Sump questions!
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Main
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Description: Posts that don't fit in any of the other categories.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=81913
Printed Date: February 06 2026 at 4:51pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Sump questions!
Posted By: Zack801
Subject: Sump questions!
Date Posted: February 04 2017 at 10:02pm
Ok so I've never actually had a sump before and im trying to figure it out so i can finish putting this new tank together. Im going to attach 2 pics with different positions of the sump relative to my frag tank. My questions are; does the position matter? Mostly the overflow pipes, should the both be at the end of the tank (length wise) or is it personal preference? The way i have it situated in the pic would be the easiest for me as far as plumbing, it's literally a straight shot from the frag tank to the sump this way. If i rotate the tank ill have to do some bends for the return line. Also is the water level just supposed to be as high as the highest part of my baffle? I'm sure im over thinking things but any advice is always appreciated. |
Replies:
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: February 05 2017 at 8:29am
|
The way you have it is fine. Not sure why there are two large (1.5"?) drain lines. Just one drain could do the job because having all the flow to a frag tank come from the Return Pump is not as effective as having flow complimented by an in-tank pump shooting from an opposite direction. The water level in the sump can be set at whatever level you want, just be sure there is enough room to contain all the water that drains when the return pump goes off. I'm not a fan of baffles. They get in the way. Without baffles there is more room for a larger RDP Refugium. There are simple ways to stop bubbles and keep the return pump free of obstruction/sand/algae. Aloha, Mark  P.S. The pipe sticking out of the return bulkhead isn't staying there, right? That pipe could act like a lever and easily crack the glass. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
|
Posted By: Zack801
Date Posted: February 05 2017 at 9:08am
| Thanks mark! Not sure on the overflow holes it was a test tank for elite aquatics overflow box so that might be why., could just cap one but shouldn't hurt to have both open and draining? Yeah the pipe sticking out of the return is just test fitting some pvc I had laying around :) |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: February 05 2017 at 12:59pm
|
The thing about there being two drains is that it will be more trouble to have to deal with two drain lines going in to the sump which already has limited space, not to mention double the bubbles entering the sump/Refugium. Aloha, Mark ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
|
Posted By: Zack801
Date Posted: February 05 2017 at 1:01pm
| I'll see how it goes. If nothing else I'll just plug one at the tank I guess |
Posted By: sabeypets
Date Posted: February 05 2017 at 10:59pm
|
I prefer 2 drain lines, you can set it up so only one drains and the other is for an emergency drain (incase the other one plugs). ------------- Shaun American Fork "Would you leave a dead cat in your kitchen till tommorow?" Builderofdreams |
Posted By: Zack801
Date Posted: February 05 2017 at 11:00pm
| How do you set the second up like that? |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: February 06 2017 at 8:47am
|
Set the emergency drain opening inside the tank a little higher, 1/2-1" above the main drain. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
|
Posted By: Zack801
Date Posted: February 06 2017 at 9:10am
| Cool I'll do that, thanks guys! |
Posted By: sabeypets
Date Posted: February 06 2017 at 4:16pm
|
Mark is right, set it up so its a little higher than than the drain. Make SURE it is LOW ENOUGH that the tank will not overflow. ------------- Shaun American Fork "Would you leave a dead cat in your kitchen till tommorow?" Builderofdreams |