150 Gallon sump idea. Would this work?

[Chicxulub]

Ok folks, I am getting close to putting together my big DIY tank. I feel as though I have a really firm grip on what it'll take to do that, but I'm a bit confused as to what makes a good sump. I used my elite, awesome computer aided drafting skills to mock up this design. What do you guys think?

-The sump will be built from a standard 72x18x28 150 gallon glass tank.

-I would probably use two intakes and two returns.

-Under the media I plan to use two powerheads to ensure good circulation.

-I was under the impression that for best efficacy, the media should be held at or above the waterline. Correct?

-Will the fact that the sock will be below the water level to the spillway to the drip plate be a problem?

Thanks guys!

 

[houie925]

Seems like a good design. I would probably run the water level a bit higher to keep the media about 1/3 submerged and allow for a bit more evaporation before the pump runs dry, but that's a matter of personal preference IMO. Not sure if it's just not to scale in the drawing or intentional, but it appears there is a bottleneck below the second to last baffle that may be a problem if running at a very high flowrate.

As for the powerheads, I think this would help with preventing any settling of smaller debris that gets past your sock in this area, though if running a couple thousand gph through this I'm not sure it would be an issue anyway.

 

[Nova 8]

looks good, I'd also raise the water level a bit. I'd run substrat pro when submurged and pot scrubbies will do the job for the section above the water. Also dont think the powerheads would be needed and i dont really know about the socks but cant see an issues as the top of the sock is above water level except they may clog faster

 

[Chicxulub]

I see the logic that the powerheads may be redundant considering that I'm going to be running a couple thousand GPH through this. However, is it possible that a bubbler under the matrix would be beneficial to the BB?

I like the idea of the Substrat Pro or Biomax in this thing. A top shelf media like that is my top choice anyway. For under the water line, I'm going to go with one of the two no doubt. However, would either of those be an effective media above the water line in the drip system as well?

Finally, what is the reason that most people don't just pile enormous amounts of top end media like Biomax in the media section of these things and keep it all submerged?

 

[Nova 8]

I dont think media like substrat pro works as well above the water line and need to be submerged to get the full benefit. there is no reason why you cant just build a wet sump and run it boat load full of top of the line media, it will work well. it is my (vague) understanding that in a wet/dry sump a different type of bacteria builds up in the "dry" (above water) section of the sump which aids in doing a better job filtering. Im not 100% about this and it might be worth waiting for people with a better understand of the benefits of wet/drys to come along.

 

[Chicxulub]

I dont think media like substrat pro works as well above the water line and need to be submerged to get the full benefit. there is no reason why you cant just build a wet sump and run it boat load full of top of the line media, it will work well. it is my (vague) understanding that in a wet/dry sump a different type of bacteria builds up in the "dry" (above water) section of the sump which aids in doing a better job filtering. Im not 100% about this and it might be worth waiting for people with a better understand of the benefits of wet/drys to come along.

Well that makes sense, and I think you for your help.

I'm only familiar with closed systems and that's what I'd rather stick with, but the cost of 4-6 FX5s or an Ultima II is prohibitive, especially when I have a big ol' sump just waiting to be built in my dining room right now.