Setting up pump at inlet of sump/fuge?

[jsong]

I have a refugium that is separate from my sump. One of the drains from my overflow goes directly into my fuge and drains into the sump from there...all gravity-fed.

Flow is very slow and the plumbing wasn't set up well. It's a PITA to replumb and putting a 'return' pump from fuge to sump is an option but not a great one due to space contraints.

I was thinking of placing a pump on the fuge inlet side...the drain from the overflow would connect into this submersible pump.

I know it's not the norm but will this be ok?

 

[H2oGarden]

Yes, I used a small submersible mag drive to pump water from the skimmer chamber into the remote fuge and had no problems at all.

 

[Jade5051]

I have a refugium that is separate from my sump. One of the drains from my overflow goes directly into my fuge and drains into the sump from there...all gravity-fed.

Flow is very slow and the plumbing wasn't set up well. It's a PITA to replumb and putting a 'return' pump from fuge to sump is an option but not a great one due to space contraints.

I was thinking of placing a pump on the fuge inlet side...the drain from the overflow would connect into this submersible pump.

I know it's not the norm but will this be ok?

It sounds like you want to connect a pump directly to the intel of the refugium which is gravity fed from the DT. You should not do this cause the gravity feed and pump speed will not match. If you want to increase flow within the fuge just add a power head. If you want to increase flow through the fuge you'll have to pump water from somewhere. The sump to the fuge. The fuge to the DT. Or, increase flow from the DT to the fuge by adjusting the drain or pumping more water to the DT from the sump.

Personally, I would get one pump that can power a manifold system and pump enough water to the DT, fuge, reactors, sterilizers, etc. Use small gate valves to control flow to each. It's more work and slightly more cost this way but if done properly it will give you room to expand as you decide to add more and more devices. Also, it gives you total control of flow which you will appreciate. DC pumps are great for this cause they are quiet, have speed controll and move tons of water. Get one that is overpowered and run it at a lower setting this will give you extra power to expand in the future so you don't have to keep adding more pumps every time you want more flow. More pumps just mean more problems or points for possible failures.