Sump design recommendations for 180 gal.

I am in the process of setting up my 180 gallon tank. Just finished building the stand and the tank is in the process of cycling. I picked up a 75 gallon tank to use as a sump. Before I start plumbing the PVC and gluing baffles, I thought I would check with the 3R community and get any recommendations.

Any changes on how I should run the plumbing (see attached pic)?
(I will try to avoid the 90 degree bend on the left drain, and also add a couple unions)

Are the baffle heights and spacing ok?

Is the fuge large enough?

I know the return size is probably excessive, but there will be times when I am away from home for a while and can't add water. And until I am comfortable that an auto top-off is fail safe, I think this is the best option. Also, I didn't label the bubble traps, but they are spaced 1.25" apart.

I haven't decided on a return pump yet. I have about 8 ft total head pressure (5' plus 3' additional with valves, etc). Am thinking about the Water Blaster HY-5000 or HY-7000.

Am also leaning towards the SRO-3000 internal skimmer. Specs say it is 4.5"x10"x24", so hopefully I left enough extra room in the intake chamber. The worst part is it has an optimal depth of 6", so it will have to sit on a pretty tall stand.

Lighting will be LED, but need to take a small break from spending money on this hobby!

Thanks for taking the time to provide any suggestions on the design. I am especially curious if the spacing and dimensions look ok. And the plumbing as well. Pics are attached.

Regards,
RP

 

It should go

Far left, overflow water in
Skimmer

Middle refugium

Right return

Or in reverse. Either way. Your setup is just complicated IMO

 

Sump design:
- This is a standard sump design. Some people put the refugium/ skimmer compartment in series, others (like you) separate them to allow independent flow control.
- The spacing between baffles at 1.25" is fine.
- Get a reliable ATO, like a Tunze Osmolator, and reduce the size of the return section. This would allow you to increase the refugium volume. I think you will want a larger refugium in the future.

Plumbing:
- The tee directly above the pump will reduce efficiency. I suggest orienting it sideways. - I also suggest putting a tru union ball valve above the pump so it can be easily removed for maintenance and output can be controlled.

I personally don't think the bypass in the return plumbing is necessary if you have an ATO, but it is a good idea if you do not use an ATO as it protects the pump.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I think I am leaning towards sticking to that order. I prefer to be able to control the flow to the fuge and skimmer sections independently. Plus I have the option to make the fuge a little taller. It is similar to a lot of the sumps at melevsreef.com. I am mainly curious about the sizes, etc. and anything I may have missed.

 

;D Somebody used copy/paste

I would add a baffle coming out of the refugium as well. I hate micro-bubbles.

 

Thanks Jake. A lot of good info. I think I will cave and reduce the return size. Just need to convince myself I can leave for weeks and the ATO won't cause a flood. '

Also, the T above the return is an area I was thinking about changing. It is there mainly in case I need to throttle back the return pump. Just to confirm, when you suggest orienting it side ways, you are talking about the drain pointing down? Just point it back horizontally? ...Actually I just realized you are probably referring to the T up towards the top where he lines T off to go up to the tank. I'll look into this more.

And I will for sure put a union by the pump. Am thinking I will need 3 total. Maybe up to 5. Not sure.

Thanks for the recommendations!

 

Ha, yep! Sure did! I didn't get any feedback over there! So signed up here. Seems like a good group as well! But let me fix that!

 

I agree with Devin. Putting the refug by its self almost makes it as if it has no purpose. Its a second form of filtration and should be put directly in line of the flow. The skimmer removes the "large particulate" the refuge does the biological filtration. If your not running all of your water through the refuge what's the point of having it?
Do you see what saying?

 

No problem!

It is hard to describe the position of the tee, so I will attempt to illustrate it. Orient it like this:

(to return on left side)
II
II
IIIIIIIII (to return on right side)
II
II
(return pump)

In your design, the return pump is pushing water right into the wall of the tee, which raises resistance.

 

Gothca. That makes sense. Thanks! Will change that.