1 sumps

[tbrown]

Can I hook two tanks together by branching off the main drain into a separate tank then through overflow box to main sump the first tank will be a refugium

Yes, I have considered doing this as well. Most of the suggestions are to drill the two sumps and tie them together that way just in case. If the overflow plugs up you can overflow the refugium and burn up the return pump but it's no different than if your overflow from the DT plugs up. It just adds another fail point to watch out for (regardless of drilled or overflow). People do this with in-line frag tanks all the time.

 

[Adolfo]

 

[Fish Think Pink]

Can I hook two tanks together by branching off the main drain into a separate tank then through overflow box to main sump the first tank will be a refugium

Welcome! Glad you joined. See you already have confirmations.

Have you considered starting your build thread? I found its a great place to document my tank's evolution for myself. I started tank first then joined, so I'm still finding myself going back collecting pictures & updating historically as well as current state. Once you create your first post in your thread and link it to your account, they will give you build badge (look left, under my ID)

This might help you find people local to you in Catlettsburg:
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/local-reef-club-discussion.516/
This is a good reference book type online article I still review:
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.84/