Need help building my 55 gal. Sump.

OK, So I want to make a 55 gallon tank which dem. are (12 1/2 W. X 4ft L) into a sump for my 120 gallon. I understand after reading a few threads that I should use Acrylic for the baffles instread of plexi glass, GE silicon type I or II will hold the baffles in place, ball valves to adjust the flow.

What I haven't quite figured out is the following: How do I estimate flow rate? Is there a formula used? What pumps should I use how many gph? what pipe sizes should I be using for the return and the flow into the sump? Does it matter how large or small the dem. of the refugium are? How high should I place the baffles? I wanted to drill the tank rather then using a submersible pump. If I chose this option, does anyone know what do I use to cut the whole in the tank or where do I buy the tool? PLEASE HELP
3 REEF!!!! I NEED YOU.... THANK YOU!

 

The flow will be set depending on the size of pump and overflow you are using. For a 120 gallons I would say you need a pump that will handle 1200-1400 GPH @ 4' of head and an overflow that will handle the same. Usually drain pipes are anywhere between 1" and 2" sometimes bigger with large systems. The size you will want to use will depend on the bulkheads you install but I would guess 1 1/2" for the drain into the sump and a 1" return line. For the Fuge...the bigger the better IMO, so figure out how much space you need for the skimmer and the return, then use the rest of that for the fuge. The baffles will depend on the skimmer you have and water level it requires. Usually between 10"-12". The bubble trap bafffles should be about 1" apart with the middle one 1" off the bottom of the glass. Go to http://www.glass-holes.com/main.sc for overflows and glass drill bits. They sell them in kits and are priced well. Hope this helps and Good luck to you.

 

Waooo! That was great info offensetaken, thanks Would you know if the spacing between the baffles have to be 1"? because I'm currently running a system which also has a sump that was professionally made and the spacing between the baffles there are 2" apart. I was going to model their version due to the fact that I buy sponges which fit perfectly in between. What do you suggest? Have you made sumps before?? Another question I forgot to ask was, is there a specific silicon I should be using? I was told Ge type I or II but I don't know what elements the silicon has, I'm scared it could be toxic. I appreciate it.... thank you

 

just be sure that whatever you buy, you are using 100% silicone with ZERO additives.

Make sure there are no anti-microbial or anti-fungal properties.

You can always just buy AGA silicone to be sure.

And you can absolutely use Plexiglass in a sump. The silicone only holds the baffles in place. It doesnt really bear much of any wieght. And even a small leak between baffles will not affect your overall sump performance.

 

I do believe GE silicone I is aquairum safe but I've never used it myself. I think 2" spacing between baffles would be ok, but every inch you can gain and add to your fuge the better. 1" I think is more commonly used but it's up to you. I have done a few sumps before and always do it myself so I know it's done right and how I want it.

 

thanks again guys!!!

 

When I build mine I also wanted to use 1" space between baflers to have more fuge room. I can honestly say, that I don't regret it, but I hate myself when I want to clean between the baflers... 1" is a very narrow gap to stick pretty much anything designed for tank cleaning, except the scrapers with a long handle. I found that they work pretty well. I still hate cleaning in between them though.

Just my 2 cents.

- Mag.