Fuge - Am I doing this right?

Sorry, I know that this will feel like it's been covered to death but I have specific learning disabilities that makes understanding regular schematics an iffy proposition. I kind of needed to draw one myself just to make sure I know what I'm talking about.

Does the following diagram of a simple fuge demonstrate a correct understanding of what I've been reading here and represent a workable design?

Thanks

 

The dual inputs is kinda weird. You can see how I built mine, it's a little less complicated than what you have drawn up. I'd run all the water through the fuge since that is why you have it there. BTW despite the fact that is says "700gph" unless your return pump is any where close to that it isnt actually going to be passing anywhere near 700gph.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-of...st-real-build-90g-reef-50g-fuge-113570-3.html

 

The over all design looks right just make sure there is enough room for drain back when the pump shuts off, without overflowing the sump.and the depth of 8 to 10 inches of water for the skimmer to sit in wile it running.

 

Most people would not recommend the sump layout you have created. But, I think the principles are mostly correct.

* Often the input (drain) is divided to slow flow thru the refugium--as you've drawn
* No divider necessary between the filter sock and skimmer--make it one chamber
* Swap the location of the refugium and skimmer--move the bubble trap to the far left, move the single divider to the far right.

So, in summary, the sump would then be skimmer, refugium, return section (from left to right)


Here's a quick illustration using your numbers:

 

If you do it this way there will be to much flow through the fuge as the water returns to your return pump.Most will say it should be skimmer-return-fuge from left to right or right to left.All you would have to do is extend the pipe with the control valve to the chamber on the far end.Also this will give you a place to put an ATO in the center chamber.

 

That's true. If the flow thru the refugium is going to be too much...swapping the return and fuge is a good idea.

 

in my experience i have better luck with the fuge in the middle than off to one end. i grow cheato like crazy with it in the middle.

 

filter sock/skimmer/fuge/return pump

or

filter sock & skimmer/fuge/return pump

 

Having the drains split on this design is pointless. The fuge would be fed fromm the skimmer section.

I would do a center return like others have said. I like that design and I built mine that way.

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What you have is just fine and will work very well. The only “thing” that catches the eye is the skimmer location, because all return water funnels through the skimmer chamber your beneficial pod’s from the refugium will most likely be skimmed up rather than reaching your DT. But there is always much debate on this thought anyway (skimming pre-fuge vs. post).

I like your design and think you will like it as well. Use black plexiglass between fuge and sock section to limit the growth of algae due to the fuge light. Good luck with your build.

To resolve the pod issue move the return section to the middle and forget the filter sock (use it with the skimmer section). That way the refugium will feed pods to the return section without issue.