[sg_halvorsen]

Here is something I came up with for a DIY sump. Any input on things i should do differently is more then welcome. I would most likely use 3/4"-1" pvc. Does that sound about right? And what gph rating return pump would I need?

The reason for the other plan with the external pump is to allow more room for the skimmer if needed.

Also the two inlet pipes would most likely be at the same level I just put it that way to show there are two.

[BLKBRDTA]

I don't see any major concerns with your current draft, looks like you pieced it together exceptionally well. Though the use of multiple heaters is not necessary for a 70g system, a single 300w would be plenty of power. And the sump should be expanded to fit the protein skimmer's footprint and return pump, or like your other diagram shows, an external pump could be used if space is in short supply. Do not place the skimmer in the refugium.

PVC flow rates:

3/4" - 660 gph gravity flow

1" - 960 gph gravity flow

Best of luck to you with the build Scott!

[sg_halvorsen]

Thanks for the reply.

I never really thought of a refugium but now that you mention it haha. I've heard you aren't supposed to put the skimmer after the refugium. Does it really matter that much or should I put it before the refugium and move the baffles around.

Like this?

[BLKBRDTA]

NP

Thats a common misconception, some say placing the skimmer after the refugium skims off beneficial bacteria, nutrients, biologically filtered water etc. The truth is, the placement of a protein skimmer in a system really does not affect anything, hence the idea of HOB skimmers, In-sump skimmers and external skimmers. If it is placed before the refugium, the "nutrients" will pass through the fuge, return up to the tank, fall through the drain line then be skimmed off anyway. This is why it is important to closely monitor the amount of skim-mate being produced to avoid over-skimming (the depletion of essential reef elements and minerals in the water column.) The use of supplements and additives comes into play here. However, one must also be careful not to overdose on those too, leading to a bad case of Cyanobacteria or algae blooms.

I dose supplements once a month, the skimmer shuts off for 2 days during this period for maximum absorption.

HTH

[sg_halvorsen]

Yeah I think I'll sit on the idea for a bit and look around at some other plans people have on the net. Combine a little out of everyones haha. Thanks for the input!

[pogodzib]

If your tank has two overflow pipes, I'd recommend having one go to each end of your sump and divide your sump up so that your skimmer is at one end and your refugium is at the other end. Your return pump can be set up to be in the middle.

Check out various sump designs at Melevsreef.com | Acrylic Sumps & Refugiums for some guidance.

[Frogfish]

First, you don't need each section to be lower than the others. I would raise them all to the same height so that you have more water volume. In particular the return section, as this is where all your evaporation will be evident. If your return section is only 2 gallons and you evaporate 1 before topping off, then it will only be 1/2 full.

Second, if you are using an external pump, I would put a bulkhead in the sump to pull out the bottom rather than over the top.