So to go along with the teaser picts above, I quickly designed this:
Its my first attempt at designing anything myself. First time using 3D software. All considering I think it turned out alright. I am putting this up as I'd like to start construction soon and it never hurts to gater enough information.
So a little information on what is going on in my head and how it translates into my 3D model:
Far Left:
Bubble tower- the very bottom won't be wide open as seen in the model. I'll cut in teeth and fill the tower will Live Rock rubble. The water will spill out the botther into the skimmer section
Left:
Skimmer section- I'll set my in sump skimmer there. I don't think there is much else I should up this section for, that's why I made it a bit smaller. Water exits through the bubble trap into the return section.
Middle to top right:
Return Section- Here is where I want the most verstility. That's why it is so large with the odd 'L' shape. In the direct middle I want to put as much Live rock as I can, a small pump feeding the refugium located bottom right side, and a return pump to the display tank at the top far right. Just before the pump I was thinking I'd lay my heater. Back in the heart of the chamber I was also thinking of attaching a coral frag rack on the wall that seperates this section from the refugium. Here is also where I was thinking I could plumb or install and reactors, although I know very little about them. If I decide to go with any monitoring probes, I'd build a small probe rack as well.
Far right bottom:
Refugium: I was orginially thinking I'd want to spilt the drain water from the display tank and divert some to the refugium and the rest to the skimmer section. I began thinking that it would probably be better to use a small pump after the skimmer section insead. This way I will get skimmed water and not have junk in the refugium. Again, I don't know much, just thoughts in my inexperienced head. The model doesn't show it but I will put in teeth on the long wall of the refugium at the beginning of the 'hallway' to the return pump - if that makes sense?
I think that sums up my design. Any suggestions or thought? I'd appreciate any help, as this is my first go at this and I kind of need to get it right the first time. Thanks