Canister filter refugium

Lets start here...

Your overflow's draining speed determines the return pump you need. I would not pump water out of a tank with one pump and hope that a pump of equal power can return it. Water flowing downhill is not going to meet any resistance after it gets over the lip of the tank. Water flowing uphill is...well I think you get it.

The height of the DT in relation to the sump pump determines what strength you need. An example of this is...say your pump is rated at 500gph. It isnt going to pump 500gph at 5ft. 500gph is right at the very tip of the outlet on the pump. Also say you happened to match the return and the intake speeds so you had a a perfect balance. What happens once your pumps start to degrade (flow wise)? They will be off balance and then...OVERFLOW...

You need and adjustable overflow that you can control the water intake height. Then get a return pump that can hold the water levels in your sump just right. The overflow you buy will tell you what strength your pump needs to be at on average. Pay careful attention to the rated gph heights on your pump as well.

The basic sump is an overflow box of some sort, a container, a filter sock to catch large debris, a refugium area, and return pump. You are probably going to want a bubble trap of some sort or micro bubbles will go back in your DT. Skimmer placement should be in the water intake section in my opinion. It has the dirtiest water. Next refugium with live rock and chaeto. Next bubble trap area of some sort (usually done with baffles). Lastly return pump to tank area. In this area you could have reactors if you wish.

I hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the great response. Definite karma coming your way. I think for now I may just do one or two in tank refugiums and maybe in a couple of months I will build a real one. Thanks so much!

 

Oh lol does anyone know how to give karma?