55 gallon sump layout opinions

[doma25]

I am about to set up my baffles. 55 gallon sump 48 x 12x 20

I have the baffles cut already :
(3) 1/4" x 13x 11 7/8"
(1) 1/4" x 14 x 11 7/8"



I want the first chamber to be 20 x 13", I want the first chamber to be big so easy to change filter bag.

the second chamber/return to be 14 x 13" ( big enough not to need top off every day"

a refugium area to be 13x13. i could be convinced to go bigger or smaller



Can you t off a return pump to the fuge if it is already t'ed for the dual over flow.

 

[rkaragozler]

are you running your water level at 13".

 

[doma25]

Where the filter bag is yes. Is that bad?

 

[rkaragozler]

Let me try to explain.
1-the baffle that holds the water level for the skimmer should be the height of the running water level of the skimmer, unless you are going to raise the skimmer.
2- the next baffle will be your bubble trap, this can be any size height you want it doesn't matter, as long as its higher than the 1st baffle in height.
3- the 3rd baffle will be 2" lower then the 1st baffle so that any bubbles that make it thru will be dissipated.
4- the baffle for the fuge area can be as high as you want it. If the fuge is going to be on the opposite side you want to angle it, so their will be a steady flow without causing any micro bubbles.
here is a picture to what I am talking about.
Let me know if you need any help.

 

[doma25]

Wow thank you for the thoughtful response.

I would have my skimmer elevated. It's hard to tell in the picture but it's actually on a stand. The refuge I will have at 14" angled. Then use the 3 13" baffles to create a bubble trap into the return. How do you like the distances of all the chambers for a dual over flow tank.

Can u tee off the return for the refuge if it is already being split up for the dual returns

 

[rkaragozler]

what size DT is this 55 gallon sump going on?

 

[doma25]

A 150 gallon long 72x18x27.5

 

[rkaragozler]

assuming you have a 1" drain down when pumps are off you are looking at about 6 gallons of drain down.
If the fuge area in the 55 is going to be 13x12x14 that will yield about 9.5 gallons.
the rest of the sump will yield about 25.5 gallons, that would give you a total of 35 gallons.
now a 55 gallon tank only holds an actual amount of 47 gallons.
you will be okay with 14" running water level in your sump.

what i would do is cut down 2" from one of the 13" baffles, and use that as your 3rd baffle from the drain down side.

as far as feeding the fuge from the return pump its not really necessary. you can T of the drain side and feed it. you can even put a ball valve on it to regulate water flow to the fuge and feed the rest into the filter sock.

 

[doma25]

So i should still have 6+ gallons of freedom once the return pump is off?

I like having the higher baffle just because less of a need to top off. But I appreciate your advice. Is it being very risky not cutting it?

 

[doma25]

if i tee off a drain into the refuge won't that cause a lot of detritus in the refuge?

 

[rkaragozler]

cutting the baffle is to reduce the micro bubbles not to lower the water level that you want to use. you will still run at 13"