Sump question (1 Viewer)

[haze_9]

I am working on my new 135 gallon tank. My question is what is my ideal size for a sump. I was thinking of using 2 seperate tanks. One as the fuge ans one that holds my other equip (skimmer ect) but how do I plumb them together? Do I have to drill them or is there another way?

 

[haze_9]

anyone??

Would I be better off trying to get a 55 gallon in the stand? This will be difficult.

 

[cstewart79]

I am a big fan of separate sump and refugium set ups.

I personally like a very biggest sump you can get and than a refugium that passively flows back into the sump.

I have a few ideas on how you can accomplish this but I need to know your space under the stand as well as what you want to use as a sump.

Personally I would get kyle at sapphire to build you something but if you wanna diy it just let me know what you wanna use and I can explain how you do it.

 

[txfatcat]

+1 on the very biggest you can afford/fit.

Just keep into mind that you have to think about maintainence when going with a larger sump. While you may be able to fit it in your stand. You may not be able to complete routine or basic maint. on it or the items in it.

Also while the door openings may be large. test fit test fit test fit. the sump, the fittings and plumbing, all of it.

If you are methodical in your planning then it will all work out. DYI sumps are not complicated, just do the research. Look at what other people have in there systems that is similar to your goal or what your trying to accomplish. Look on this site as well as others. Ask lots of questions like what people have found that works and why. Also what hasnt worked why. Look to people who are seasoned veterans of reefkeeping who have been doing this for years and years unlike my self.

You can never go wrong with a unit from Saphire Aquatics. The money and time you save doing it yourself may be well spent having a unit professionally built since thats what they specialize in.
What is your time worth?


I will be hiring them to make my next big sump.

Good luck and let us know how it goes

 

[haze_9]

Ok well anything I put in the stand can not be any wider than 13in. The stand fits a standard 135 - 72 x 18. But with the braces on the back of the stand and the door clearance on the front (Front and back clearance is the same) I have to put all my stuff through the opening in the top that opening is approx 13.5 in wide. Meaning I can fit a standard 55 gallon easy.

Now I was thinking of going with 2 tanks since I have 2 (one 32 gallon long and 12.5 in wide. and 33 gallon shorter and a little wider) and have been told it is a cleaner set up to keep the fuge and sump separate. (I will get the measurements on the 2 tanks I have but I know BOTH will fit under the stand with a bit of room to spare. I

know how to drill a tank and I have a power drill to do so and I have one hole bit but I gotta check its size. So I was thinking.... well here is a pic... let me know if I am on the right track....and PLEASE advice anywhere you see issues!!! I am the one asking for advise and I don't get upset when someone gives me that advice. I am here to learn!

 

[txfatcat]

well the drawing looks good. two things I can see.

1. is the water level. Unless the second tank is elevatated then its going to be at the level of the fug.
2. If it were me and this is just me. I would make the first tank with your drain and skimmerthen the second tank would have just two chambers(1st would be the fug, and second would be for the return.

Also make sure you get a "glass" hole saw and double /triple check before drilling that the glass is not tempered

otherwise that looks great...Please understand I am no expert so you need to get ideas and thought from as many people you can

 

[flipside]

I agree with that "brainstorm" txfatcat... I'm "by far" no expert either! I would put my return closer to the middle. I'd have skimmed water overflowing to where the return pump is... as well as the fuge (overflowing/running into the area where the return is). That way you don't skim what's in your fuge.

 

[bcallahan]

Two points:

Unless you have some great auto-top off system (which if you do, you'll want to have space for it), I would make your return section bigger. You don't want to be constantly topping off your tank.

Also, I would not have your fuge water running through your skimmer.

Actually, what I did is t-off the drain so that the majority of my water goes into my skimmer section and then into the return section and the rest drains into my fuge and then goes into the return section. I patterned mine off of "style F" on Melev's website http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/f/sump_f.html

 

[haze_9]

Ok so you mean more like this? Let me know if I am completely missing the mark... I am such a visual learner...lol But really guys thank you for your help in this.

Oh and please keep in mind this drawing is not to scale... just a visual sketch of the idea.

 

[cstewart79]

do not have the fuge return under the water, have it right at the top of the water line.

 

[bcallahan]

Yes, but if you are planning it that way, I don't think there's necessarily a need for two tanks unless you just 'want' two tanks or there's some other compelling reason to have two tanks that I'm unaware of (a distinct possibility!).

 

[txfatcat]

here is a very crude drawing.

Basically you want drain/skimmer, fug,return. You can have the drain skimmer in one tank and the fug/return in the other. Keep in mind the dividers and such or anything for that matter is to scale. Look as my signature and you will see my sump/fug I had to set the dividers based on the level of water for my skimmer. But its the same concept sump/fug design as we are telling you. I did days and days of research to come up with my configuration.

 

[txfatcat]

here is a very crude drawing.

Basically you want drain/skimmer, fug,return. You can have the drain skimmer in one tank and the fug/return in the other. Keep in mind the dividers and such or anything for that matter is to scale. Look as my signature and you will see my sump/fug I had to set the dividers based on the level of water for my skimmer. But its the same concept sump/fug design as we are telling you. I did days and days of research to come up with my configuration.

 

[haze_9]

I thought I read that you didn't skim the water before it went to the fuge? am I wrong?

and to answer the question about why I want 2 tanks. well I had the 2 tanks already and two I will have to hire movers to move the tank again. My hubby says he doesn't think he can move it again. its heavy and well he is of the lean variety. it has to be moved to get a larger tank in there.

But it looks like I might just have to buy a 55 gallon and hire movers.

and as much as I would like to have Saphire Aquatics to build a custom one... it is out of my price range... can't afford $300 on a sump. so I have to stick with DIY. Now if i can just get it right.

 

[txfatcat]

You either want two have to drain tubes like bcallahan stated in his "f" style or one single drain into the drain/skimmer chamber.
You dont want to skim after the refug.only before is gets to the fug. or not at all like referenced in the dual drain styles. I have seen it done both ways.

here I hacked up your picture again. I will try not to double post(was having a microsoft moment last time).

 

[haze_9]

Ok ok ok I see like this....

I can see how that will help the water flow issue you said earlier!! Am I closer?

 

[txfatcat]

Yes thats exactly correct but the levels in the fuge will be the same height as in the first tank. The first thing you have to do is look at the level needed for the skimmer and build your dividers accordingly. If it means raising the skimmer up within the room that you have underneath the tank. Obviously, you want as much water volume as possible. You don't need the divider for the heater as it can live in the same compartment as the skimmer thus giving you more room for your fuge. You can probably move the wall for the return pump over as another member stated previously to give you more volume for the pump. The last section you have in your picture with the pump will be the section that goes low all of the time. This is typically where they have the auto topoff or where you will replace water. This is good because you are on the right track for sure. The only other thing I would recommend is on your drain to incorporate a filter sock that you can replace weekly or as needed. This will provide extra filtration with the ease of maintenance. This design that I am showing you is how I have set-up numerous tanks and they are crystal clear. In doing more research you will find this design works with either two tanks or just one tank and works very well while keeping it very simple.

 

[haze_9]

After looking at pics of yours i had already decided a sock was a great idea... You guys have been a real help. I am ever so grateful!!!! Ok one more question

Right now my skimmer (PM) is installed out side of the sump next to my stand. it is on a stool off the floor. I bought the set up from a guy and just set it up just like he had it. so my question is when I put it IN the sump How will I know how high to have the water? Is there a place to find that info?

 

[flipside]

Is it a beckett style? I just made sure that where the water exits the gate valve is above the water line.

 

[cstewart79]

two things I would recommend again your passive drain to your fuge can not be under the water line or the hydrostatic pressure will flow back into the sump since the water level is higher. I am not a big fan of the return in the fuge because you will get macro algae stuck in your return pump all the time, you return pump should be in an area of relative cleanliness like the sump.