Wet/dry Questions

[lyotim88]

so im preparing myself to build my 29G sump for my 55 and i have just a few questions..
1) how necessary is a bubble trap? Is there something else i can do for the same effect?

2) My protein skimmer has a min. water level of 3" and a max. of 8", so how much do you recommend it be submerged?

3) i'm going to use the Eshopps overflow rated for 800gph and the magdrive return pump rated for 950, is that ok or should i lessen the return pressure using a ball valve? and is it better to have the pump submerged or out?

4) As for the bio balls, how much of it should be submerged? what about a drip tray? where can i find one/how can i make one?

Any other pointers are greatly appreciated! Thank you
-Tim

 

[andywg]

so im preparing myself to build my 29G sump for my 55 and i have just a few questions..
1) how necessary is a bubble trap? Is there something else i can do for the same effect?

They stop bubbles flowing along the sump path and making noise in pumps and such. There isn't anything else that is as easy as a couple of bits of plastic/glass that will work as simply and easily.

2) My protein skimmer has a min. water level of 3" and a max. of 8", so how much do you recommend it be submerged?

Anywhere in that range shoudl do. I would shoot for the middle as that is most likely to be in the good area. Otherwise, try googling the skimmer's name and type and see what other users have had success with.

3) i'm going to use the Eshopps overflow rated for 800gph and the magdrive return pump rated for 950, is that ok or should i lessen the return pressure using a ball valve? and is it better to have the pump submerged or out?

You should be fine, but I would prefer to be safer than sorry. I would install a ball valve system (if you just restrict the flow you can place added pressure on the pump). Put a T in the return line. After each outlet have a ball valve. Have one outlet go to the tank, the other back to the sump. That way you can control the return nicely.

4) As for the bio balls, how much of it should be submerged? what about a drip tray? where can i find one/how can i make one?

How much to submerge is up to you. You could submerge the last couple of inches to reduce noise (though the more you submerge the slightly less efficient it becomes with less of the media exposed to air).

For a drip tray you just need to silicone in a couple (or maybe 4, depending on the set up) of glass "pegs" on which to put a sheet of acrylic with a load of holes drilled in it. On top of the acrylic put a couple of layers of sponge (the top one coarser) to mechanically filter well. You will probably find that once a week or two you will have to rinse the sponge.


Hope that all helps

Andy