Sump/Fuge Design?

I've been trying to decide what combo of fuge/sump I want. I can't seem to find one that is big enough that will fit in my space.

I have a 200 gallon tank:
I've been told I need:
10% of tank volume for fuge.
1/3 of tank volume for sump.

That puts me in about the 90 gallon range. Does that seem right to everyone?

Any ideas what a good tank would work for this? I found this diagram on another forum and it makes sense, so I was going to try to make it, thoughts/ideas?

 

I would look at those size requirements as more of rough guesses. Just go with what ever size will fit well under your stand. The design you posted does look like a well done layout though. One other option for you to consider. Instead of T'ing off the return line to run into the fuge you could instead T off the overflow line to run into your fuge. Either way just be sure to put the ball valve like in the drawing after the T going to the fuge.

 

+1 for mikes answer. I have seen a lot of 200g tanks that use a standard 75g as a sump with the same design as mike descibed versus the attached pic

 

I agree. 10% for a fuge is fine.... I have tried to find some kind of requirement for size... but have yet to come across one. There is a guy that says if you can't do at least a fuge half the size of your tank don't even bother.... I have asked him several times what he bases that on and he never answered.

For the benefits of the fuge.... more is always better, but a small one is better than none. As far as the sump.... it only needs to big enough to hold your equipment. That is all it is for.

Read my article in the link below and maybe some of it will help. I like how you have yours laid out, and I would second splitting your drain rather than feed the fuge from your return pump.

 

Great articles, thanks!

What are your thoughts on the ADHI 60 fuge (picture below)? That would be way easier for me to not fabricate one myself, but after reading your article seems like I want the return in the middle.

Good to know on the size "requirements" appreciate the help!

 

Nice tank. I do like the return in the middle for several reasons, but if you don't want to make one it will work. However, it really isn't that hard. Just go to a glass shop, tell them to gut so and so size, then tape them up in your tank, and goober them up with silicone. You are done. Easy really. Especially since you are doing a move, you have all the time you need. Let sit overnight and throw it under the tank. Way less expensive too.

 

Guess I should have specified, that isn't my tank, that's just the only in-use image I've been able to find of the ADHI fuge. Belongs to another member on another forum.

I just bought a used tank, nothing in it yet, still doing all the initial research to get the pieces I need all lined up right.

I know you mentioned you left 1.5" between each of the panes in your bubble trap, but how much space did you leave at the bottom to allow flow underneath?

 

Got it. I think an inch. Basically, the skinnier you go, the fast the water flow, the faster the flow, the less effective the traps will be. An inch is good, but 1.5 is better. 3" total. Probably should have gone 1.5 on the bottom too.

 

Great. Thanks!

 

Im in this boat too, trying to figure out what im going to do.
I just came across a 150 tank someone was using for turtles for $150 so im planing to use that for my sump/fuge after reading the guides here i think ill add panes of acrylic to may my sump out of that 150gal tank, will give me great vol, and big refug.

my question is i want to put this in my basment and pipe the over flow from main floor to basment then pump it back up... is there any issues you see with this other than maybe having to use a stronger pump to pump water back up to tank?

if i do it right i might be able to even have the refuge on display.

any thoughts?