55g sump design need advice...

[MikeP]

Nice work on sketch up Dave! That sump I designed is the first time I used it. I'm sure it would have turned out better if I would have read the instructions, I just started clicking on stuff. To reply to kari, yes some of that stuff I thought of some of it I didn't so thanks. How do I determine my 'flow' the return and the overflow have bulkheads that measure 1.25 inches and the pump is a sequence snapper external which is rated for 2500 gph. Does this sound alright? If I space the baffles 1" apart will that be ok? It sounds like the chamber with the skimmer should be the smallest and I should split the rest of the space between fuge and return?

Thanks for everything so far

[Dale]

Here are some thoughts.
Either use a detritus sock or build a small chamber with a sponge or matting to act as mechanical filtration. This will keep big chunks of detritus and food out of the system.
Put the bubble trap after the skimmer and fuge (or at least after the skimmer return line (as it will create microbubbles).
I initially created a larger fuge than skimmer compartment but I could not get my macro to tumble properly. After switching the fuge to a smaller compartment the tumble effect works well. It may have something to do with the fact that the current fuge is square and the former was rectangular.
Having a larger skimmer chamber also allows for extra L.R. and/or pod habitat.
Also, when setting the baffles determine how much water will drain back from the display if there is a power failure. You should allow enough distance between the top of the baffles and the top of the tank to absorb this backflow.
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Honda SL125