90 Gallon Build - Here We Go!

Okay...I plan on getting the Octopus Extreme 160 protein skimmer, and it says it works best in 8-10 inches of water. So either I will add a stand, or switch it to the second chamber.

Doesn't the baffle serve as the bubble trap?

And I will make the return pump chamber deeper. I didn't think about the evaporation.

Also, what is an ATO?

 

auto top off

 

Personally I would put a filter sock holder on the far right, keep the skimmer out of there, have the skimmer go in second chamber, add a bubble trap after the skimmer, and then be done and have the return as the last chamber. I would not just throw in filter media. Go to bulkreefsupply.com and check out their reactors. Cheap cheap. Run carbon, GFO, etc. in those. The reactor, pump, and all media will be under $100. Have the reactor pumps feed and return from the last chamber and also that is where you would put your ATO.
www.autotopoff.com sells them for cheap. If you get a controller you would just need float valves and would not need a separate ATO. The tunze osmolator is very good as well.

 

A reactor like this: Deluxe BRS GFO and Carbon Reactor - English

and a top off like this: AutoTopoff.com

 

Thank you!!! I didn't quite understand the bubble trap idea, but I do now.

I'm going to print this off!

 

You're welcome. A good way to catch larger debris is to wedge those black pieces of foam at the first trap inbetween the glass. Make sure you clean it daily and it will help remove larger particulate if you don't run a filter sock. The height of the panels depends on how high you want your water level, and is a good way to ensure a constant height for your skimmer. Keep the levels as high as possible especially in the return area. All evaporation will be evident there and that's where you want your float switch / ATO to go.

 

great design zach

 

I think this is a wonderful idea for a sump.. If its a 30 gallon splitting it up this way gives you room for a skimmer section and a refugium.. also, just stick your heaters in the skimmer section, it has enough flow to make it work.

Look at the sump pics underneath.

Left side, refugium. Middle section is for return pump.. Right side is for skimmer and heaters..

 

thanks bama! I'll print this one off, too.