Sump PLUMBING??

[paperc07]

Ok so my current plumbing is a mess and I know it needs changing I see youtube videos like these
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJIXlzC3keo)
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOkK2Zzvagk)

and I wonder what all this stuff even is, what does it do, and what all do I need to do to my 180 gallon tank. If someone could please help me out I was told to I need better plumbing you can see that post here (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2256319)

and I know I do, I am just confused on what all pvc piping I will need and what to do and do I need shutoff valves and stuff like that sorry to be such a noob I am brand new at this.

 

[paperc07]

this also looks like a great video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVARJOakR_s) and I pretty much have the same sump

 

[uncleof6]

Ignore the videos, those are by people that just want to show off their systems, and really cannot provide valid reasons for what they are doing.

Aquarium plumbing can be as simple or as complex as you want, but the more complex, the more problems you are likely to encounter.

I looked at your other thread, and yes there are a few problems there, but it is just inexperience, and nothing to feel bad about.

Problem one: The return section is running dry, but no water is flowing in the sump (from the other two compartments into the return section)--there is not enough water in the system.

Turn on the system, and add water to the return section till the water level in the return section remains stable, then add more to insure that the pump remains submerged in spite of evaporation. Build an ATO, after your system runs smoothly.

Another thing that probably needs immediate attention is the drain system. Knowing nothing really about your system, most single drain line systems have problems handling the flow rates used. (Applies to dual overflow systems as well.) With around 350 gallons per hour being the max (1.5" pipe) before you start having problems.

You need to have a valve on the pump output line, to control the flow rate. When the tank is running, (sump flowing as well) and the water level in the return section gets lower and the water level in the tank gets higher, the drains are not handling the flow rate, and you need to turn the flow rate down (with the valve) till the system balances. This goes hand in hand with the first problem.

My concern right now, that this is all good, and the system will run without a flood. All your plumbing efforts should be geared towards that end. Cleaning up the plumbing will probably help as well.

Keeping it simple is the key to problem free operation. You don't need to build a nuclear power station, to run a marine system. You need to do two things: Get water up to the tank, and get water from the tank to the sump.

You were watching videos about some large tanks, headed towards nuclear status, but this is a high flow system that is simple and straight forward, and although the sump probably looks a little different, this is the direction you want to head. The three pipes on the left are a siphon system (the cure to drain woes) but you can get the idea.

EDIT: You posted another video, have not looked at it yet.

 

[paperc07]

ok my biggest problem is I have the max I can put in without it overflowing... and what I mean by that is if the power goes out and my battery backups fail it will fill my sump all the way and overflow, I have the max amount in right now so it wont overflow and of course I tested this by turning the pumps on and checking

 

[uncleof6]

ok my biggest problem is I have the max I can put in without it overflowing... and what I mean by that is if the power goes out and my battery backups fail it will fill my sump all the way and overflow, I have the max amount in right now so it wont overflow and of course I tested this by turning the pumps on and checking

The the sump is too small, and you need to start over. Either that, or I am missing something here. The sump when running (with water flowing through it, should only be around half full.

You turn on the pump, the return section runs dry, and water does not flow through the sump back to the return section. Is that correct? So where is the water from the return section going? Is the tank filling up more? It should be.

The two hoses in the back that go up and then go down, and I assume back up to the tank? That is the problem, if those are the drains. They are air locking, and not draining the tank--you need to cut those shorter, so they angle up to the tank, with no dips. If you have to, turn the sump around.