looks fine to me.. I run a 55g wet/dry under my 190, about 25g of water in my sump.. when I turn off the pump, I have about 35-40g in my sump and lose 1-1.5" off the main tank. 75 should be okay, but bigger is always better. 
Lets talk sumps!
- Thread starter BadOleRoss
- Start date
I had to redesign the sump. I was looking at the original design and realized that I had the water flowing up through the foam filter pads. It might have worked, but a large amount of debris would have ended up sitting at the bottom of the foam pads. I'd much rather have it on top. I have also increased the overall length to 84". This would increase it to 128G.
Hi All first post,
From what I have learned in the past you want to force it up through the foam in your configuration. It will work better than going down through it, sooner than later it will overflow the chamber as the resistance builds up and bypass the foam altogether.
From what I have learned in the past you want to force it up through the foam in your configuration. It will work better than going down through it, sooner than later it will overflow the chamber as the resistance builds up and bypass the foam altogether.
I have an overflow built in to that part of the sump so when the fitler pad need to be cleaned the water can bypass in the event I fail to notice . Since the fiter pad will be there to serve as mechanical filtration only I am planning on having to clean them weekly or biweekly depending on the load in the tank. Any other thoughts out there? Down through the foam orup through the foam?
Thats kind of what I was thinking. And, if the foam got clogged with the water coming from the bottom the water could actually lift the foam out of place.
If you have it flow up, the foam will definitely float unless you weigh it down somehow. However, some people dont mind because that area will act as a settling chamber where the big gunk stays out of the foam & is easily vac'd out. With the socks as a prefilter, I would put the 30ppi foam right after them so your 20/10ppi foams can be raised higher up & allow a higher water level. More water below the foams will help keep the flow up & make sure there are no dead spots at the far right side of the scrubbie bay (in the drawing).
Personally, I might use a series of graduated bags for mech (200micron bag inside a 100micron, inside a 50micron, etc.), since that takes no more space than 1 bag & you're already planning a spot for them. I would then combine the foam & scrubby bays into one long, raised bay with a drip plate on top (you wouldn't need the foam anymore because of the bags). Just my 2 cents...
Personally, I might use a series of graduated bags for mech (200micron bag inside a 100micron, inside a 50micron, etc.), since that takes no more space than 1 bag & you're already planning a spot for them. I would then combine the foam & scrubby bays into one long, raised bay with a drip plate on top (you wouldn't need the foam anymore because of the bags). Just my 2 cents...
I like the idea of moving the 30ppi and raising the 20/10ppi's to allow more water depth. I could move the 30ppi foam to the vertical space to the left of where they are now. Right between the socks and the horizontal foam pieces. I do need to make sure the water carries over the drip plate over the scubbies so everything gets wet and there are no dead spots.
sorry but i think your sump plan is not as effective as it could be.. I say ditch the filter socks and ditch the foam. Just make a drip plate with a pre filter and go scrubbie madness man. Look at all the bio space your wasting. I just think by looking at the design , yes its pretty and all but it could be 10x as effective. From the looks i think you could get more bio area in a 20 gallon if set up properly. Sorry to be a downer but i just think your wasting all of your amazing space you have. If your really into the socks then keep them , but you wont need the foam if you have the socks.
heres a new diagram i took the time to draw... you seem to be a foam/sponge freak lol , so heres how it goes. The water goes through the filter sock , and the filter sock is below the top of the sump just incase it clogs and begins to over flow. The socks clog easy and will overflow so this prevents water from getting out of the sump. Then there is a foam block , to get the derbis if the sock ever overflowed. Then the water travels up to the drip plate which has another filter pad on top , which isnt needed put it seemed like you would like it. Then it drips on a massive amout of elevated scrubbies. Then goes to the pump. No space wasted all used to the fullest. Simple YET very effective. You better consider this lol i actually drew it for you.
The graduated sock idea sounds bad A
The graduated sock idea sounds bad A
