tank size vs. sump size????

[dclegern]

I've heard a lot of people having a larger sump(hidden) than display tank.
But I've also see quite a few that have literally no sump(just plumbing).

Any ideas on the best way to keep the happy tank I'm looking for?
I'm still dealing with these random algae issues!!

[johnsutter71]

I wish I could have a larger sump but I needed to fit it under the stand so I bought a 29 gallon long and made it into a refugium. My tank is 90 gallons. It was much cheaper to get glass baffles cut and silicone them in then to buy a 29 gallon sump. I even made bubble traps for the downflow pipes and have no bubble issues. I used PVC pipe for the plumbing and have very little noise.

[dclegern]

I wish I could have got a 29gal under my tank.
Had to use a 20, but built a 5gal bridge to the 20 as a cryptic spot/bubble trap.
I've just seen 90/90, 75/75 and even a few 120gal with a 100gal hidden resevoir..
but the ones that don't make since to me are the strictly plumbing ones. Must have something hidden way out of sight.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Bubble traps. I need those. Where can I get those? any links

[kkiel02]

I've always used the biggest sump I could get away with. Right now I just have a 125 gallon but am planning on adding another 180 once the fishroom gets done. I am not sure which I will fill with cheato at the moment though.

[polarbear]

I have a 90 gallon display tank with a 55 gallon refugium. I have my dispaly tank in the living room and my plumbing going through the wall into a storage room under the stairs where I have my refugium. This helps cut down on noise from the skimmer and return pump. Also I can store all of my fish stuff back there as well. I haven't had any issues with water evaporation causing mold or anything. No heat issues either and I don't run a chiller. I call the area my fish room.

[johnsutter71]

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my 29 gallon homemade refugium. Notice how well the bubble trap is reducing the bubbles. All I did was take two scrap pieces of glassed then siliconed them in place. I Used a 1/2" peice of PVC to elevate it from the bottom of the aquarium and after it dryed I filled in the gaps with more silicone. I used Marineland 31010 Silicone Caulker to fill in the gaps. After I finished the fuge I allowed eveything to set for a week before any water was added.

[johnsutter71]

I customized the stand by stripping and refinishing it then painting it white. I also used waterproof sealant over the entire stand inside and outside. I also cut the opening on the side and and built the cabinet door on the side, Finishing touches for magnets and handles.

[dclegern]

that looks sweet John.........

[johnsutter71]

Thank you. When I began the project I'd never done anything like it before so I did lots of research and planning. The biggest worry I had was how to hang the ATI light fixtures.I also wanted to drill the live rock and secure it using PVC so I would have plenty of waterflow with no dead spots. Here is the finished product
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BizLyrm_KH0&feature=youtu.be

[dclegern]

I can't get my overflow (drilled) to handle any more flow without A LOT of noise!
The mag 9 with 3/4 inch tubing wasn't enough, then with 1" tubing it was far too much.
so I put a flow regulator on it for a quick pinch, and it seems to be doing it.
but i'm sure I don't have a full 10x roll over that I was looking for.
any ideas