dividers in sump?

ghostrida3 · #1 12/12/2007, 10:25 AM

other than keeping microbubbles out of the display whats the purpose of having dividers in a sump. i dont want a refugium and was wondering if i just thru a 30 gal w/ protein skimmer ,phosreactor, live rock and return pump would it still be affective without any dividers?

Toddrtrex · #2 12/12/2007, 11:25 AM

It will also help keep the water level constant in the skimmer section, which will help performance.

ghostrida3 · #3 12/12/2007, 12:01 PM

yeah but as long as the pump pulling watter into the skimmer is submerged how will it affect performance?

Toddrtrex · #4 12/12/2007, 01:45 PM

I am not sure of all the physics behind it but has to do with how much pressure is pushing down on the water column inside the skimmer. Most in sump skimmers have a recommended water level.

aastretch64 · #5 12/12/2007, 02:49 PM

when the water level is not constant he skimmer height will be affected too. I would suggest at least one bafold.

Alex

pjf · #6 12/12/2007, 10:54 PM

I've never had live rock in my sump but for a macroalgae sump, two partitions (3 compartments) is about the minimum.

Water flows underneath the first partition to suspend the chaetomorpha close to the light. The second partition maintains a contant water level on the left for the skimmer (formerly AquaC, now Tunze) and keeps the mesh screen in place to contain the algae. The return compartment is large to allow for evaporation and for water changes.