Maximizing the benefits of my fuge set up

I understand why it is more beneficial to have the return section in the middle of the sump/fuge however I've already bought a fuge that has the fuge section in the middle. Is there a way to maximize the benefits of this type of set up? I've seen other posts suggesting t-ing off the input flow from the DT with one line to the skimmer section and one line to the fuge section. Any other things I should do when I set this up? I'm still fairly new to all of this so thanks for the help. It's all a bit daunting still.

Set up: 70 gal Deep Blue rimless reef ready tank. Eshopps R200 newer version fuge. Lifereef skimmer with Mag 9.5. Mag 9.5 return pump.

 

is this a refugium and sump combo or seperate units?

If the refugium is seperate from teh sump I dont see a problem with the fuge in the middle - but tell us more about the set-up and where you have your skimmer ect.

 

It's a combined set up. Skimmer section with 2 bulkheads and socks on left, fuge section in the middle, return section on the right.

 

You just need to understand flow rates and what are the trade offs of various setups. If the skimmer comes first, the fuge gets clean water and does not really get fed. If the fuge is first pods get skimmed out.... but it isn't blackk and white like that.

The skimmer only processes so much water. You have a Mag 9.5 on your skimmer and return... by the way, two huge pumps for a 70g and putting a ton of heat into it. The skimmer is not going to process as much as the return is putting out due to throttle losses. However, those types of skimmers process much more water than regular needle wheels. Not every bit of water is going to be processed and some stuff will make it to the fuge to feed it.

To answer your question on maximizing.... you just would want to be on the low side of how much water your skimmer processes compared to your flow rate through your sump (return pump flow) so that not alll "food" is skimmed out and some makes it to the fuge. Tune down your skimmer a bit, turn up your return a bit. But the trade offs are you are moving more water and increasing over all flow rate through your fuge. You are probably fine where you are at. If I had to pick on or the other I would take skimmer before fuge so I'm sure you will be fine.

 

Ok, good set up. I like the ability to skim pre fuge, the ideal set up would be to plumb the skimmer return to after fuge - thus the pods are not skimmed before the DT and the fuge is not starved by skimming. This would maximize your set up per your question – then its flow rate, I prefer the slow method 10% of the fuge volume per hour.

 

O.K. One is borrowed and one is still in the box and returnable so I'm not committed as far as the pumps go. Also the tank is on lay-away and I may go a little larger, 90-110, if that makes a difference.

Any suggestions?

 

Not sure if you are set on the skimmer.... Nothing wrong with Mag pumps, I used them. They just tend to get a little hotter and add more heat. A 9.5 for a return isn't a big deal, but a additional 9.5 as a skimmer pump sort of is. The life reef skimmer is not bad at all. It makes bubbles and collects skimate. It's just that a similar sized needle wheel will save a ton of electricity and keep a lot of heat out of your tank. A 9.5 will put out around 100w.... no different than using a 100w heater 100% of the time. A needle wheel pump for the size tanks that you are talking is around 20 watts to do the same job... and it's debatable that it is a better job.

There are lots of ways to skin a cat in this hobby. Try to do the best you can at setting things up right then forget about it and let it run. A lot of variety in this hobby and many different types of set ups still produce very nice tanks. You are putting plenty of thought in and that is a great way to start a successful reef.

 

Thanks Powerman.

Yes the skimmer is a done deal. I really like the Lifereef stuff and just couldn't afford his sump/fuge right now so I decided not to skimp on the skimmer which is an important item in my opinion. From my research and limited knowledge I opted to go with a venturi type skimmer. The Mag 9 is the recommended pump for that skimmer however I can still make changes as far as both pumps go. I probably have another month before I'm actually set up so I'm looking to make as many mistakes as I can "on paper" before I'm up and running as I am on somewhat of a budget. I realize I could have saved a little by building my own sump to but DIY's not my thing and I like the finished look of bought gear. Still shopping lights and I'm leaning towards an Aquamedic T5 8 bulb- seems like a good piece of equipment for the price. A friend who owns a furniture factory is building my stand based on some plans I found on here to.

So the fuge, skimmer, a Reefkeeper Lite and an RO/DI rig are all the items I'm committed to right now and the other stuff is still flexible. I tell you though, I really want to see some water cycling soon!

 

You'll be fine. Ehiem pumps are nice but a little bit more money. The Mags are fine.... might be a bit of heat for you, but the T5s will help that.