How does this Sump look?
- Thread starter SoulFish
- Start date
first off...awesome rendering!
My .02 =
ditch the sponge and artificial media. make the first section a sand/LR bed, second as is, bubble walls between compartment 2 and three (you don't want the bubbles near the return pump)
I would have the overflow drain about 70% into the skimmer section and the rest into the sand bed.
Again, just my .02
Oh, last thing...i dont like valves directly on return pumps restricting flow. It shortens the pumps life. Change the plumbing to have a T fitting where the valve is now, one direction going up to the main tank, one going to the side with the valve, then a 90 back down to the skimmer section. This way, you can control the water pressure and not beat up the pump...water takes the flow of least resistance
My .02 =
ditch the sponge and artificial media. make the first section a sand/LR bed, second as is, bubble walls between compartment 2 and three (you don't want the bubbles near the return pump)
I would have the overflow drain about 70% into the skimmer section and the rest into the sand bed.
Again, just my .02
Oh, last thing...i dont like valves directly on return pumps restricting flow. It shortens the pumps life. Change the plumbing to have a T fitting where the valve is now, one direction going up to the main tank, one going to the side with the valve, then a 90 back down to the skimmer section. This way, you can control the water pressure and not beat up the pump...water takes the flow of least resistance
crvz
Team RC
yep, lose the media and put the bubble trap between the skimmer and the return pump. Otherwise it looks good.
regarding valves on pumps, they actually don't do any harm. On the contrary, they can increase the run time. These arent mechanically linked impellers on motors, they're free spinning magnet driven impellers. By restricting their flow, you slow down the impeller (creating less wear), and you'll actually use less electricity. A valve is a good idea.
regarding valves on pumps, they actually don't do any harm. On the contrary, they can increase the run time. These arent mechanically linked impellers on motors, they're free spinning magnet driven impellers. By restricting their flow, you slow down the impeller (creating less wear), and you'll actually use less electricity. A valve is a good idea.
Theguyfromnj
New member
I would suggest a few unions, just in case you decide to change/add something. Definitely put one below the valve for the return pump, makes for a quick change if the pump ever needs to be replaced.
Agreed! IMHO I think artificial media isn't worth it. It can cause problems with nitrates if its not cared for carefully. I'd say just make a little refugium in that section it will work wonders for you!
my worry is of a power outage and all the acces water from the main tank back siphoning out into and overflowing the sump. Can some one use a checkvalve along with a regular ball valve on the return line, and hook up a (normally open) safety valve on the overflow line to close during a power outage, spliced into the power line of the pump?
Tswifty
New member
fivesmallworlds
New member
That's a standard durso style. Just make sure the head of your return line is only slightly submerged. In the event of a power outage you'll only back syphon until the head of the return is exposed. Assuming it's just barely under the water line, there won't be much to syphon. But as people said before, make sure to leave enough room in your sump to accomodate this back syphon. Test it by just turning off your return pump and see how much comes back in.
