Sump - Model F

The Model F is a very popular layout, because you can control the flow into the each zone. I recommend 75% of the flow drain into the skimmer section, and 25% of the flow drain into the refugium. Both ends flow into the central return section, which pumps the water back up to the display tank.

left: Intake section           center: Return Zone            right: Refugium

Normal water level when sump is installed.

Top View: Teeth divide Refugium from the Return Zone.

Freshwater flowing through teeth. Saltwater's density reduces this event.

 Dimensions

Total Sump 48" x 15" x 16"
Intake & Refugium 12" x 15" x 10"
Return Zone 22" x 15" x 9"
Total Volume - 46 gallons
Operational Volume - 28 gallons

 

 

 

 

 

left: Dual 1" bubble trap to defeat microbubbles

Once it arrived, the proud owner sent me a few pictures.

That is an Aqua C Ev-180 in the skimmer section. (Cat not included!)

The sump was installed from the back of the stand. The center brace was removed to fit it in.

Sump in stand, electrical panel to the right. An acrylic divider was installed to prevent splashing that section.

Above is the sump in action during a freshwater test run. The refugium is on the right. The markings indicate how many gallons of water filled the center section. For questions about the plumbing itself, email Doug for more details.


Here's how I'd recommend plumbing the sump:

July 2007 Update

Below is the current design of the Model F sump. I still use 1/4" acrylic, but in these pictures you can see one made with 3/8" acrylic.

The fan bracket is an extra accessory to help cool the water.

It takes a lot of those to get a sump. LOL - Just kidding. That was merely for a sense of scale.

This sump is 40" x 16" x 16".

The bubble tower is designed to hold 8" of live rock rubble to break up the bubbles as water pours into this compartment (skimmer section).