sump setup

[mdumet]

Hey guys, I am setting up a 20glong sump for my 65g tank

I am thinking to set it up like this:

intake->sock->220g skimmer->small fuge->return chamber with pump.

and I have some questions.

1. How high should I set the water level in the sump?

2. I already have a return pump (marineland 247gph), and I just got the 220 corallife skimmer (I know is overkill but I figure it was better to buy the big one now), last night I realized the pump it came with runs a minimum of around 600gph up to 700gph.

Will this be a problem/should I get a bigger return pump?

3. Whats the minimum size for a fuge? I am trying to give more space to the big a**! skimmer so something's got to give.

Any comments, advice is appreciated!
thanks
Mauricio

 

[picoreefguy]

the water level will depend on what depth the skimmer works best at so youll have to check that. and i would leave out the fuge. its not useless but in a sump that small and trying to make space for the skimmer itll be more trouble than its worth.

 

[cedzaquaddiction]

He pretty much summed it up. I ended up building my sump around my skimmer. The drain and returns need to be in sync to keep the skimmer happy...

 

[mdumet]

Picoreefguy;882114 wrote: the water level will depend on what depth the skimmer works best at so youll have to check that. and i would leave out the fuge. its not useless but in a sump that small and trying to make space for the skimmer itll be more trouble than its worth.

ok, so no fuge, just more room for skimmer.

CedzAquAddiction;882144 wrote: The drain and returns need to be in sync to keep the skimmer happy...

does this mean I need a bigger return pump?

thanks

 

[cedzaquaddiction]

Well, one way to look at it is that return rate may be good for your tank, but not quite enough for your skimmer. I'm a fan of a fairly slow flow through the sump, but the big skimmer probably won't produce loads of skimmate at a time. Not a problem, just a heads up.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[mdumet]

CedzAquAddiction;882157 wrote: Well, one way to look at it is that return rate may be good for your tank, but not quite enough for your skimmer. I'm a fan of a fairly slow flow through the sump, but the big skimmer probably won't produce loads of skimmate at a time. Not a problem, just a heads up.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

cool, thanks

 

[picoreefguy]

yea slower flow through the sump just gives the skimmer more time to pull out all the junk in the water