How to...

I know there are sites all over the web about this but i figured i'd ask here before i began.

I'm thinking of buliding a 10 or 15 gal sump/refugium for my 30gal reef tank.

I'd like to do the whole hang-on overflow box and hide the tank under the stand.
I don't mind buying pre-made parts such as the overflow box and the tank.

But, what else will i need?
I'll just use my existing protien skimmer i suppose...
What kinds of pumps?
How will i partition off the interior of the sump/refugium?

Will everything be okay (flooding) if the power goes off?

 

May I suggest using a 20g long for your sump. The bigger the better and there will be more room for equipment and less chance for flooding. With a hang on overflow you have to decide on what size to get-300gph, 600gph etc.. Then you can decide on what size return pump you want. You have to figure in the head pressure (max height the pump will have to pump against along with any 90 degree bends your plumbing makes). A Mag 7, Quiet One 3000, or something similar would probably work for that size tank.
For partions you will need Acryllic sheets which can be bought at Home Depot along with some Aquarium Silicone sealant to glue the partions in place.
You will also need a light source for the refugium.
To help prevent flooding from back flow you can use a swing type check valve inline from the sump to the tank. (www.marinedepot.com in their plumbing section)
Check out www.melevsreef.com/links.html for sump design idea's. I prefer a very simple design of 3 compartments. One for the water inlet and skimmer which flows into a center comp. for the refuge which flows into a bubble trap before spilling into the third compartment housing the return pump.
Hope this helps some. Maybe others will give their input. Good luck!

 

I agree. I have a 10 gallon sump and it's packed. Pretty hard to remove pumps when I need to clean them.