Review my sump/fuge.... PLZ!!!!!

[hfp75]

Well I am needing to make a sump/fuge. Let me begin with the situation. A new tank for me. I have a used (new for me) 55 g main tank with stand and need a sump/fuge – Yes its plumbed for one I just need to make it. I found a 20g long on kijiji for $10, it had some leaks to I dismantled it and put it back together using DAP Blue Silicone which I have read it aquarium safe. I chose the 20G long as its the best fit for under my 36” 55g. It measures 30” (w) x 14” (h) x 12 (f-b). Leaving me a few inches above and a few on the side.

I was given a Cora-life 65g Super-skimmer. I know that it is not the best but it is what I have. I need to add baffles into the sump. It would be nice if the skimmers area is big enough so that in the future I can add a better skimmer.

30” long anyone ideas?

I have been reading about sump/fuges and need ...

return from tank
skimmer
pump to tank

I think its possible to add a place for live rock rubble and I like the idea of chaeto and possibly a DSB....

1st area - Return from tank & Skimmer - 8”
2nd area – DSB 4-6 “ and Chaeto loose ontop with a light above.
3rd area – Live rock rubble.
(Areas 2 & 3 will share the middle 16” of the sump/fuge. I am planning for 1/3 for DSB and 2/3 for live rock.)
4th area - Pump to tank - 6”

Let me know what you think – if you have never done this before and have no real wisdom please keep your ideas to yourself. I have read a bunch on this and this seems to be a good setup. I might consider switching 2 & 3.

I'll add pics when I can.

Also, on the skimmer note, how high should I make the wall for the skimmer/tank return? I wont have the super skimmer forever and dont want to make it to short and hate life when the wall/baffle should have been an inch higher. I can easily put a small platform under the skimmer to lift it up.