I currently have two systems; a 100g (24d x 28h x 36l) with a ~50g sump that has the same dimensions and a 75g (18d x 28h x 36l) that has a sump with the same footprint (a 55high). Both sumps have a plenum with a DSB of about 6" (2" plenum with 4" of sand).
I am moving and have a number of options. My main thought is to combine the sumps of the systems, creating two displays, side by side. The larger tank would, I hope, eventually house SPS's and the smaller tank the "softies"; leathers, 'shrooms, xenias, etc.
My new home allows me to plumb everything to a space below the display area.
This diagram may help:
I have purchased a 100g Rubbermaid trough to act as pre-stage area before the return pump. I have also purchased a used 75g that is drilled 3x through the bottom. These two are additions to my existing setup. The 75g sump will be replacing the sump for the 100g tank. I wonder if this is wise or if I should incorporate the 100g's sump into that diagram. I have both the room and the willingness. Conversely, I could put a plenum/DSB in the 100g trough as a subsitute. Thoughts?
The 55g refugium is the sump to my 75g display. I intend to move it, leaving the plenum and DSB in place covered with water.
The four downward-pointing arrows are the effluents. They will join a ??" (probably 3"?) main drain, running to the 75g sump.
I intend to divert water to the refugium from one of the three pre-drilled standpipes in the 75g sump. I can allow another to divert water to the 100g trough for return to the displays. The third could be used for emergency draining to the 100g trough, in the unlikely event that the 75g sump ever risks being overfilled. Does this seem reasonable or should I consider other alternatives?
I fear that I may not have explained well what I intend or my goals. That is quite likely because this project borders on the limits of my comprehension. My tanks are healthy and thriving now. I am prepared for some period of distress, but I hope to minimize that as much as possible. "Converting" the 100g to SPS's is my Achilles's Heel; currently, the only organisms I keep that "calcify" are my clams, coralline algae and coco worms, along with what just grows in the tank. If I am ignoring some tenet of successful SPS care in my planning, now is the time to help me out!
Thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have. If I need to provide more info, please chime in? (And if I have posted in the incorrect sub-forum, I apologize.)
I am moving and have a number of options. My main thought is to combine the sumps of the systems, creating two displays, side by side. The larger tank would, I hope, eventually house SPS's and the smaller tank the "softies"; leathers, 'shrooms, xenias, etc.
My new home allows me to plumb everything to a space below the display area.
This diagram may help:
I have purchased a 100g Rubbermaid trough to act as pre-stage area before the return pump. I have also purchased a used 75g that is drilled 3x through the bottom. These two are additions to my existing setup. The 75g sump will be replacing the sump for the 100g tank. I wonder if this is wise or if I should incorporate the 100g's sump into that diagram. I have both the room and the willingness. Conversely, I could put a plenum/DSB in the 100g trough as a subsitute. Thoughts?
The 55g refugium is the sump to my 75g display. I intend to move it, leaving the plenum and DSB in place covered with water.
The four downward-pointing arrows are the effluents. They will join a ??" (probably 3"?) main drain, running to the 75g sump.
I intend to divert water to the refugium from one of the three pre-drilled standpipes in the 75g sump. I can allow another to divert water to the 100g trough for return to the displays. The third could be used for emergency draining to the 100g trough, in the unlikely event that the 75g sump ever risks being overfilled. Does this seem reasonable or should I consider other alternatives?
I fear that I may not have explained well what I intend or my goals. That is quite likely because this project borders on the limits of my comprehension. My tanks are healthy and thriving now. I am prepared for some period of distress, but I hope to minimize that as much as possible. "Converting" the 100g to SPS's is my Achilles's Heel; currently, the only organisms I keep that "calcify" are my clams, coralline algae and coco worms, along with what just grows in the tank. If I am ignoring some tenet of successful SPS care in my planning, now is the time to help me out!
Thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have. If I need to provide more info, please chime in? (And if I have posted in the incorrect sub-forum, I apologize.)
