[Raggie]

I am setting up a larger reef tank and I would like some advice on my sump tank setup, I have two option that I am looking at, the first using a DSB system the other a plenum (Jaubert) system.

Here are a few details of the tanks.

Main tank 72”x24”x24”
Sump tank 32”x18”x18” , there are three sections
First section will be 7.5” wide to take an Aqua Medic Turbofloter 1000 (protein skimmer) with bio balls.
Middle section will be 22.5” wide to take either the DSB or the plenum (Jaubert) system. On the DSB the weir setup the water will enter from the top, pass through the sand bed and exit from the bottom. On the plenum (Jaubert) weir setup the water will enter from the top, circulate around the plenum and exit from the opposite top side.
Last section will be 6” wide to take a return pump.
The weir height as not been decided till the sump tank size is finalized. I have to allow for out flow from the main tank in the event of a power failure.
Any help or advice would be gratefully received.

Attached File(s)

•  DSB_Sump_JPEG.JPG (29.39K)
  Number of downloads: 17
•  Plenum_Jaubert_Sump_JPEG.JPG (35.21K)
  Number of downloads: 14

[Blacktip]

Personally wouldn't go plenum unless it is huuuuuge.
I'd definitly go with the DSB. One point though. Water shouldn't go through the DSB, should run over as the design in the plenum diagram. DSB idea is that the water becomes anoxic, low in oxygen. By running water through it, it will carry oxygen and work like an under gravel system in freshwater tanks. Also after some time I doubt water will flow through it quick enough.

[ben]

welcome to the forum

ive never used a plenum set up so cant comment but i know dsb's can be very effective. a refugium would be a great addition imo, maybe more so than a dsb, depending on how much rock you have in the main tank

[bobba fett]

I have combined both, I have a 4 inch DSB and the space above it is lit and full of Cheato.

Nitrate is unmeasurable on a Salifert test kit

[gray]

bobba fett, on Nov 20 2009, 01:08 PM, said:

I have combined both, I have a 4 inch DSB and the space above it is lit and full of Cheato.

Nitrate is unmeasurable on a Salifert test kit

Iv'e done the same as Bobba works a treat zero nitrate