Would like some input on my sump plan please.

TimSchmidt

TimSchmidt

New Member
I am a bit concerned about the flow in my sump. I have a 10g display and my sump is a 10g as well. I've drilled two holes in my display, one for a drain and the other for my return. I'm using 3/4" pvc on the drain and flex on the return with a T section. (the T section returns to a refuge in the sump for two reasons, one for a bit more flow in the refuge and also so I can dial down my return without straining the motor on my pump.) I have a RIO1300 for the return pump and there is about 3 foot between the display bulkheads and the pump with the T section and one 90degree turn right at the bulk head. It then goes into my locline (spelling?) with a fan end.

I want to be able to put carbon and other media (if needed) in my sump but can't seem to find a way that I like. Is it better for water to pour over the bag of carbon or go through it? Also how many baffles will I really need to reduce microbubbles? I think my original plan may be a bit over board (I think I was going to use close to 9 baffles in a 10g). I've use the search tool here and can't come up with a good answer. Help please.

This is my new idea, sizes are not exact but close to proportional (I do have an ATO, I know my return area is small). Blue arrows show water flow. Comments / suggestions?

Thanks,
Tim
 

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TimSchmidt

TimSchmidt

New Member
Using reefcentral's head loss calc I got 218GPH off the RIO1100, (didn't have the 1300 listed). I've looked at Melev's before but I'll check it out again. I would really like to not use the HOB as I want my stand to be small as possible and I will be squeezing in the 10g as it is. I will be plumbing in a DSB in a bucket above the sump and have gravity feed it back into the sump (but I think I have that covered no prob.) So my problem still lies in incorporating media into the flow of water and getting the most out of it. I don't mean to be stubborn but I was born that way :oops: .

Tim
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
If you really feel like making all those baffles, I think it will work ok. I like the one that Reefman linked to. One thing about making all of those compartments, you have left a pretty small return pump compartment. It will won't take a great deal of evaporation to lower the water line to insufficient levels for your pump. Make sure you also plan a good water top off system to keep that water level up in the return compartment.

I wouldn't think you would have a problem with micro bubbles in that particular set up - especially if you use that sponge before the pump.

Also, it is better to have water flow through the carbon, but they way you have it drawn out, that's about the only option you have. You could use a reactor. They are only about $39. Or, you could build two more vertical baffles (up to the normal water level) out of eggcrate and stuff the area between the baffles with the carbon bag(s). This would have the flow of water going through the carbon, instead of just going around it.
 
TimSchmidt

TimSchmidt

New Member
Well thank you. I will simplify that plan by removing the first set of baffles and placing eggcrate so I can run media. I have a float switch ATO with a back up float switch so I'm not too worried about the size of the return area (I'll probably change my tune when a problem arises though :D ) Thank you very much for all the input I think I've got the answers I wanted. When I start building I'll post it in the appropriate forum.
 
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