Display macro algae tank plumbed into main reef display

[zwalter38]

Hey all, I’ve been working on setting up my 135 and I’m well into the process. I’m running two canister filters on the main 135 reef so I do not have a sump. I want to plumb a 15 gallon column tank into the main display, but I don’t want a HOB overflow or to drill the tank. My idea is to run a pump in line and put the input in the 135 and output in the 15 column. Then drill the 15gallon and run an overflow back into the 135. I want to have a macro algae display in the 15 gallon with a deep sand bed to help remove nitrates and phosphates. My question is basically about the plumbing. Any issues with my idea? Or any better suggestions?

 

[Wasabiroot]

I would be hesitant to use an external pump because of noise factors. A DC controllable return pump might be a better option. I'd also advise a gate valve as adjusting the proper flow between two vastly different tanks might be difficult without some ability to fine tune. You will also want to account for some kind of failsafe/emergency drain.

 

[zwalter38]

I would be hesitant to use an external pump because of noise factors. A DC controllable return pump might be a better option. I'd also advise a gate valve as adjusting the proper flow between two vastly different tanks might be difficult without some ability to fine tune. You will also want to account for some kind of failsafe/emergency drain.

The gate valve is definitely a great idea that I will be doing. The dc return pump would have to be placed inside my 135 correct?