proper sump/fuge set up????

Hey all newbie here......need advice....

I just purchased my 1st reef set up and have a few ???'s about my sump/fuge:

20 gal tank for sump with 3 sections right now (should be 4 but the last baffle is broke, so I will have to replace it before I set up my tank).

water comes in from the overflow tube on left side, goes through a sock filter and UNDER the 1st baffle. Water then passes through a carbon filter/bag, then through some chaeto and OVER the next baffle into the next section which is the fuge (sand, LR, old corals, shells, etc). Water should/would then pass Under the last baffle (like I said its broke right now) and then obviously to the return and back into the DT.


Questions:

1. where is the best place for my skimmer (1st section or last section)

2. if skimmer is in the last section (which is where I think it goes best) it would have to be in the same section as the return pump....is this ok? Or should/could I put it in the 1st section outside the sock and then have the return pump in the last section by itself?

3. LFS guy said I didnt need any sand in the fuge, that the LR would be sufficient, and probably would be better without sand for future cleaning purposes and for the prevention of sand entering any pumps. The sand in there isnt 100% sand, its more of a sand and crushed coral mixture (not sure if its live or not...dont think so).
Whats best?

4. Whats best overall from what I am describing?

5. can I glue/silicone a piece of plexiglass for the last baffle instead of glass? (tank is glass)

Sorry this is sooo long, but this is my 1st reef attempt and I wanna do it right or whats gonna be best for my reef. Thanks in advance.

 

The first section is best for the skimmer. This reduces chances of any macro or sand from your fuge getting into the skimmer. Putting it in the first compartment also gives any bubbles it creates time to surface before the return section.

First section.

I agree with your LFS. The sand in the fuge is not NEEDED, and it will make cleaning in there easier.

I don't believe plexi will adhere with silicon. Home Depot or Lowe's will cut glass to size for pretty cheap.

All good questions that show your doing it right before it's too late. Keep the questions coming.

 

thanks mike!

Few more questions:

But 1st I would like to correct myself:
"Water should/would then pass OVER the last baffle (like I said its broke right now)" I realized that water should/would actually pass UNDER the last baffle. Sorry for the confusion. I already edited my 1st post.


1. My skimmer (ASM Baby G) is really cramped in the 1st section with the sock in there. Is this ok? It actually might be too cramped.

2.If above is not recommended...then can I put my skimmer in the 3rd section with the LR? Or where should I put it?

Dimensions of my sump (roughly):
20 gal glass tank 24"x16"x12"

1st section: 5 1/2"x12" with the 1st baffle raised up about 2" from bottom(water goes under) with a total height of baffle at 14 1/4 "

2nd section: 2"x12" with the 2nd baffle rising from the bottom to top 10 1/2" (water goes over)

3rd section: 11 1/2"x12" with the 3rd baffle raised up about 1" (water goes under) with a total height of baffle 11 1/2"

4th section (once I replace 3rd baffle): 5" x 12" with a total height of baffle 11"

Again, sorry for the confusion and I appreciate the help.