Sump design

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by Z-Ice, Aug 30, 2007.

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  1. jimw369

    jimw369 Fire Shrimp

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2007
    Messages:
    307
    Location:
    Atlanta, GA
    Its been a good thread Zak and maybe I can help a little not with a correct answer (there are several) but with a thought process.

    Many of these people posting have great looking tanks but will never agree 100% on filtration methods, DSBs, carbon and the list goes on. I get the feeling you are looking for some one to give you "the answer".

    Go look at some pics of members tanks and pick a few you really like. Talk to those people and find out what they do and just copy what they have already done. If you are trying to find out the "right way" to do anything in saltwater, you wont even get water in your tank.

    Who has a tank you would like to have and what does their sump look like?
    Pick a great Looking tank!
     
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  3. Z-Ice

    Z-Ice Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2007
    Messages:
    120
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Final question (I hope)

    Ok I am going to start sealing it tomorrow. The only problem with my design is the bioball/filter area is so small it is difficult to fit my hand in once it is sealed. I guess I will just have to live with it. :-/

    My question. I am going to attach my ATO to my sump. Where does it go? In the return pump area? To me it seems like that area will have a lot of water movement.

    See attached pic.

    The recommended Design forces the ATO into the return area. (does this are have a lot of water movement?)

    My Final Thought can have the ATO in either the return area or the main area. This is a sump not a refugum. The water level in the middle does not have to be exact as the first design forces. Plus, the bonus is the chances of the pump running out of water is less. (purple is ATO)

    Which design is better? What is the problem?

    Thanks,
    Zak
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Sep 23, 2007
  4. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2006
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    6,467
    Location:
    Elizabethtown, IN
    Well the "My final thought" one if your auto top off ever quits working then your going to have the water height the same height of the smallest baffle.
     
  5. Z-Ice

    Z-Ice Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2007
    Messages:
    120
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    current status

    Here's what I got thus far. I just finished sealing the middle area. I will wait until this weekend to test it. Take a look at what I have so far. How's it look. I do not care, too much, about leaks. I do not think it will.

    Step 1: (filter section)
    http://www.z-ice.com/Aquarium/sump/progress/DSC01938.JPG

    Step 2: (skimmer section)
    http://www.z-ice.com/Aquarium/sump/progress/DSC01940.JPG

    Step 3: (return section)
    http://www.z-ice.com/Aquarium/sump/progress/DSC01942.JPG

    Kinda final pic(s)
    http://www.z-ice.com/Aquarium/sump/progress/DSC01939.JPG
    http://www.z-ice.com/Aquarium/sump/progress/DSC01943.JPG

    Zak
    Good/bad/ugly??