While were going over plans...new sump

Ok, so sorry for making 2 threads so close together so fast but Im also working on this project so I figured Id get input here as well. Im redesigning my sump because my current one did not come with a skimmer and the section for the skimmer is only 5" wide...so I dont have enough room for most good skimmers. My plan is to use an empty 10gallon I have laying around to create the work of art below. I wish I could do a 20L for the tank and add a refugium, but I only have 11" of width to work with thanks to the design of my stand and its center bracing. Still, I only lose 1-2 gallons of water capacity with the 10g, so its not that bad.... but yea, hows this look to you sump guru's out there? Does anyone know of a refugium that is only 10" long? Id love to add a hang on or something. Maybe Ill just get a small 5 gallon and figure out a way to plumb em together? Thanks!

 

Looks good, and yes if you could hang your skimmer outside would be fine. I used a 10 gal as refugium for a while, with skimmer outside the fuge. Even if you use your present design and put some more LR around the skimmer. With a Reef tank less rock is ok, but with fish you want the extra LR as much as possible.

 

My fuge section is only 10" x 12", but I am using a 30 Gal for my sump/fuge. I'd try a HOB Skimmer with a bigger fuge/return.

 

Do you guys have any recommendations on good HOB skimmers? Do these work as well as an in sump skimmer like the v100 I plan on getting? Id really like to not skimp on this as it seems to be pretty important. If Im able to add a fuge in the middle instead of having it house the skimmer, is live rock still necessary? Thanks again for the replies!

 

Honestly, I would take an excellent skimmer over a fuge and less effective skimmer anytime. Go with your current skimmer choice and plumb a small tank into the suystem at a future time. I ran my 75gallon with just a SWC Xtreme 160 Cone and no fuge for months. I also ran my 50 gallon with a hang-on skimmer on a wet/dry. The in sump skimmer are easier to work with and do a much better job than hang-ons skimmers.

If you really wanted a fuge, I would turn the input side of your sump into a small fuge. Take some of the rock out and add some macro algae. Go to lowes and buy a small 15PAR LED bulb or 12" t5 undercabinet light. These will keep light dispersion down and you will have your good skimmer and a fuge.

 

hmmm....can you get a bigger tank for your sump? i would get one as big as will fit. custom arcrylic? i honestly dont see the 10G working that well for you. and if your only "losing" 2 gallons thats not much room for error if the power goes out and your return siphons a bit. sorry for being a downer, but i like the HOB skimmer(Remora is good) and nice fuge idea best.

 

A custom acrylic was an idea...but I have a feeling that would cost a tiny bit...heh. I really wish I could just use a 20L and be over with it but thats def. not an option. Maybe Ill talk to the LFS and see what theyd charge to make me one. If not, I kinda like the route metal suggested....I might try that and see how it works...

 

What about using two ten gallon tanks...one on one side as a setup as a sump like I have above, or similar...and one next to it as a fuge that sits a few inches higher that is drilled with a bulkhead that empties into the sump? The sump would receive 100% of the flow, the fuge would be fed by a small pump from the chamber containing the skimmer. I dont have anything drawn up yet, Ill do that...but think this could work? I got a good deal on an AquaC EV180 so I took it and figured Id adjust my plans to fit it....so yea...lol

 

bump.

 

ooook. Ill give it a shot then...thanks for all the input!