Good Idea or Bad Idea?

[El Jefe9830]

Well, I could use seperate return pumps, but I was planning on using one.

Would it be better to run seperate return pumps?

 

[GreenUku]

Now that I think about it, if you have multiple sumps at the same level, they need to be plumbed together. Otherwise, if one pump stopped, but the other(s) didn't, that sump would overflow and the other(s) would end up running dry. Maybe they covered that in the equipment forum.

I personally don't see the benefit of having a separate sump and fuge, unless you have a difficult space restriction, or are doing something like me, which is having an above tank fuge, but a sump that's lower. If you can have one larger sump with the return in the middle, then you avoid the hassle and potential leaks of (multiple) bulkheads to connect the sumps.

 

[El Jefe9830]

Yeah you do need to plumb them together. The reason I can't have a middle return is because I can't plumb the return pipe on the side of the tank. I don't have the width in the stand, but I have plenty of room lengthwise. I also like the idea that if I don't like my Refugium set up or Sump, I can change one without affecting the other. In the together sump, If it isn't what I like, I have a huge 6 foot sump that I have to change.

Just some of my thought process there.

Here is what it would look like. Keep in mind that both pipes will be near the bottom of the tanks, but just wanted to show both in the picture.

 

[wintercool97]

Looks good to me. I had wondered how you would control the pumps flow but the stabilizer pipe answered my question.

Thanks for the foto-genius.com link. I read the How to post pics on RC article and just had to find a host. Maybe tonight I will work on some pics.

 

[El Jefe9830]

Sure thing it is a good site. Let me know if you ever need anything on it or help with anything.

Thanks for the vote of confidence, I think it is finally coming together now.

 

[Dangerous Ace]

Looks good! This set up is very similar to the way we have the 265/300 FOWLR at Coral Island. If you want, come by sometime and we can take you behind the tank so you can get a better feel for how the plumbing will be set up.

Brian

 

[El Jefe9830]

Brian,
Thanks man.

I will come by, and check it out. That would be much appreciated. I wanted to come by this weekend just to look around, but ran out of time.

 

[aquafien]

brian that is pretty cool that you you do that for the locals. i would love to check it out also. i've always wondered how the pro's kept such nice tanks

 

[bajabum]

Make sure that you include valves so you can isolate your pump, fudge and skimmer sump from each other.