Confused about replumbing a sump

[NBwmu]

I recently acquired used 180 gal aquarium along with the sump, pumps, filters, skimmers, ect. I did not have a chance to see what the system looked like when it was set up and am finding a few quirks when attempting to resemble it.

First and foremost is the overflow output plumbing. the only length of flexpipe that could reach from the overflow down the the sump are the ones that I have pictured with it. What I cant understand is why configure the PVC so that it dips down to the bottom of the sump. Why not just straight down to the chamber?

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Shawn O]

Could yo post more pics please? What plumbing pieces did it come with? How was is set up? Was the sump in the stand below the tank or in another room?

 

[NBwmu]

I did not have a chance to see how it was set up when it was running. I believe that the sump was under the tank. It came with the sump, skimmer, return pump, chiller, UV sterilizer, canister filter, and an addition pump to feed the other equipment. Here are the pictures that I have.

 

[ca1ore]

Well, assuming those were the prior owners drain pipes, no good reason to configure them that way - and a few good reasons not to. Looks like a really good way to airlock the drains.

 

[gone fishin]

I agree with Simon. I would not plumb it up the way it is pictured.

 

[NBwmu]

That is just what I was thinking. I think that I am just going to drop the overflow drains directly down into the sump.

My next question is how to plumb in the UV and chiller. As well as if i really need that canister filter or not.

My first thought was use the additional pump to feed those items and then recirculate them into the sump.

 

[gone fishin]

Are you sure you need a chiller?

 

[NBwmu]

No I really don't think I do. The chiller came with everything and was going to do some research on it. The building is well air conditioned and i dont plan on using tons of high powered lighting. What would require me to use one?

 

[gone fishin]

I personally have never had the need to use one, however I have not used metal halides.

I would think as long as your not using metal halides or some pretty high power lighting and your space is air conditioned you would not need one.

You could hang on to it until your setup and make sure. If not needed then you could sell it off.

 

[ceslane13]

Definitely would not plum the drain lines that way your just asking for trouble. you can just run a pump to the uv from the sump and back to the sump doesn't have to be plumbed inline.

 

[Shawn O]

Can't hurt to hold on to that chiller and maybe set up as a stand alone temporary use item. Small pump placed into sump, runs up and over to the chiller and then returns to the sump, sort of like a HOB unit.

Cannister filter can be used full of live rock as a separate refugium, it's been done by several people here.

I'd imagine you could T off of the return line to send water through the UV and back to the return chamber of the sump or to the DT.