2 separate sumps 220 gal, one draining too fast. Help please

[eelman]

Hello everyone I have a 84” 220 gallon system set up and I have a small horn shark, cal ray and tessellata eel in there. I wanted to make sure they have plenty of room to swim so just put about 70lbs of rock in the center for the eel and left the rest open. I wanted to have a larger sump for the extra rock and marinepure squares, skimmer and etc “messy eaters”. issue is larger sump won’t fit with average tank measurements so I have 2 on me

A 23 gallon rs200 and another 29 gallon “I think” same overflows returns, pumps and all. I’ve tried adjusting for hours and one either drains super fast or the other drains very slow, but I can’t get them to level out.

Is this something that can be done? I really would like the space of 2.

One side of the tank is maybe a quarter of an inch higher than this and the overflows do come down and slightly different rates.

Thanks everyone

 

[Tamberav]

Pretty sure you can't run two sumps separately.. as one will always outpace the other.

Typically what you do is have one sump overflow into the other or connect them with a bridge/pipe. If you do a bridge, the best way is to connect the two return zones with a pipe. That way the pumps will work for both return sides, even if one failed.

It looks like both your return pumps are in the middle? If so, easy to run a pipe between the sumps.

 

[disaster999]

there is no way to have both sumps drain and return the same even if you have the same plumbing and pump. Theres always going to be some differences between the 2. Easiest way is just connect the 2 return sections together so water level would even out.

 

[eelman]

Pretty sure you can't run two sumps separately.. as one will always outpace the other.

Typically what you do is have one sump overflow into the other or connect them with a bridge/pipe. If you do a bridge, the best way is to connect the two return zones with a pipe. That way the pumps will work for both return sides, even if one failed.

It looks like both your return pumps are in the middle? If so, easy to run a pipe between the sumps.

At least now I know, I figured as much. I just was gonna wing it anyways.

Can you explain what you mean by the pipe? Likes a pvc joint elbow in both ends? Or actually drilling into it?

 

[eelman]

there is no way to have both sumps drain and return the same even if you have the same plumbing and pump. Theres always going to be some differences between the 2. Easiest way is just connect the 2 return sections together so water level would even out.

What method would you use to do this?

 

[Tamberav]

At least now I know, I figured as much. I just was gonna wing it anyways.

Can you explain what you mean by the pipe? Likes a pvc joint elbow in both ends? Or actually drilling into it?

Drilling into the side of each and running a pipe with bulkheads so they are connected and act as one.

Edit: found and old thread with some examples

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/dual-sumps.301674/

 

[disaster999]

What method would you use to do this?

Best would be drilling the 2 sumps at the return chamber and connect the 2 it with bulkhead fitting and pipe between them so both water level will be equalized and shared. But you have to make sure the hole is drilled at the same location on both tank so a straight piece of pipe can connect the 2. You can get flexible PVC pipe to be on the safe side so it allows for more error and some movement between the 2 tanks (not that I expect there would be any, you have bigger problems to worry about if there is)

If you cant/dont want to drill then maybe a U shape tube filled with water like how you siphon water out of the tank like this.

This should also equalize the water between the 2 chambers but will have higher risks, If air gets into the tube and you lose the siphon then you are back to square 1