which would make a better sump

[hiimsean]

im still in the planning/research stages of my first reef. i just bought a 39g from petco during their sale which will be my display tank. i have an older used 20L that im considering for my sump/fuge. would a 20H be a better choice because of the height or the 20L because of the footprint?

 

[kayakatl]

20L gives you more space, especially to place a skimmer in the sump. The most important thing is that if power fails you do not overflow your sump.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

I would definately go with the 20L for the reason Mark mentions above.

 

[acroholic]

kayakATL;562545 wrote: 20L gives you more space, especially to place a skimmer in the sump. The most important thing is that if power fails you do not overflow your sump.

+1. Go with the 20L. Same volume, so same overflow protection but a bigger footprint to hold more equipment.

 

[crewdawg1981]

20L hands down.

 

[kayakatl]

Do you know what you want in your sump? Skimmer, and return pump are really the 2 bare minimum items. (There are arguments that will contradict the skimmer use if you have an acceptable fuge.

 

[acroholic]

kayakATL;562553 wrote: Do you know what you want in your sump? Skimmer, and return pump are really the 2 bare minimum items. (There are arguments that will contradict the skimmer use if you have an acceptable fuge.

Personally, I would consider a skimmer essential, especially for a first time reefer. If for nothing else, for the safety factor it can provide.

I would save the skimmer vs no skimmer debate for a time after experiene is gained.

I use a good skimmer and a cheato refugium and filter socks. The more nutrient export the merrier, IMO.

It is not really a matter of right or wrong, just from personal experience.

 

[wolfie]

It alway better to have the extra space and not need then need and not have.

I am using a 30L with just a skimmer, fuge and return pump and still need more space

 

[moebious]

This is what you can do with a 20L. That's an MR-1 skimmer with a Mag 12. Check out my build thread or my album for more pics. Good luck with your project.

 

[hiimsean]

i was planning on doing just a fuge for a little while then getting a skimmer. i have been looking at the reef octopus NW 150 i think, cant remember the number. im wasn't too sure about the return, im planning on building the stand and was thinking of making it a little taller than average, my wife wants the tank to be kind of eye level, so i was thinking a mag7. im actually getting about 40-60lb of dead rock that i'll be using for the tank and sump this weekend. i'll also have some macro in the sump

 

[cr500_af]

Wow, that's really packed in there... is the return pump running in this photo? The sump seems very full (of water), and I'm just curious as to how it can prevent an overflow during a power outage with that small of a margin for error. I assume you've tested it by shutting off the return?

moebious;562577 wrote: This is what you can do with a 20L. That's an MR-1 skimmer with a Mag 12. Check out my build thread or my album for more pics. Good luck with your project.

 

[wolfie]

Sean I think a mag7 would be too strong for your return.

The only way to be sure of no flood is to test it with the return pump off.

Cr500 af what kind of bulb are you using for the fug?

 

[moebious]

cr500_af;562662 wrote: Wow, that's really packed in there... is the return pump running in this photo? The sump seems very full (of water), and I'm just curious as to how it can prevent an overflow during a power outage with that small of a margin for error. I assume you've tested it by shutting off the return?

You and Acroholic said the exact same thing. After Dave's comment i checked on it and even though it was at a "safe" level in the photo, I readjusted it so it is a little lower now. Thanks for lookin' out guys.

 

[moebious]

I did a search for "recommended flow for reef aquarium" and most say 5-10 times the tank volume. For a 39gal tank, max would be 390gph. A Mag7 has 450 gph at 3 ft of head. If you 'T' off for chiller and/or reactors a Mag7 will do it. Is that tank RR. If so what size bulkhead? This calculator http://reefcentral.com/index.php/drainoverflow-size-calc">http://reefcentral.com/index.php/drainoverflow-size-calc</a> says you need this...

Gallons per Hour = 450
[B]Drain and Overflow sizes are calculated as[/B]

Recommended minimum drain pipe diameter = 0.88 inches
Recommended minimum linear overflow size = 7 inches

I would have at least a 1" bulkhead and one 1/2" return.

 

[cr500_af]

WOLFIE;562666 wrote: Sean I think a mag7 would be too strong for your return.

The only way to be sure of no flood is to test it with the return pump off.

Cr500 af what kind of bulb are you using for the fug?

This isn't my photo; it's Moebious'.

 

[hnguyen]

moebious;562577 wrote: This is what you can do with a 20L. That's an MR-1 skimmer with a Mag 12. Check out my build thread or my album for more pics. Good luck with your project.

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=178&pictureid=1080" alt="" />[/QUOTE]

I agree with Moebious, I got a 120g with 36L sump and an in-sump skimmer but I still have no room at all under my stand. My stand is 48" long and with the sump it that, thats all I could fit. My ATO reservoir and calcium reactor as to be on the outside of my stand. But boy I tell ya! The amount of stuff I can put in my sump is amazing!! As someone stated here before me. 30L, hands down!! :thumbs:

 

[hiimsean]

moebious;562680 wrote: I did a search for "recommended flow for reef aquarium" and most say 5-10 times the tank volume. For a 39gal tank, max would be 390gph. A Mag7 has 450 gph at 3 ft of head. If you 'T' off for chiller and/or reactors a Mag7 will do it. Is that tank RR. If so what size bulkhead? This calculator http://reefcentral.com/index.php/drainoverflow-size-calc">http://reefcentral.com/index.php/drainoverflow-size-calc</a> says you need this...

Gallons per Hour = 450
[B]Drain and Overflow sizes are calculated as[/B]

Recommended minimum drain pipe diameter = 0.88 inches
Recommended minimum linear overflow size = 7 inches

I would have at least a 1" bulkhead and one 1/2" return.[/QUOTE]

i just realized i put 39g, i meant 29g. its not reef ready, i do plan on drilling it with a 1" drain and 1, maybe 2, .5" returns. what return pump would you recommend. with the stand, the top of the tank will sit around 55" tall. how far below the rim should i drill the drain, 1-2"?

 

[hnguyen]

HiImSean;562787 wrote: i just realized i put 39g, i meant 29g. its not reef ready, i do plan on drilling it with a 1" drain and 1, maybe 2, .5" returns. what return pump would you recommend. with the stand, the top of the tank will sit around 55" tall. how far below the rim should i drill the drain, 1-2"?

I would recommend you drilling it about 1.5" below the rim. that why when you put your bulkhead in it would be just 1" below your rim. that way when you do WC you don't have all the water in your tank flowing back down your return line. Another way to help reduce your return flow if you can't get a weaker pump is to use a check valve. Check valves help with 2 things, 1 it will stop water from flowing down your return and 2 it would reduce the flow of your return pump thus helping with the problem of having your return pump too much water in your tank and your drain not draining fast enough. I had the problem when I first started even with a 1" drain.

 

[hnguyen]

I have like 2 check valves thats pre-fitted for a 3/4" flexible tubing laying around the house if you want it.