First sump plumbing?

[tb582]

I currently have a 75g mixed reef without a sump. I’m thinking about getting a bigger tank in the years to come but I also think it might be wise to plumb for a basement sump now and try to get some experience with it before I upgrade the tank.

I think if I get a sump rated for say a 250g that will serve my existing 75g just fine but the question is on the plumbing! How best to run things from the first floor to the basement?

I imagine there’s some sort of generic in wall/ through wall disconnects I can plumb in now? That will work for both tanks now and in the future? How many pipes need to be run? 2? 3? Size???

So many questions!

 

[exnisstech]

Holes in the floor here but I'm using pvc not flexible hose. I have a 6ft ft 125g DIY sump in the basement. I used to have a 150g and 180g sharing the sump but now only the 180g as I sold the 150. I love being able to stand and work on things vs crawling on the floor.

 

[tb582]

Holes in the floor here but I'm using pvc not flexible hose. I have a 6ft ft 125g DIY sump in the basement. I used to have a 150g and 180g sharing the sump but now only the 180g as I sold the 150. I love being able to stand and work on things vs crawling on the floor.

Thanks - I see two pipes one intake and one return? Do I need more than 2 pipes ? I read somewhere that it’s possible so just trying to plan things out now also what size pipes ? 1/2? 1?

 

[exnisstech]

Thanks - I see two pipes one intake and one return? Do I need more than 2 pipes ? I read somewhere that it’s possible so just trying to plan things out now also what size pipes ? 1/2? 1?

There are so many options and I'm really not qualified to answer. Miss information is worse than no information I always say.
A lot depends on tank size and flow requirements. I'm in the process of designing a 300+ gallon and will be using 3 1.5 inch drains, main, secondary, and emergency with two 1 inch returns. This is just info I gathered looking at build threads and such.

EDIT : on the 180 I posted the image from I have only have 2 drains and a single return but the tank is nit drilled and I'm running HOB overflows.

 

[tb582]

anyone doing PVC in the wall but switching to flex to the tank?

 

[Aumick]

I would definitely open up the ceiling below. If you are going to do the plumbing in preparation for a larger tank in the future. The pure weight difference from a 75g to a 250g is massive. The floor must be supported properly. I would be more concerned about that then plumbing. You can always set up a huge sump.

 

[tb582]

I would definitely open up the ceiling below. If you are going to do the plumbing in preparation for a larger tank in the future. The pure weight difference from a 75g to a 250g is massive. The floor must be supported properly. I would be more concerned about that then plumbing. You can always set up a huge sump.

Yes it’s already open and there’s enough floor support

 

[tsharpe291]

anyone doing PVC in the wall but switching to flex to the tank?

I just use flex all the way instead of multiple elbows I think it flows easier. my sump isn't
directly below my tank