Need help with sump design

I'm hoping I can post here for this question as I don't know if this thread really belonged in the refugium section. but I really just need a few suggestions and questions answered for this design. The sump was basically a freebie and I got it "as-is"

I was told that the fuge requires less flow the the rest of the sump. How do I accomplice that with fuge where it is.

Are the two baffles enough for the bubble trap? The raised baffles is much higher off the bottom then I've seen in other bubble traps.

Can the baffles be removed without damaging the acrylic? (not worried cosmetically speaking)

Should I redesign it to make the middle baffle 1" off the ground and add a baffle on the other side?
was there a intended design of the way its set up?
I'm also wondering about how to add a filter sock or a suggestion for good mechanical filtration.

using 1' plumbing, is this pump (Eheim 1260 Universal Pump (640 GPH) is enough for desired tank turn over per hour? I'm dont understand the formula other than 6 to 10x per hour.
Eheim 1260 Universal Pump (640 GPH)

 

Is there any experts on sumps who could give me a suggestion on what they would do if this was there sump? Remove the baffle that is approx 5" of the ground and replace with a standard bubble trap or just leave the design be? or just scrap the baffles and start from scratch? or just scrap the sump period? anything??

 

The modified acrylic with the silicone around it can definitely be removed. The machined portion I know i wouldn't be comfortable removing.

All the flow from my drain travels through my fuge and it sure grows a ton of algae in there.

My GUESS is that it was designed for dual overflows one on each side. I would think if you have it drain into the left (modified) side, add a bubble trap to the opposite side you could use the middle as the fuge, or you could use a separate container as a fuge which you use a small pump to move water into and have it drain directly into the sump here. Rubbermaid is excellent for this second option.

I hope this helps.

 

well that's the issue. not sure if you can see from the picture but the raised baffle on the non- modified side. looks too high for a bubble trap imo. isn't it only suppose to be 1" or so off the bottom? Its more like 5". I feel like this piece is in the way of me making an effective bubble trap. If it weren't for this, I would just put a skimmer on the drain side fuge in middle as you said and call it a day. My only other issue would be slowing the flow too the fuge which you said wasn't an issue for you. btw...I have just enough room for my 20g... under the stand.

 

Check out this thread http://www.3reef.com/threads/75-gallon-reef-tank-finally-back.156458/ on the first page and see if something like this might work for you.

 

This would..but again....how do I get that bubble trap out of what I have? Maybe I can take a utility knife and cut the unwanted baffle out then reweld a new piece lower?

 

If that acrylic was properly welded, a utility knife is not going to get it done. You would need to dremel it out. An easier option would be to attach a piece of acrylic to make the gap smaller. Can't use silicone though, need weld-on 4 to properly attach it.

 

ok. good idea.. The baffles present are about 2" apart. do I make the 3rd baffle the same or can I make it a inch or so closer?

Also, still looking for ideas for mechanical filtration on the drain portion..

 

I wouldn't use anything other than a filter sock you can swap out at any given time and replace. Filter floss is usually harder to get out without loosing detritus in the process.

 

So if I finish the bubble trap..and place a skimmer on the drain side...what about the bubbles from the skimmer getting into the refugium? isn't this bad??

There is sooo much to learn in this hobby. When family or friends ask questions about my tanks, to them, I seem like an Einstein on Tropical Reefs but to others, my knowledge is only a drop in the bucket..and there knowledge is only a drop to others...and so on and so forth...but it is fun...I like it alot...What a challenge this great hobby is!!

Anywhoo...I would like to learn more about...Micro bubbles...and oxygen exchange..in Reef Aquaria.. Any articles, recommended??