Sump build questions

dannonlayne

dannonlayne

New member
I've been researching DIY sumps and have come up with a few questions my LFS wasn't able to help me with (lame). Any input is appreciated!!

The display tank is a 40B and the sump is a 20L.

1. Do I need a bubble trap before my skimmer? I've read that micro bubbles going into the skimmer will cause it to not work as efficiently (yet it makes micro bubbles...)

2. Anyone out there do flex tubing instead of PVC? Opinions?

3. Refugium: Why do you love/hate yours? I cannot decide if I want to do one.

4. The overflow is a 700gph unit from Glass Holes. Should I get a return pump that pumps the same? (I'm assuming "yes")

4b. Most returns seem to be smaller than the overflow. Is there a recommended size?

5. I would love a skimmer recommendation! I've kept mainly small tanks and have only used HOB skimmers. I'm considering the Reef Octopus NWB110 from BRS.
 
These are great skimmers for the money! Bubble trap before the skimmer? I've never heard of anyone do that. As far as a return pump. I would go with something that pumps as close to 700gph, without going over. Make sure you factor in how many gph, at however many feet the pump has to push the water up. I have run flex line on all of my tanks with no issues.http://www.scaquariums.com/SCA_Protein_Skimmer_s/1817.htm
 
MHO below. Good luck and keep up updated.
dannonlayne said:
I've been researching DIY sumps and have come up with a few questions my LFS wasn't able to help me with (lame). Any input is appreciated!!

The display tank is a 40B and the sump is a 20L.

1. Do I need a bubble trap before my skimmer? I've read that micro bubbles going into the skimmer will cause it to not work as efficiently (yet it makes micro bubbles...) I don't think most people run it this way and that does not make sense to me

2. Anyone out there do flex tubing instead of PVC? Opinions?
I use PVC for drain and return, but a section of braided flex in my return to reduct noise. I may consider spa flex for my next build as it is reportedely less noisy
3. Refugium: Why do you love/hate yours? I cannot decide if I want to do one.
I love a fuge and i will always employ one. I am not sure we can ever have them large enough to actually accomplish all nutrient export, but the pod population and diversity it gives is important to my goals. Barebottom with a good fuge light and a ball of chaeto is all you need.
4. The overflow is a 700gph unit from Glass Holes. Should I get a return pump that pumps the same? (I'm assuming "yes")
4b. Most returns seem to be smaller than the overflow. Is there a recommended size?
you don't want to match that 100%. The drain is using gravity and the return is using a pump. If the return catches up to the drain it will find the path of least resistance to your floor. Research "Herbie" or redundant overflow methods if you want to completely avoid that, but you want your pump running slower than the capacity of the return (maybe an expert can give you the formula for that)
5. I would love a skimmer recommendation! I've kept mainly small tanks and have only used HOB skimmers. I'm considering the Reef Octopus NWB110 from BRS. there are as many skimmer choices as there are fish. Reef Octo is good stuff though.
Click to expand...
 
+1 on all the above - A ball valve on your return line can also help if you need to dial it down a bit. Keep in mind that you lose GPH the farther up your pump as to go - 3-4' from sump to DT can be afew hundred GPH so make sure to check the specs on the pump.

On my 120g DT i have a 1500gph GlassHoles.com overflow running two 1.5" drains... ive always personally ran 3/4" returns (so i dont need extra drilling bits). My 20L frag tank is also a 1.5" drain (with strainer) and 3/4" returns.

Used hard PVC on my DT ... kept having tiny leaks that i needed to patch, also when cementing you have very little 'working time' and need to cut all your piping exact or it wont match properly, plus you need to used angle fittind to direct your plumbing down/around your stand -- but if dont properly it looks very nice/clean. I Ran all spa flex on my frag tank so it can be one solid piece (no joints to cut/glue together) and its working great - with spa flex (verses the clear tubing) you can actually cement the spa flex into slip plumbing fittings which is great but get barbed fittings when possible + pvc cement and your golden. j

Just my .02
 
see response in red

dannonlayne said:
I've been researching DIY sumps and have come up with a few questions my LFS wasn't able to help me with (lame). Any input is appreciated!!

The display tank is a 40B and the sump is a 20L.

1. Do I need a bubble trap before my skimmer? I've read that micro bubbles going into the skimmer will cause it to not work as efficiently (yet it makes micro bubbles...)

no

2. Anyone out there do flex tubing instead of PVC? Opinions?


I like using spa flex where ever possible, however there are advantages to rigid pvc for some things.

3. Refugium: Why do you love/hate yours? I cannot decide if I want to do one.

I can go either way its a personal and style preference this is the kind of question you ask 10 reefers and get 20 different answers

4. The overflow is a 700gph unit from Glass Holes. Should I get a return pump that pumps the same? (I'm assuming "yes")

you want the pump to be less than that, ideally if u had one rated for 700gph it would be less than that with the head pressure, however 1.) snails can get in the glassholes overflow and restrict flow some, unlikely to clog, but if you are running at rating your DT will overflow and 2.) they are alot easier to get quiet with a lower rate. Based on your tank size (40B) i would go with something in the 400-500gph rang, you do not want much more than 10X turnover in the sump, otherwise any media reactors and or skimmer doesnt get a chance to really work, let alone a fuge

4b. Most returns seem to be smaller than the overflow. Is there a recommended size?

rule of thumb is 10x display turnover, but there are reasons to go higher or lower.

5. I would love a skimmer recommendation! I've kept mainly small tanks and have only used HOB skimmers. I'm considering the Reef Octopus NWB110 from BRS.
i personally love the vertex skimmers for the money they are a very good value, that being said if you are a little handy, my current skimmer of choice is the DIY avast marine, now that i am running a recirculating skimmer i would never go back
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for the help.

After talking with my LFS I decided to use ceramic rings to filter and nix the refugium. Ended up ordering my return pump and a cone skimmer from him there and the price was great. Thanks for the opinions. I felt like I knew what I was talking about when I went into the store. That's always a great feeling!
 
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