New to Sumps

[locoyo386]

I have a question, I have never done a sump filtration, thus I have questions since I am venturing this route. I read that the bigger the better, well regarless of what size sump, is there a way to figure what flowrate you should have in the sump? I am trying to use my sump as a mechanichal filter and bio filter (no skimmer, or refugeum at the moment maybe later for the ref.). The reason that I ask is because every type of filter pad I place in the sump restricts my flowrate quite a bit and that leads to a low level of water in the return pump chamber. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated thanks.

[Fishgeek88]

What size is the display tank?

[locoyo386]

What size is the display tank?120 gallon

[Fishgeek88]

I would personally look at dual drains so around 1000-1200gph running through the sump. If you already have the tank you can either drill the tank and get a kit overflow box or you can buy a HOB overflow like a CPR box. Personally i would stay away from U tube boxes at all possible

[locoyo386]

Ok lets say I go with the 1200 gph flowrate in the sump (only in the sump). Is there a way to figure out the sump size based on this flowrate? You would not run 1200 gph flowrate in a 10 gallon sump, right?

[Fishgeek88]

Ok lets say I go with the 1200 gph flowrate in the sump (only in the sump). Is there a way to figure out the sump size based on this flowrate? You would not run 1200 gph flowrate in a 10 gallon sump, right?

Well you could....but it would be a little ridiculous. Along with flow you have to consider the tank it is suppose to be filtering. I would say roughly a 30-40 gallon sump. If you could fit bigger personally I would go bigger. On a 120 a 50 Gallon breeder sump would look great :)

[locoyo386]

ok let me put it this way. If I want to optimise my sump's efficiency (say a 20 gallon tank), is there a way to figure out what maximum flowrate I can have in the sump (regarless or what size display tank is going to filter)?

[whitetiger61]

first off what is the size of your display tank...it is important..like fishgeek88 said the bigger the sump, the better..the size of the display will deterimine the minium size of your sump and the return pump that filters..

Rick

[locoyo386]

first off what is the size of your display tank...it is important..like fishgeek88 said the bigger the sump, the better..the size of the display will deterimine the minium size of your sump and the return pump that filters..

Rick

ok, like I mention above it's a 120 gallon tank.

[Sir Patrick]

If I was to keep my skimmer in the sump, I like to keep the flow rate through it at or a bit above the flow rate through the skimmer. This way, you will optimize the amount of non filtered water to pass through the skimmer on its way through the sump.

For instance- I will be using a mag 5 for return and my skimmer pump is 500 gph, that will be in a 40 gallon breeder sump.

As far as minimum size, I usually map out the skimmer area, return area, and figure out how much room I need/want for the fuge and other misc. equipment. then go a bit bigger for future upgrades.

I have read that flow rate through a sump should be slow, to optimize contact time with filtration, but this can lead to detrius buildup and dead spots. I like to add some flow with water pumps/power heads in the sump instead of ramping up the flow rate through it.

Hope the info helps, but its just my opinion. There are so many different ways to go about sumps with pros and cons to each.

[Fishgeek88]

ok let me put it this way. If I want to optimise my sump's efficiency (say a 20 gallon tank), is there a way to figure out what maximum flowrate I can have in the sump (regarless or what size display tank is going to filter)?

Lets say a 20 gallon, I would say your looking at around 600-800 gph give or take a little bit. This is the backwards way of doing it though, you first want to have an idea of how much water should be draining and pumping through your display, and what your plans for the sump are, refugium, strictly skimmer etc because flow somewhat varies from different applications/size of equiptment, narrowing down from this your then able to decide what size sump you will need.

[locoyo386]

Well thank you all for your help.
Sir Patrrick made some comments that got me to the point of rethinking my sump design and whole mechanichal filtration system. Thus It's back to the drawing boards for me. Thanks for all the info.

[Fishgeek88]

No prob, let me know if you need some help or suggestions