ChadTheSpike
01-03-2010, 07:49 AM
Hi all,
This is my first post on this forum, but I have lurked for a long time. I have decided that I am going to upgrade the sump on my tank, I posted this on several different sites as I am looking to get all the feedback that I can on the design. Please help me make this as great as I can! Thanks all!
Currently, I use my sump as:
1) a place to put stuff like carbon
2) a place to add stuff like two part and make up water
3) enough extra system volume to let me do WCs without shutting anything off.
At this point I feel the need to mention that my sump is a 32 gallon Rubbermaid Brute trash can with a modified 5 gallon bucket in it to serve as a baffle for my overflow and protein skimmer return...
Ive used this setup for years and years and it works just fine, its convenient that I can do up to a 15 water change without shutting anything off... I like that.
Well, I have decided that this year Im going to upgrade, so Ill start gathering parts and building after I finalize the design (likely will be implemented by the end of Febuary).
Here is what I am currently thinking, this is a side view of my entire system. The DT and fuge are already in place. The only things that I am looking to get feedback on is area between the overflows and return pump. Stuff is to scale, but not necessarily in the final arrangement. No Im not good at these computer pictures, but I think the idea gets accross:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=844&pictureid=6472
This idea adds two habitats to my system, a seagrass habitat (eventually) and an algae turf system. Since I am all about extra diversity and micro-habitats, I figure this will be of significant for plankton growth and maintenance. My goal is to be able to to shut my protein skimmer off permanently.
I already have the surge box, I made it a while ago and used it in my fuge for a few months, it is made with a toilet valve and runs very reliably with a failsafe. I removed it because I wasnt sure it added any benefit, only noise and splashing, so it has been laying around since.
I plan on using a 24x36x17 tank for the sump itself, Ill silicone a divider in place so I have somewhere to put my return pump.
For the ATS, I plan on using SantaMonica's design for the PVC and screen section with a failsafe plumbed at one of the ends just in case it becomes clogged.
I plan on having the ATS mostly drain into the seagrass section (I realize there will be some losses through the screen... if too much is lost, Ill put a catch underneath), giving me a 'flow through' from my main circulation pump through each habitat, its ~600 GPH. Each individual habitat has/will have its own supplemental flow as necessary.
Here is what I am looking from you all:
1) Are there any design flaws here, or am I missing anything?
2) Should I go with a 400W or a 250W MH in the seagrass area? The water will be ~12" deep after I add the DSB. Im leaning toward the 400.
3) On the ATS, will a surge of ~5 gallons every 30 seconds be an adequate air/water time for turf algae to grow?
4) Any improvement ideas?
Thanks!
Happy New Years EVERYONE!!!
This is my first post on this forum, but I have lurked for a long time. I have decided that I am going to upgrade the sump on my tank, I posted this on several different sites as I am looking to get all the feedback that I can on the design. Please help me make this as great as I can! Thanks all!
Currently, I use my sump as:
1) a place to put stuff like carbon
2) a place to add stuff like two part and make up water
3) enough extra system volume to let me do WCs without shutting anything off.
At this point I feel the need to mention that my sump is a 32 gallon Rubbermaid Brute trash can with a modified 5 gallon bucket in it to serve as a baffle for my overflow and protein skimmer return...
Ive used this setup for years and years and it works just fine, its convenient that I can do up to a 15 water change without shutting anything off... I like that.
Well, I have decided that this year Im going to upgrade, so Ill start gathering parts and building after I finalize the design (likely will be implemented by the end of Febuary).
Here is what I am currently thinking, this is a side view of my entire system. The DT and fuge are already in place. The only things that I am looking to get feedback on is area between the overflows and return pump. Stuff is to scale, but not necessarily in the final arrangement. No Im not good at these computer pictures, but I think the idea gets accross:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=844&pictureid=6472
This idea adds two habitats to my system, a seagrass habitat (eventually) and an algae turf system. Since I am all about extra diversity and micro-habitats, I figure this will be of significant for plankton growth and maintenance. My goal is to be able to to shut my protein skimmer off permanently.
I already have the surge box, I made it a while ago and used it in my fuge for a few months, it is made with a toilet valve and runs very reliably with a failsafe. I removed it because I wasnt sure it added any benefit, only noise and splashing, so it has been laying around since.
I plan on using a 24x36x17 tank for the sump itself, Ill silicone a divider in place so I have somewhere to put my return pump.
For the ATS, I plan on using SantaMonica's design for the PVC and screen section with a failsafe plumbed at one of the ends just in case it becomes clogged.
I plan on having the ATS mostly drain into the seagrass section (I realize there will be some losses through the screen... if too much is lost, Ill put a catch underneath), giving me a 'flow through' from my main circulation pump through each habitat, its ~600 GPH. Each individual habitat has/will have its own supplemental flow as necessary.
Here is what I am looking from you all:
1) Are there any design flaws here, or am I missing anything?
2) Should I go with a 400W or a 250W MH in the seagrass area? The water will be ~12" deep after I add the DSB. Im leaning toward the 400.
3) On the ATS, will a surge of ~5 gallons every 30 seconds be an adequate air/water time for turf algae to grow?
4) Any improvement ideas?
Thanks!
Happy New Years EVERYONE!!!