Sump under a 340g reef tank

One of the hardest things to plan for is a sump. Usually no matter how the stand is built, the sump just doesn't seem to fit. In this case, a small sump (pictured below) was sold to care for the needs of a 340g 8' long tank. After two years, and flooded carpet too numerous to count, I was asked to build them something new that would help their reef and keep the carpeting dry.

As you can see, towels are always handy to soak up excess water. The old sump held 37g to the top, and had to be run rather low to avoid a mess when the main pump is off. Prior to the installation of the new sumps, the plumbing was redone, and an electrician installed the sub-panel on the left.

 

The new sump incorporates a separate refugium. The sump holds 57g to the top; the refugium 20g.

 

The main drainline is divided with two drains. The 2" drain pours into the sump's skimmer section. That section also houses 2 Ebo Jager heaters. The skimmer is a Tunze Automatic Skimmer 240/3. It is sitting on a 6" stand. The refugium drains via two parallel 1" pipes into the bubble trap, which pours into the return section.

 

The bubble trap has a tray incorporated to run carbon when desired. The tray holds pH and ORB probes nicely.
Dimensions: 36" x 23" x 16"

 

The refugium is on its own stand. A Dolphin Ampmaster 3000 is located beneath the stand.
Dimensions: 20" x 20" x 14"

 

All the refugium needed was 20g of saltwater, which wasn't ready when I took this picture. Lighted with a 28w (output 200w) CF floodlight, macro algae should have no problems growing in this predatory-free environment. A ballvalve is visible above the bowl filled with caulerpa, and once opened will provide source water.

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