sump setup

Okay I changed this thread. I have a 30 gallon sump I am in the process of building. I have seen several of the 3 chamber designs where the refugium is in the middle of the sump between the intake and return chambers. So my question is what is the best way to set this up? Thanks

 

By the way I am actually leaning towards an algae scrubber with a high flow. Any feed back is appreciated. Thanks!

 

When talking about theory, the algae scrubber should be able to pull more nutrients out of the system, while a refugium should give you better pod production.

 

So for a well balanced system I would rather have a better nutrient control than high pod production correct?

 

Actually I guess I was a little confused about what an algae scrubber is. I think I will have high flow refugium area where there will be macro and live rock. I will also have an algae scrubber screen running into this area. Thoughts?

 

You ask which is best, but there is no definition of "best" that isn't situational. Do you have large nutrient problems, do you want to feeed a fish, or do you have slight nutrient issues and a need to feed fish a bit extra?

Seriously, what do you need to do? Asking to pick which tool is best (ATS or Fuge) without specifying the job is like asking whether you should use a screwdriver or a hammer without saying what you're going to use it for.

 

Point taken. I am in the middle of building this sump for my 125. Currently the tank is in cycle. So I cannot at this time tell you what if any issues I have. I was just thinking I would have a refugium area in the middle with macro and live rock.

 

I'm in the middle of building an ats and will be starting my sump/fuge some time next week. I'm no expert, but this is where I'm at and what I hope to get out of the system I'm working on building. I have 90g reef tank and I like to feed a lot and feel lots of food is good for a reef. I currently do not have the bio filtration I want/need, I also have evaporation difficulties. This situation is no good, so I hope that the ats will take care of my bio load while my fuge provides food and cuts bio load by adding live food. My sump section will allow me room to add chemical/mechanical filtration, and my return will give me some room to work with for my evaporation. My ats should take care of my bio-load so I will not be running macro or a light on my fuge and I will not be running the ats in the fuge because I want more flow in my ats than my fuge. I hope this all is accurate and helps in some way. If your replying to me I started my own thread about my set-up, so I won't be jacking this one