plumbing/sump/overflow/drain/returns

[xmenx2dad]

Hi all, as some of you all may know, i obtained a new tank that i will be upgrading to in the future. Picking up equipment and trying to fix some problems with the existing tank and modify and automate some processes. My first task is the sump/ plumbing tasks. I would like for people to post if they have a sump/fuge, how it is all connected with drains and returns. What works, what doesn't, what would you change. Tank will be in the living room, so needs to be super quiet. thanks

 

[xmenx2dad]

The sump that came with it is a 40b, but it takes up most of the area underneath the tank? Will need room for an ATO resovoir, carbon/gfo reactor, dosing pumps, or possibly a kalk or calcium reactor. I was going to cover the back of the stand with plywood and just have holes for pipes/wires to run through. Hopefully this will muffle some of the noise.

 

[xmenx2dad]

Also wanting to keep my refugium, how to tie it into the system?

 

[sgallant04]

I tried plywood ..works ok. I'm thinking about poking around at a builders supply company and picking up some good quality Styrofoam panels I can cut to fit ...talk about quiet, insulating, and light!

The sump that came with it is a 40b, but it takes up most of the area underneath the tank? Will need room for an ATO resovoir, carbon/gfo reactor, dosing pumps, or possibly a kalk or calcium reactor. I was going to cover the back of the stand with plywood and just have holes for pipes/wires to run through. Hopefully this will muffle some of the noise.

 

[Ntvper]

well ya saw mine lol. lets see tieing in your fuge....HOB overflow should work make it a lil lower with a return pump or set it a lil higher and cut into the tank a 'spout' with the pump in the new sump so it flows back into the sump. call or text for better answers. dinners ready and kinda writing fast here.

 

[Ntvper]

any news?

 

[xmenx2dad]

not really, been doing lots of reading and research. so many variations of a drain and returns. I cannot drill the bottom due to it being tempered. Was contemplating a gl*******s 1500 gph overflow with 2 3/4 inch returns powered by a mag 24. Hoping to run some sort of manifold for reactors, etc.

 

[xmenx2dad]

I am seriously thinking of getting rid of the 40b sump and going with something smaller. There is no room with it under the stand for top off container, dosing chemicals, etc. May see if i can do something out of acrylic. maybe 24x21x18 or 30x21x18. I also have a 20 gallon high tank lying around, maybe i can turn that into a sump with a 5/10 gallon fuge and a 5/10 gallon top off container.

 

[Ntvper]

i would definitely not get rid of the sump unless you go bigger. with your intended/needed exchange rate you need an area that can hold/handle that flow rate and still be beneficial.

 

[xmenx2dad]

i would definitely not get rid of the sump unless you go bigger. with your intended/needed exchange rate you need an area that can hold/handle that flow rate and still be beneficial.

I know. Definitely like the the volume of the 40 . Just need to figure out how to make everything fit under the stand and function correctly and look good.

 

[Ntvper]

well lets start out with working properly. we can drill the sides of the 40 and hide all the plumbing behind the stand below the DT. I may steal that manifold idea later to enhance my reactors. we can always get pretty after its all working properly of course

 

[paul_111]

This is not the place to debate the size of a sump, nor the flow, so I won't address that here, but you don't *need* a 40 gal.

I have a 30 gal under my 120, and it's just big enough to hold what I need. I guess it will depend on how much room your skimmer requires, but you can move the partitions to wherever works best for you (within reason). I can hang 2 TLF phosban reactors on it, as well as a feed pump for my chiller. It's cramped, but it is very functional.

I have room for a 5 gal bucket for my ATO under there. I like to keep my frequently-used supplies under there as well. With the 30 gal sump and 5gal ATO reservoir, I still have room for test kits, scrapers, food, and Radion power supplies. I have my controllers (ato, ac jr, vortech) attached to the inside wall of my stand so they are out of sight and reach of little hands. Don't forget drip loops!

 

[Ntvper]

oh come on lets debate its fun!!! lol

 

[Chronicj7]

I'm going with a herbie overflow on my tank and putting T's at the bottom before they hit the water. I've ran it and the only thing I can hear are the fans cooling my t5's.

 

[xmenx2dad]

I'm going with a herbie overflow on my tank and putting T's at the bottom before they hit the water. I've ran it and the only thing I can hear are the fans cooling my t5's.

Any pics? could you explain the plumbing process? thanks

 

[heathsanders]

I did a BeanAnimal with one 1.5" full siphon, one 1.5" partial siphon(still allows air in) and one 1.5" emergency drain. All 3 pipes drain into a filter sock in the skimmer section of a 40 breeder sump and then flows into the return section(middle section) and back to the tank. The return pump also feeds the refugium as well. I am using a Mag 12 for the return and everything is dead silent.

If/when I set up another tank again I will do the exact same drain system.