Questions about biocube sump

I'm looking into adding a sump to my biocube 29. Probably a 5.5g tank. where will evaporation occur? In the sump and back chambers? Just the sump? I'm thinking just the sump because I'll have the return line directly connected to the return output from the sump. that makes the back chambers a continuation of the DT.

Also, instead of baffles all I will have is a egg crate wall keeping the chaeto away from the return. Is that ok?

ALSO, I'll be able to keep a bigger skimmer(possibly an external one) any suggestions?

If power goes out and then comes back on will my siphon automatically restart? If my siphon stops what will happen?

Thanks.

 

Evaporation will occur in your sump. Im not exactly sure how you plan on setting up your overflow but there are designs that start siphoning again as soon as the power comes back on. I believe the term is self priming but Im not totally sure on that. As for an external skimmer, thats kinda big time overkill. Depending on the size skimmer you want to use. But its really all up to you. Before you decide on a skimmer or anything skimmer related read the thread Powerman started about skimming. Alot of great information here.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/protein-skimmers/all-about-skimmers-skimmers-skimmer-85389.html

 

Thanks norg! Another option would be a remote sump in my closet like my ATO. I could drill the sump and have it place higher that the DT. Pump water up to it and just have it gravity feed down. No worries about the pump running dry. I could have the bulkhead placed kind of high up in the sump so that if I lose power only a gallon or so drops into the DT so that it doesn't overflow.

 

The remote sump isnt a bad idea. But personally I wouldnt want it above my DT. If you set it up right you would be fine but thats just another variable to worry about IMO. A sump bigger than 5.5 gallons would be ideal. If you got a 20 gallon long you would really be cookin.

 

Yeah that's why a remote one would be sweet. I can't fit more than a 5.5 in my stand. My dad said that he would be on board with the remote idea because I already have an ATO plumed from my closet to the tank. It's not too hard to do. It would be nice to have a 20 long with a crazy mangrove garden and a nice skimmer. It would be a relatively cheap project initially.

 

Then I would definitely give it a shot man. The cost isnt much for the benefit. Get some more rock, some crushed coral, maybe some kitty litter along with your mangroves and you will have some nice biological filtration.

 

Thanks! It won't be until march but ittl happen.