more opinions??? these are great but I want it right the first time.

I'm a fan of the 3 chamber ('fuge - return - skimmer) model as well.

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1264189653

Just like others have described, I have three 1" drains, one of them goes straight to the refugium, while the other two are merged into a 1 1/2" pipe that goes to the skimmer section. So that's 1/3 water goes to 'fuge, 2/3 goes to skimmer. Return is in the middle with a bubble trap between both sides, 'fuge and skimmer.

Again, 'fuge on the left, skimmer on the right, return in the middle.

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1264189813

You can achieve the same with 'T's if you don't have 3 dedicated lines like I do :-)

Here is a diagram I did up for you on how my refuge/sump is setup.

It is a 105G setup running my 180G Display.

http://www.tanktopia.com/personalimages/sump.jpg

+1 on globaldesigns diagram, here are two shots of mine, somewhat similar, a early shot and what it looks like now.
http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/t...DSC00002_2.jpg
http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/t...9/IMG_0335.jpg

You can consider my Canyon style design:

http://blog.fragd.it/2008/12/10/reef...nued-the-sump/

http://blog.fragd.it/wp-content/uploads/sump_build3.jpg
http://blog.fragd.it/wp-content/uplo...shed_sump2.jpg

Great designs. Just for discussions sake, I'm curious as to why so many people allow water to bypass their skimmers in designs like this. The water being passed through a "skimmer section" where input and output are both within allows water to bypass, and some water already processed to be processed again. I personally like direct fed or recircs for this reason. I can plumb my drain directly into a recirc and have 100% of the water processed, then flow through a refugium split into two horizontal layers. Bottom being a benthic low light zone shaded by an upper zone of macro. Macro layer limited to 2" or 3" deep so no need to turn or swirl. Then onto return/chemical filtration section. The only bypass happening is the chemical portion, which is unavoidable. I'm curious too as to how many people match their flow to the sump and NOT the display. Matching flow to the sump, taking into account what the skimmer processes and the needs of the refugium makes more efficient use of the sump IMO.

Holy Crap Codfather & Atomikk you 2 must have some huge a** display's. Those are MONSTER sump.

Rick this kind of design would solve my problem of my return pump not being in the middle of my stand like I want. As well I could make my overflow line's the same lenght. I would like to keep my sump under 47" long so if I need to pull it out from under the tank I can as my stand is going to be a steel frame with removable 1/2" oak panel's & doors on all 4 sides.

I can't pull mine out, remember mine is metal also. if this is a new tank setup, I wouldn't worry about pulling it in or out. Just build or buy a good one. Place the refuge/sump in place ontop of plywood and foam, lift stand overtop and place, then put DT in place. Always remember to put plywood and foam on display also. Make it as big as possible in order to give yourself ample room. Also the benefit of extra water is always a good thing.

Let me know how it goes.

How was the bike show? I missed it last weekend here in Calgary, wanted to go. I am getting the itch to ride. Hey, if you have a bike, we should get together during the season for a jont or 2.

What is the styro for under the DT for? I have never done that on any of my tanks. The stand I am building is going to be made so the sump sit's on a lower shelf not on the floor. And the top of the stand is going to be 3/4" oak.

Didn't make it to the Calgary or Edmonton show but I am involved in the Red Deer show all weekend. Friday & today where good, one more day to go. I actually have 2 bike's, 2000 Honda Magna 750 & 2008 Harley Sportster Roadster that I won in 2007. I am the Red Deer coordinator for the Alberta Ride For Sight, this is my 10th yr. This years ride is going to the Stony Nakota Resort & Casino 30 min West of Calgary you should come. I will be posting more about that soon.

I am getting that same itch as my riding season was cut short last year with arm surgury. The snow can't leave fast enough for me.