Sump/Fuge

Thanks for the info, right now I would guestemate that my overflow is between 8-9 gallons with the return pump off. I figure this design will run have a total capacity of 57.6 gallons and will operate at only 34.5 wich leaves a little over 20 gallons for overflow. That should be plenty and why im thinking about making the baffles higher.

 

I took most of the ideas from melevs reef. I saw that he made the teeth for the fuge baffles and in one picture had the bulkhead with pvc that ran to the return. Was wondering if the what one worked the best or if it mattered, the teeth, bulkhead, or just drilling holes in the baffle.

 

Understood - your thinking makes total sense. I would want to take up as much room as safely as possible with the volume of the sump. I am guessing you are working with something like a 60 Breeder? That's AWESOME!!

I see in your sig that you had a 20 gallon sump - this will be a MAJOR upgrade!!!

That's awesome!!!

I would make those baffles upwards of 14-16" on the return section of the sump.

 

Im going to custom make the sump with acrylic, have the guys lowes cut it then ill glue it together. Im looking around now to see if i can get weld on in the area, i cant find though. Im also looking into Devcon plastic weld but not sure if I should use this or not. I might just end up ordering the weld on online.

Thanks for the advice on the baffles. Ill have to rework my cut sheet.

 

What would be a good pump for the return. I would like to get about 300gph, i have a height of about 5', and i would also like to hook my chiller up with it inline.

 

I would also account for your whole ATO reservoir when figuring out the amount of spare room you need. For example, if you have 5g in your ATO, plus 10 from the max overflow from the tank, you need 15g of extra space. in the sump for the worst case scenario of an ATO failure plus return pump failure.

 

That is a good point, Ill be honest I didnt even think about that. I will deffenatly take that into acount, thank you. What would you recomend for the return pump?

 

Question for you all, what size acrylic should I buy to make this thing.

 

I think you are asking about the thickness of the acrylic.

I believe 1/4" is the most commonly used thickness for this application. Lowes will cut it for free for you. It's about $18 a sheet. You will need two or three sheets. I would not use "weldon" as it is for plastic-plastic welding.

All you will need is some aquarium safe 100% silicone. The silicone does not bond to the acrylic but does bond to the glass. This will allow the silicone to "hold" the acrylic in place.