Idea for my sump

[ismvel]

I have a tank that I used as a sump for my 135 in Missouri and am going to use it for my 220 that I am setting up.

I am making my stand, and the sump tank is rougly 40 gallons, and the way I made the stand (so I can accomodate a skimmer from Ace), the left side (the entire stand broken down into thirds) is recessed and flush against the base of the stand, the other two thirds are elevated and sitting on cross boards.

My sump question is: because the sump is in the middle of the stand, what is the general consensus of having each of the drains of the DT go into either side of the sump and have the return section in the middl of the sump tank?

I would have the left side of the tank drain into a section full of LR which would also hold a mag 12 to feed the skimmer. The right side would hold a DSB with mangroves or cheato, and a small middle section for a mag 18 return pump that will be split into 2 returns.

Trying to use what I got to get this thing up and running. I am just tossing around ideas right now and get a feel of what people think of this.

[papijames]

Seems like I can get some pointers from you. I have a 55g with a wet/dry and was told by Copperband that I'll need a Sum. I don't know where to start, while you're here full with ideas.
My tank info is in my message posted " can you over clean your tank"
Fell free and throw a brother a bone.

[Gregsf66]

Maelv,

There are alot of ways you could set your sump system up. Give me your email and I can send you some pics of how I have my setup. But either way, your ideas will work. I have found out that putting your skimmer after your refugium is a bad Idea. I would put your skimmer before your Refugium. So chamber 1 would be skimmer, chamber 2 would be refugium and chamber 3 would be return pump tee'd off back to tank and the refug.

As far as Papijames, Give me your email and I can show you a way to build a 45g sump/refug for about $50 or less.

[tomanero]

My 55g sump for my 110show
Basically, setup as you described except only a single return.

[ismvel]

Maelv,

So chamber 1 would be skimmer, chamber 2 would be refugium and chamber 3 would be return pump tee'd off back to tank and the refug.

That is the way I had my previous sump set up....but Ace said his skimmer could be used externally, which is what I have to do, so I could always plumb it to go into another section, thanks for the ideas guys....i sent my e-mail Greg.

Papijames....thanks...but I am fairly new to this as well. Sumps aren't that hard of a concept, I am just wondering if the way I am thinking would work out...Trust me if I can figure it out, anyone can... ...but i can offer my 2 cents on your thread...