What Size Do You Like for Reef Sump in 4x2x2 tank Stand?

[mseepman]

If you are a beginner in this hobby, I personally think an in-sump skimmer is a good option because of the risk of leaks on the external.

By a fuge, I mean refugium where you grow special algaes in order to use up excess nutrients from your main display... It's also a good site for various pods (little shrimp like things) to multiply safely before they make the trip up to the display to be eaten by your fish.

As for backflow, look at it this way. When power goes out, you pipes are full of water, but the pump in the sump is not pumping it back up to the display. Your overflow will continue to drain until the water goes below it's openings and your return pipe will become a siphon until little holes you drill in it stop that siphon from sucking your entire display tank back down into your sump where it has no-where to go.

If you search our sumps on here, I'm sure you will find a variety of ones with build threads. Their size doesn't matter, it's just the principles that you should look for.

Originally Posted by my3kidsdad

May we ask.. Which do you prefer- in-sump or external?

If by fuge you mean refuge for fish to get away from predators, no, we will probably not have the external room for a refuge.

That is interesting.. how much backflow is normal? and should the sump be run at a level lower than the expected overflow?

I will have to find out what a ATO is.. lol.

[Todd]

I would also consider an external pump - it transfers less heat to the tank. When doing this remember you will need to plan room for your pump AND your plumbing. When I did mine I had planned for a external valve to isolate the pump, but I ran out of room so I had to scrap that plan.

Also some people have been saying that taller is better, but this depends on how tall your stand is - if your sump is too tall and you are using an insump skimmer it could be too hard to remove the skimmer from the sump and stand to clean / maintain it. (or the collection cup in my case.

I would definatly include an ATO, as well as baffells to prevent microbubbles from entering your display.