Which plumbing method is better?

[baddiesel]

This is my first RR 125g FOWLR build. Yes, I'm new to marine aquaculture, but not fish keeping. I have (2) separate (eg. aquatic ecosystem/closeout @$99.00/ea) acrylic sumps, one for a refugium, and one for a Lifereef protein skimmer. I have two different plumbing scenarios, and would like to know which one is better. First, a little background info: both drains will be 1 1/2" , and both returns will be 1".

Method#1
Install one 1 1/2" drain per sump/ref.; Then, install (3) 1" PVC pipe overflows w/strainers to discharge water from the (elevated) refugium back into the "main" sump, at which time the return pump will send the water back into the display fish tank. I left out a lot of misc. plumbing fittings (ball valves, etc.) in this write up, but I think you'll get the jest of this.

Method#2
Install two 1 1/2" drains into main sump; Then, from the return pump, install a tee with associated ball valves.....and pump water to the display tank returns, and a reduced volume of water to the elevated refugium. From the refugium, install (3) 1" PVC pipe overflows w/strainers to discharge water back into the main sump.

Hope this made sense. I have all the parts, bulkhead fittings, sauna flex, pipe, etc. I really want to do this as correct as possible. I appreciate your thoughts, info and comments. Sorry, this is so lengthy.

 

[jeff@zina.com]

Method 3: Gravity drain from DT to the refugium. Gravity drain from the refugium to the sump. Pump return from sump to DT. One pump, no balancing. Use an overflow method that works with the DT and the refugium, I just drilled an overflow hole at the correct height for mine.

Jeff

 

[baddiesel]

Jeff, thanks for the response. I presume having both 1 1/2" PVC pipes draining into the refugium, might be a little "taxing" on (3) 1" pipe drains into the main Sump (?). I hope not, because I just received my shipment of parts. Otherwise, maybe I could reduce the flow by adjusting the ball valves.