Need Help Sump Design

[Aquanaut]

Need to firm up some details and possible flow issues before construction. I'll be using a Super Dart 4300gph w/7'head aprox. is 7 inch water depth in the sump enough? More/Less? Bubble baffle alignments, please suggest proper hight and gap distance to work properly. Proposing an adjustable middle baffle for constricting or increasing flow to return. Regarding the refuge, proper tooth gap and hight to prevent congestion of plants and racemosa weed, that is fed via ball valve from overflow.

What's a gal to do, stumped.

 

[Krish]

Wow!! I've never dealt with anything this big! I couldn't imagine using a 4300 gph pump for a return! I honestly wouldn't know where to start on something this big. Marc (from Melevsreef.com - Welcome!) use to pop in here from time to time although I haven't seen him here in ages, but he would probably be the ideal person to ask in this case. He actually helped me out a few years back with a few sump questions and I just contacted him through his site. Very nice guy and very knowledgeable in this area so if you don't get what you are looking for, maybe give him a shot.

 

[Aquanaut]

I know it sounds like alot but this is a flow adjustable pump. Just valve back to output and it also uses less watts, pretty cool and price isn't to earth shattering. It's the latest tech from Reflow and is shipping Friday

 

[trido]

Its looks like plenty big sump! I like to make my sumps run with 8-10 inches of water, keep my baffles about 1 1/2 inches apart and the middle one the same off the bottom (IMO an adjustable baffle to restrict flow is pointless as the return pump flow will determine everything), use a 1/4" cutout with 1/4" left at about 1 1/2" tall for keeping plants and snails in place. 1/4" is probably necessary with that big of a pump. I also like to have as big of a return chamber as possible to keep the ATO from having to kick in all the time. That philosophy saved my butt when I unknowingly went out of town for ten days with out ATO two years ago and had near 35 gallons of evaporation. My 70 gallon return chamber in my 150G sump saved my reef.

 

[Aquanaut]

I'm not experienced in sump design and flow rates and really don't know how much volume to allow for on a 60x36x27 250g and the remaining volume when running and at shutdown. I looked at the calculators online and they recommended 65g holding not even including the displacement caused by refuge and skimmer and the max waterline for skim is 9" with the ATI I will upgrade to next year$$$. So I factored 80-92 to be safe. I dislike the resting state being 1" from the top edge. Too close for me on my existing set-up. So I am looking for help with this project. The manufacturer couldn't even suggest since I am using 1.5" standpipe which alters flow further. My head hurts.