feeders. You can then replenish these with what is growing in your fuge. I have only read about this, do not have experience but just thought I'd throw it out there.
     
  4. Manny_World

    Manny_World Astrea Snail

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    I haven't gave up on the fuge idea, just the design with the return pump in the fuge. Going with the basic skimmer section, bubble trap, fuge, and return section lay out. When I upgrade to a bigger tank, I might turn my 75 (or pick up a 55 gallon and keep the 75 for a hospital tank) to a fuge and revert the 20 gallon to a sump and run both.
     
  5. Manny_World

    Manny_World Astrea Snail

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    What silicone are you guys using. I have acrylic baffles and having hard time applying. I'm using All-Glass Silicone Aquarium Sealant from PETCO. First leak test failed and I ran out before the last baffle. Any 'easy-to-use' aquarium safe sealant out there?
     
  6. mikejrice

    mikejrice 3reef Affiliate

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    Unfortunately that's one of the problems with using acrylic baffles in a glass tank. There's nothing that I've found that attaches them well in the long term. I've had to use lengths of pvc in some cases to keep the baffles in place.

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