connecting 2 separate sumps

[mfinn]

A friend is doing a 350 gallon build and before I could advise him he bought a pre-made ( very expensive) sump system that consists of 4 separate containers.
If he wants to have approx. 1800gph flow in the sump from container to container, what size bulkheads would he need for free flowing water, without starving the end container where the return pump will be?

 

[sbash]

Can you post a diagram? Or the make and model of this sump system?

 

[mfinn]

Can you post a diagram? Or the make and model of this sump system?

Not sure that really matters, it's just a matter of how much is the vertical flow rate between containers, vs size of bulkheads, with a flow rate of approx. 1500gph.

 

[Rjramos]

Are the separate container side by side, no gravity?

 

[mfinn]

Are the separate container side by side, no gravity?

Yes.

 

[Rjramos]

Yes.

Ok well then it's water level dependent and may require multiple bulkhead of at least 1.5" If you even so slightly elevate the tank that is feeding to the next the one maybe 4" you'll probably get better results. I actually run 2 sumps staggered on top of each other. Refugium on top, main sump on bottom.

 

[mfinn]

Ok well then it's water level dependent and may require multiple bulkhead of at least 1.5" If you even so slightly elevate the tank that is feeding to the next the one maybe 4" you'll probably get better results.

I wish there was room, but there isn't really.
I was thinking maybe double 2" bulkheads in each one.

 

[mfinn]

anymore thoughts?