Basement sump, multiple DT

[Camel413]

Right now I have one 29 gallon display tank with a 20 long sump in the stand. In the near future (this winter before next year) I am wanting to expand. My thoughts are adding a very large basement sump that will feed my existing 29 plus a 70 gallon that I have empty at the moment. I would also like to add a 120-150 gallon tank down the road some time.

I think I am going to use (3) 55 gallon tanks plumbed together with bulkheads and unions for my sump. first tank will be where all DTs will drain into, this will hold my skimmer. The next tank will be my fuge and the last tank will be my return section. I have a drain in the basement for easy water changes as I plan on putting a bulkhead with a valve on the return section to discharge water right to my drain in the floor. Also My salt mixing station will be set up in the basement so I can just pump new salt water from the holding tank right into the sump

Now for a few questions that I need answered to begin the planning stages.

1: Where should the other various equipment such as heaters, calcium reactors, ect be placed? I was thinking it wouldnt really matter if it was in the first (skimmer section) or the last (return section).

2: Can I set my 70 gallon up with dry base rock and when I get it online with the sump would my 29 gallon seed this tank? I am a little confused on how to cycle a new tank that is plumbed in with an existing tank.

That is all that I can think of right now. If anyone has any experiences doing this any info would be great. Also if anyone sees any problems/flaws please bring them to my attention.

 

[ninjazx777]

Keep in mind most 55 gal tanks are temperd on all sides and cant be drilled to put bulk heads in

 

[Camel413]

hmmm... I was unaware that 55's were tempered. That kinda puts a damper on my plans. Well I guess its back to the drawing board on that one. Thanks for the info.

 

[iamwrasseman]

just a suggestion , but this has worked out great for me so ~ i have a 75 gallon refuge with my sock ,heaters and skimmer in half of it along with a light above and cheato growing along with some live rock and mud . this is mounted on a stand and empties into a 100 gallon Rubbermaid vat with my return pump in it and some more live rock . i have approx. 80 gallons in the vat and it works out great because i can do a 50 to 60 gallon water change on my system and not turn a thing off at all . then i can refill the vat to my marked level and its real easy . the vats have a hole about 2" from the bottom that you can hook you return pump to via.a bulkhead or you can put a valve on it and just open it for a water change . i would always suggest that you siphon the gravel bed to remove detritus upstairs and then refill the vat to the desired level .
this also give you great water volume and the vat costs about $100 which is cheaper than a pair of 55s would cost you . i keep it covered and it also works well for cleaning algae off live rock with no light in it . you just put your rock in it and a month later everything is gone then you can move it upstairs for a cleaner look . i have done basement sumps for 25 years and this is by far the cheapest and easiest way to go IMO .
also it will be difficult to get the water to flow through the 55s with bulkheads and piping at the rate that you would probably want . the deal that i have set up has had a 5200 gph pump on it and it flows that much with no problems . i can snap a couple of pictures of it for you and you will see hoe simple it is . always remember the KISS method "keep it simple stupid ". also check on the 55s being tempered as i have drilled a couple and they were not tempered .
best wishes to you !

 

[Camel413]

The flow through the 55s was also something that I was unsure of. I figured I would have to use large bulk heads and maybe even run a few of them to get the flow that I wanted but that just drives up the price even more.

I would like to see pics of your setup to give me a few more ideas.

Any info on cycling having one tank already set up and adding another?

 

[Camel413]

Well I havent decided on a final product for my basement sump but I have decided to run separate return pumps for each display tank. After much debate I am going to run a mag12 for my 29 gallon and a mag18 for my 65 gallon. I am going to try to start on this project so I can hopefully get my sump running with my 29 plumbed in by new years. After that I will start getting my equipment to start my 65.

 

[iamwrasseman]

i would reconsider the mag pumps from the basement as i just have learned the hard way . i just burned up two mag 24 s and had to ditch them and get a sequence hammerhead which is overkill but well worth the money . it runs effortless and i used to have one that was going on ten years 24/7/365 so they are dependable .
sorry to say the Mags just dont cut it and they will only be used to move my ro to my mixing container then to the sump but i just cant depend on them anymore . sorry to lay this on you but you may want to reconsider and if you do use them i wish you the best for sure !