Str8linespeed
New member
I have a Red Sea Max 250 tank (66gal. total water volume, 55gal. DT and 10gal. sump (built into the back of the tank). Im wondering if there would be any benefit to adding an additional sump under the tank, in the cabinet?
Adding a sump to a tank with built in sump.
- Thread starter Str8linespeed
- Start date
The benefit would be the ability to add a really meaningful skimmer. If you have a fish-only and everything is fine, probably not much benefit; if there are ghosty issues and you can't control your nitrate and it's a reef, it could help. You'd just bypass the built-in, I guess, and run things from below.
Str8linespeed
New member
I have a mixed reef tank. Im not sure how well of a job its doing, but I was able to fit a Tunze 9004 skimmer in the compartment. Its tight, but seems to be doing a good job skimming. The tank is just over a couple of months old, so Im still dealing with some algae issues.
Ive been trying to find people that have done this, and found a few articles, but Im curious about the 2 return pumps I have now. I assume 1 of those would have to come from the sump in the cabinet correct? Also the 10gal. of water in the current sump area would just be in theory DT water, that you cant see?
Right now its a cost vs. would it help type of deal.
Ive been trying to find people that have done this, and found a few articles, but Im curious about the 2 return pumps I have now. I assume 1 of those would have to come from the sump in the cabinet correct? Also the 10gal. of water in the current sump area would just be in theory DT water, that you cant see?
Right now its a cost vs. would it help type of deal.
tinfoilsoldier
New member
I have a RSM250 as well, that I bought used from a friend. He had it set up with the lifereef nano siphon overflow. I can get about 240gph pretty silently with it. http://www.lifereef.com/siphon.html has some pictures of that particular style of overflow.
I have a 40g sump in the basement under the tank, run with 3/4" flex pipe and then some lock line to get it in the tank, replacing the stock power head on the left side of the tank (I have the hole in the back wall plugged with a rubber stopper)
It's totally worth it for the extra space for equipment. I have a 40g diy sump with a refugium for chaeto that seems to be using all the nitrates before I get algae in the RSM, and room for all my extra LR, and a skimmer, plus, basement water changes are easier.
The space in the back of the tank is kinda wasted, but I built a pod hotel out of some corrugated plastic but who knows if that does anything.
I have a 40g sump in the basement under the tank, run with 3/4" flex pipe and then some lock line to get it in the tank, replacing the stock power head on the left side of the tank (I have the hole in the back wall plugged with a rubber stopper)
It's totally worth it for the extra space for equipment. I have a 40g diy sump with a refugium for chaeto that seems to be using all the nitrates before I get algae in the RSM, and room for all my extra LR, and a skimmer, plus, basement water changes are easier.
The space in the back of the tank is kinda wasted, but I built a pod hotel out of some corrugated plastic but who knows if that does anything.
Str8linespeed
New member
Thanks for the input. I would love to plumb everything to the basement, but I have no way to get it down there. Right now I would be stuck with a sump under the cabinet. I really like the idea of adding the sump, but I just dont know if it would be worth it yet.
scooter31707
New member
It would also be like adding a refugium, IMO. I would not see nothing wrong with it.
Str8linespeed
New member
Alright guys, so Im pretty set on adding a refugium/sump to my tank. I have the 2 basic components figured out, The siphon and the sump. My problem is I do not understand how to pipe it to and from the sump. My gosh I do pipe fitting by trade but I just dont understand the piping for these things. I look at examples of others systems and Im confused by all the pipes and what each one does. I would think just a simple supply and return, but it seems like so many more pipes and valves.
Also how do you know what size return pump to use? I have a Sicce 3.0 in the left side of the tank right now, will that be big enough or do I need a different style or type of pump?
Lastly those of you that have this set up could you please give me an idea or post some pictures of your system piping. Thank you for those that have posted pics, but I cant make out what is going on. For example, from the siphon to the sump. Then from the return pump back into your tank and how and where you returned the water to. Last thing I need is a flood in my house.
I thank you very much!
Also how do you know what size return pump to use? I have a Sicce 3.0 in the left side of the tank right now, will that be big enough or do I need a different style or type of pump?
Lastly those of you that have this set up could you please give me an idea or post some pictures of your system piping. Thank you for those that have posted pics, but I cant make out what is going on. For example, from the siphon to the sump. Then from the return pump back into your tank and how and where you returned the water to. Last thing I need is a flood in my house.
I thank you very much!
