Sump size?

[EQCM2B]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#What would be an effective size sump for a 45 gallon reef? I understand that the bigger the better but I have very limited space underneath due to the shape of my tank and stand. Also about how many times a day would you want your water to be cycled thru your sump?#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[graphixx]

you want as big a tank you can fit under your stand

[jerryc]

Id go with a 20 long or larger depending on the room you have
A 20 long is about as Small as you can get everything into
if you have Refugium in it.

[eye127]

:o) Well thats exactly what i thought.

[zoo-a-holic]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#try to fita 30 or 35 tall under there. just make sure you got lots of room to play around under there.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Reptoreef]

Good advice has been given on the sump... as for water flow... 10-20X's actual water volume per hour through the display. Half of that through the sump is ok as long as you can provide a closed loop in the display to compensate for the difference.

[davejnz]

I use a 30gal(36"x12"x16") for my 40.I agree with Repto,slower flow through the sump is idea as this will maximixe skimmer performance(when used in a small dedicated skimmer chamber w/stable water level) as well as quiet down those noisy overflows.You 25x(i prefer about 35x) turnover needs to be in the tank,not through the sump.There are many ways to achieve this with closed loops being the best.Often though,drilling the tank and/or lack of funds will force you to go the other route with 4-5 MJ powerheads.The SEIOS powerheads are much betterIMO in this situation because of there ability to provide lots of flow(SEIOS820 does 820gph) but at a slower velocity that is disperced in a broad pattern instead of a concentrated jet like with MJ1200's/Ph's.A pair of 820's would be my second alternative to the closed loop.A Mag 7 would be ideal for the sump return.When plumbed with 1"PVC,taking in to account 4' of vertical lift and the use of 4 elbows,a ball valve,and 2 unions will give you 445GPH which is 10x for your 45.

[JustDavidP]

Agreed...slower throught the sump..proper...but not through a refugium chamber within a sump or you'll have problems. If you do have a setup like this, and can't control the water flow through the fuge, you may want to add a powerhead in the fuge and keep things moving along.

D

[Dirt4dinner]

I just read through this forum and learned something...but allow me to
clarify. Is it better to have slow flowing water through the sump
system? I have a refugium and noticed that my water cycles through my
tank within minutes. I poured in some Bio-spira yesterday (new tank,
I'm a beginner) and noticed that it had gone all the way across my
tank, through the over flow box, through the sump system (skimmer
turned off for Bio-spira) and was exiting my sump within a matter of
less than 2 minutes. IT FLIES THOUGH MY SYSTEM! I can slow it down by
putting a smaller powerhead in my sump, or by shutting the valve
exiting my sump...should I?

[Reptoreef]

Tyler, do you have a refugium within the sump??? It's totally easy with a good imagination to add one with very little effort.