Question on sump and filter

[Keelynnsreef]

Ok I am just getting my sump put in and running but I am still new to this. I built my 10 gal refugium/sump with protein skimmer built in. Going to start my pluming for it today and yes I am a bit scared. I built the overflow out of PVC pipe as well it is 1 ich pipe. Please tell me that is the correct size I needed. Ok now the other questions start. The display tank is 72 gal bow front with a emperior power 400 bio filter. And I also have two kydro circulation wave makers 1050 GPh. I have a Eco aqualizer ionizer. ( I also bought and installed yesterday a rodi system it working pretty good now.)
The sump set up is as you are looking at it left to right. First chamber is the return section bubble traps/ refugium/bubble trap/ protine skimmer. So when I do the pluming the water from the tank( do I need to put a ball valve on this line?) will come in to where I have the protine skimmer (sitting in about 8 inch water; i had to use a stand to bring the skimmer up to where the intak/out level should be per the instruction) then the water flows under over baffles into refugium where I have about 3 1/2 inc live sand (will have copiepods,Algae,) in it when done. Then water flows over under baffles (8 inch). Then to the return area where I have a maxi-jet submersible utility pump 1800 ( pumps 475 GPh @ 4' 255). That will be sitting in about 3 inch water on stuck to the side of the tank right under water level leaving me about 6 inch of air space left for overflow from power outages. Then I the a 1 inch flex PVC pipe going back to the tank. Do I need a ball valve on this to control the water pressure back to the tank? What do I do with the overhang filter that's on the display tank now. I also got a bag of pure-chem elite where do I put that in the sump? PLease help me with all my questions I am new to this and a bit inteminated but will overcome with your help.

I attached a pic of what I built so far and where I have things sitting.
Thank
Kristy

[Big_Pun]

your return pump is a lil small also skimmer is usually in first chamber as water levels will not fluctuate there, is the water levels move you will never dial in that skimmer. i would recomend a pump pushing around 500-700 gph with more head pressure than a maxi jet. also as we always say pics help :)

[Keelynnsreef]

I attached a pic r you saying where I have the skimmer is wrong I will have the water from the tank coming into that chamber?

[Big_Pun]

ok from the picture is the water coming in where the skimmer is located , also the chamber where the skimmer is located does the water go over or under the first baffle?

[Flyride95]

No your skimmer looks to be properly placed.

[Keelynnsreef]

This is the overflow I built to go on the display tank it's 1' PVC.

[Keelynnsreef]

Yes it is, under first baffle the over top to refugium area

[Big_Pun]

also i know you have sand in there now but a lot of people are moving away from that due to it trapping detritus, im not saying you have to remove it but algae and pods will stil grow without sand. later if you want to clean your sump a bare bottom will be a lot easier. just an option.

[Big_Pun]

Yes it is, under first baffle the over top to refugium area

ahhh i hate to bust your bubble but that skimmer chamber will fluctuate, water needs to go over, under over, rest is fine. if water table moves that skimmer will not work well, ive delt with that skimmer and its a lil sensitive to water level.

how does that over flow work? does it it have a syphon break? sorry never seen that

[Keelynnsreef]

Thanks I just might do that. Can you help with any other of my questions on here,

1. Do I need a ball valve on the lines for the return. I put one on the overflow trap I (built pic above)
2. Where or do I put the overhang bio filter 400 I have on the main tank now. Or do I even use it?
3. Where do I put the pure-chem elect?
4. Is the return pump placed where I stated right below the water line to help no overflow crash due to power outage?p
5. In the pick of the skimmer do I have the bubbles correct or should it be higher or lower?

sorry for so many questions I am just wanting to get this right.

[Zen Reef]

ahhh i hate to bust your bubble but that skimmer chamber will fluctuate, water needs to go over, under over, rest is fine. if water table moves that skimmer will not work well, ive delt with that skimmer and its a lil sensitive to water level.

how does that over flow work? does it it have a syphon break? sorry never seen that

I believe her sump flow is from right to left. Also seems like she's draining into the skimmer chamber so her water level won't fluctuate.


Your overflow seems like it will work with a manual syphon but I'd be worried on whether or not it would start the syphon again on its own after a disruption--power outage ect. You could be left dealing with your return chamber overflowing from your tank if it doesn't. That's why I never did trust a external overflow--too many potential issues.

[Keelynnsreef]

So I need to redo my baffles on the skimmer side? The first one needs to go all the way down to the bottom so water flows over the top of that one; then another one 1 inch from bottom so water flows under it; then another baffle on bottom so water flows over that into the refugium. So I really need 3 pains is what you are saying?

[Big_Pun]

what side of town are you on? if you dont mind stating

[Big_Pun]

yea Tuan your right after thinking about it should be ok. needed my morning caffine! im worried about the over flow

[Keelynnsreef]

I have a air check valve on the top of the of the first tube plus I have a hole drilled into the pipe right below on the water line on the return pipe as well hopefully this will stop that from happening. But on the skimmer stuff you think it's ok I don't need to rebuild it? You r right the chamber where the skimmer is the water level will stay the same unless water from the main tank overflows from power outage. But like I said I will have a siphon brake their.

[Keelynnsreef]

Ne side 1604 35 n

[Keelynnsreef]

I can't drill my tank so I have no choice...

[Keelynnsreef]

Thank god I don't have to redo the chambers.... It's fine right? I was so mad at myself..

[Big_Pun]

i think you would be better off buying a used one from a member on here.

[Zen Reef]

Is your tank filled up yet? You're near me..we can drill it and make an internal overflow box for it. You pay for materials and I'll do it for free---if you charter up :)

[Big_Pun]

Is your tank filled up yet? You're near me..we can drill it and make an internal overflow box for it. You pay for materials and I'll do it for free---if you charter up :)

very nice of you !!!!

[Keelynnsreef]

Yes tank is full. And I am charting up this week... Thanks for the offer.

[350gt]

I have a over flow if that one doesn't work out...


Just needs a small bulk head... I broke the one that was on it..