Looking for Constructive Criticism on Two Tanks Using One Sump Blueprints

[fity2pounder]

Hello all. I will be setting up two frag tanks (hydroponic reservoirs) of different sizes (115 gallon and 70 gallon) using just one sump (100 gallon tub from tractor supply). I'm looking for constructive criticism on my planned setup. Please see the blueprints below. Any feedback is welcome. I really want to do this the best way the first time. Thanks.

 

[BadFish619]

Just wanted to say I like your powerhead drawings! That's my favorite part of it lol
Really tho, looks good and looks like it should work out for you. Seems like you planned it well

 

[Peace River]

Nice drawing! Make sure that you account for the back siphon from both tanks when you determine the high water fill line for your sump. Good luck!

 

[fity2pounder]

Just wanted to say I like your powerhead drawings! That's my favorite part of it lol
Really tho, looks good and looks like it should work out for you. Seems like you planned it well

Yeah...I have the natural art abilities of a 3rd grader bahahaha.

 

[fity2pounder]

Nice drawing! Make sure that you account for the back siphon from both tanks when you determine the high water fill line for your sump. Good luck!

Thanks for the feedback amigo. Would you recommend a one way valve (or perhaps something else/better) to prevent the back siphoning? Or do you think it's better to not have a valve that could fail and instead just keep the return line into the main tank up as high as possible?I hadn't thought of the back siphoning so thanks for bringing that to my attention!!

 

[hockeyhead019]

Nice drawing! Make sure that you account for the back siphon from both tanks when you determine the high water fill line for your sump. Good luck!

Came here to say this. I would throw in a check valve like you mentioned in your post but they do fail. I would recommend sizing the sump or keeping the water level so that you can take up the siphoning without having an issue in the worst case scenario.

The other thing you'll want to think about is how to maintain a consistent water level in the sump so you don't have to adjust your skimmer. I'm not sure if you plan on using an ATO but didn't see it in the drawing so I'm just assuming you aren't.

 

[fity2pounder]

Came here to say this. I would throw in a check valve like you mentioned in your post but they do fail. I would recommend sizing the sump or keeping the water level so that you can take up the siphoning without having an issue in the worst case scenario.

The other thing you'll want to think about is how to maintain a consistent water level in the sump so you don't have to adjust your skimmer. I'm not sure if you plan on using an ATO but didn't see it in the drawing so I'm just assuming you aren't.

Howdy. Thanks for the feedback. I was just thinking about the check valve. It would cause more back pressure and, in turn, reduce the amount of flow, right? So perhaps I'm better off just keeping the top of the return pipe right at the water level of the main tank? That would prevent most back siphoning, right? As soon as the water level dropped just a little bit the return line would then have air in it which would then cause the siphon to stop, correct? As I plan to do feeding every couple of days (and would turn off the return pump), this is something that I definitely want to get right. Thanks again!

 

[Peace River]

Thanks for the feedback amigo. Would you recommend a one way valve (or perhaps something else/better) to prevent the back siphoning? Or do you think it's better to not have a valve that could fail and instead just keep the return line into the main tank up as high as possible?I hadn't thought of the back siphoning so thanks for bringing that to my attention!!

You can either keep the return input high or drill a 1/4” hole in the return line after it enters the tank. This will act as a siphon break. I usually put the siphon break about 1-2” below the surface.

You will need enough extra space in the sump so when you turn off the power then whatever back siphons from the return line and whatever empties from the overflow box will have room to fit in the sump.