2 aquariums, 1 sump?

[RobinC]

Looking for some suggestions. I have a 125g 6 foot long tank. It has a 90g sump... I would like to add a 29g planted tank for raising cardinals in the future. I want to put this beside the first tank, and plumb it into the same sump. I cannot however think of how to flood proof the 2nd tank.
So, overflow from 2nd tank into same sump, and either split the return pump to feed both tanks, or add a second smaller pump for 2nd tank. However, if 2nd tank loses siphon (It isn't drilled), the pump wouldn't run out of water, and keep feeding the tank until, well you know....lol.
Also, to note....The room is rather small, so the tanks would be beside each other, but at 90 degrees. One on one wall, and the 2nd beside it on another wall.
I really like the idea of having a planted tank on the same system as my big tank for obvious benefits. More volume, more plants, etc.
I guess I could bite the bullet and just get a reef-ready, but was hoping to work with what I have.
Thank you in advance.

 

[Larry Stewart]

Hi Robin....maybe on a closed loop set up. However, I'm thinking that the 29 gallon tank should probably be drilled to prevent issues. Just a thought. (My two pennies)

**** Or just section off. Portion off your 90 gallon sump to create/build a planted section. A 90 gallon sump seems like a lot of space to be creative.

- Larry

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

I have this kind of setup with a 40 gallon breeder and a frag tank. The breeder isn't drilled and uses a HOB overflow box.

The thing that nobody talks about with HOB overflow boxes is you need to have a decent amount of flow moving through them to keep the siphon. You can't have a 1200 GPH HOB overflow and only run 200GPH through it. If you only have a trickle running through the box, then bubbles form and build up in the tube, eventually breaking the siphon. If you have enough flow moving through the tube, the bubbles get swept through. No bubble build up, no siphon break.

With adjustable return pumps, this is pretty easy these days. Just increase or decrease flow until you don't see any bubbles building up after a few days. Alternatively, if your return feeds both tanks, add a ball valve and adjust flow to the HOB overflow tank until there are no bubbles built up after a few days.

 

[Clarkjw2002]

I'll have a similar set up on my retirement build. 125 HOB plumbed to the sump of a 300gal display. I have a life reef double overflow box rated at 1200 gph I think. I plan to only run 4-500 through it and set up the overflow Herbie style (so one pipe is full siphon while the other is an emergency drain).

Never had a problem with air bubbles in the past when I ran two life reef overflows on this tank but was probably pushing 800gph or so.

Hadn't really thought about overflow proofing the second tank so maybe I'm too trusting of the life reef overflow. But I'll be home all the time too so can check on the tubes everyday between farm chores.

 

[ryanjohn1]

Looking for some suggestions. I have a 125g 6 foot long tank. It has a 90g sump... I would like to add a 29g planted tank for raising cardinals in the future. I want to put this beside the first tank, and plumb it into the same sump. I cannot however think of how to flood proof the 2nd tank.
So, overflow from 2nd tank into same sump, and either split the return pump to feed both tanks, or add a second smaller pump for 2nd tank. However, if 2nd tank loses siphon (It isn't drilled), the pump wouldn't run out of water, and keep feeding the tank until, well you know....lol.
Also, to note....The room is rather small, so the tanks would be beside each other, but at 90 degrees. One on one wall, and the 2nd beside it on another wall.
I really like the idea of having a planted tank on the same system as my big tank for obvious benefits. More volume, more plants, etc.
I guess I could bite the bullet and just get a reef-ready, but was hoping to work with what I have.
Thank you in advance.

Crp cs50 external overflow. Has small lift pump. I have one works great

 

[Fish Styx]

I do this exact same thing on my system. My advice: 1) drill the second tank for an overflow; 2) plumb it off your return via manifold; and 3) do not plumb the 2nd tank's drain into the same section as the main drains from your DT-- it will cause your 2nd tank to overflow (trust me on this). Instead, drain it into the refugium section of your sump. Be sure to post pics of what you come up with. Happy reefing!

 

[Enderg60]

Its no problem at all. I would recommend separate pumps for each tank though.

My current build is a 330g display with a 320g frag tank all on one sump.

The only downside is if you get a pest or illness its in both tanks not just one. But not having to dose or maintain things twice is a big plus.

 

[RobinC]

I do this exact same thing on my system. My advice: 1) drill the second tank for an overflow; 2) plumb it off your return via manifold; and 3) do not plumb the 2nd tank's drain into the same section as the main drains from your DT-- it will cause your 2nd tank to overflow (trust me on this). Instead, drain it into the refugium section of your sump. Be sure to post pics of what you come up with. Happy reefing!

Purchased an eshopps M...a Nauitilus 3200, and ended up with a good deal on 2 40g breeder tanks and stand. We only have to drill 1 hole, so hoping the first attempt works. If not, have a second tank to try, lol. Just picked up the 40's today, and awaiting the rest to arrive. Hopefully a busy weekend, if all arrives on time.