Sump Setup

My recently setup up 65 FO, I am using a 20 gal tank as a sump. On one side I have the drain (AGA Megaflow built in) and the other side I have the return pump (RIO 2500). I have an Aqua Urchin in the sump and a Lifeguard Fluidized Bed Filger hanging from the side and I plan to add a UV Sterilizer somewhere.

It all feels so random. Does it really matter how things are arranged in the sump? Will it turnover and filter properly?

All suggestions and advice is appreciated.

 

Is your sump partitioned at all? in sections? Usually, folks go for the overflow water being right at the skimmer and the return water as far away from the skimmer as you can. Part of that is so microbubbles are not returned to your display tank.;D


Do you have a pic of your setup? Might be able to help better with a photo!

 

Generally positioning of things in the sump does not matter...of course the overflow and the return are on opposite sides.

What Birdlady is talking about are baffles...pieces of acrylic set at different heights to allow water to flow over, then under them in order to trap microbubbles which may come out of some skimmers.

The most important things you need to know about a sump are:
1. The return pump must be able to handle the amount of water entering it from the overflow
2. The sump must be able to accomodate the amount of overflow water which will run into it should the electricity go out or your return pump fail


Hope this helps.

 

Excellent Points!;D

 

Thanks for the help. I pretty much have what you have all said covered. No baffles. Will try to get a pic shortly - but really just a plain glass 20 gal tank for a sump.