55 gallon sump build

Ok guys I know I haven't been around a while, but here it goes I am trying to build my own sump instead of buying one for ???? dollars. Any comments on improvements would be appreciated, It will be made out of a 55 gallon tank with the center brace removed, I will be using a 2800 HY drive return pump, a Natilus EX 48 skimmer. This will be for my 175 gallon bow front.

 

hmm can you explain the 4th baffle on the skimmer side?

 

that is there just to keep the sand from going all over the place

 

Since you're planning on removing the center brace, will you support the tank in some other fashion--or are you counting on there not being so much pressure since it won't be filled all the way?

I'm not sure removing that brace is the best thing to do.

I can't see enough detail in your pics. When I click on them, they're not much larger than they are above. It seems to a decent design. Skimmer on the left, return on right? Will that be a fuge in the center?

 

I figured with all the baffles I could move the center brace, I will try to put bigger photos up.

 

maybe T off the intake and have 1 intake going to the skimmer section and 1 intake pipe going to the fuge and control flow with some ball valves. also, i understand the need for the 4th baffle on skimmer side but do you need then last baffle thats next to the return? does not seem like it will do much and it will give you an extra 2in for fuge...
otherwise the sump looks well designed. should turnout great either way.

 

here is a larger view

 

fischkid
if i remove the other baffle won't sand go into the return, and also why would you put a valve there i think water will flow thru it anyway unless i put the fuge to the right side.

 

reffsparky
the fuge is in the middle

 

it's easier to do the fuge on the end, here are some shots of my 40 gallon breeder sump.