Plumbing in a second tank into the same system.

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I’m thinking about adding a refugium to my 70-gallon and a frag tank to my 225g system. The plan is to plumb each one into its respective system, but I’ve never set up dual tanks like this before (never had the space until now). My basic assumption is that you’d treat it like any plumbed setup—gravity-fed overflow from the external tank and a return pump back. But what about when the sump and refugium are on the same level? Are there any creative plumbing solutions for that kind of setup? Just trying to think it through before I start cutting PVC—plumbing’s not my strong suit!

 

[PPBlimpy]

Like you stated, overflow from each tank into single sump. and a separate return to each tank from the sump. You can ( not advised) run a single pump with a T and valves to each tank if you wanted too.

Whatever GPH you pump into the tank, main or added, is what will overflow back from that tank, as long as your flow is not to high for the overflow. Does not matter on height differences or anything.

i just reread your post.

sump on refugium on same level will not work. refugium will need to be higher.

i had a small 20g long frag tank under my 125g for a while. i lifted the 20G about 8". my overflow exited the side and went straight into my sump. worked fine but it does need to be higher for gravity to do its thing. unless you plan to drill and plumb thru the sides similar to redseas extension sump on their 850/1000 tanks.

i have done this in the past ( have a 1000 currently) and dont advise on it.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Like you stated, overflow from each tank into single sump. and a separate return to each tank from the sump. You can ( not advised) run a single pump with a T and valves to each tank if you wanted too.

Whatever GPH you pump into the tank, main or added, is what will overflow back from that tank, as long as your flow is not to high for the overflow. Does not matter on height differences or anything.

i just reread your post.

sump on refugium on same level will not work. refugium will need to be higher

Thanks. That's kinda what I figured, but was hoping maybe there was another way. No biggie though. I'll figure out how to elevate.

 

[PPBlimpy]

I added to my last post but this is how you "could" do it but i advise against it.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I added to my last post but this is how you "could" do it but i advise against it.

Ah. Makes sense, but wouldn't work in my situation currently. I'll need to elevate the 2nd tank. Thanks for the answer though.

 

[PPBlimpy]

My old sump setup. i guess its more then 8" but it worked well.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

My old sump setup. i guess its more then 8" but it worked well.

This is probably similar to how I'll need to set up the refugium. Thanks!

 

[PPBlimpy]

Just dont do what I did there!
I had 1 of my 125Gs left overflows plumbed into the frag tank and then overflow into the sump. In theory its great, no extra pump etc, actually worked very well except I had nothing to catch all the fish poops and crap coming thru that overflow! As you can see the sump was packed and i had no room to ad a filter sock or anything and yea. good idea, poor execution

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following this, I've seen people do this before, and I've been curious how it is done.

 

[dragossh]

drilled two holes in the refugium tank, both gravity drain in the sump, just lifted the fuge about 10 cm higher than the sump so the drain holes are above the sump level.
using a 750l/h pump to push water from the sump to the fuge.
all works great

 

[JonoH]

My frag tank is plumbing into my main sump, was fairly easy.

I elbowed my return back into one of my weirs (my main display has dual weir's), so it can be tricky to balance the water sometimes (but only if i fiddle with things!).

Dual returns so one just t's off to the frag tank with a gate valve so the flow into the frag tank can be adjusted without affecting the flow into the main display.

Works great - have found that the frag tank, as it has no fish in it, has become a breeding area for Stomatella snails (at night the glass will be completely covered with them!)

 

[X-37B]

I plumbed this 30g into my 120. Teed off the 120 return to the 30 and the overflow went into the 120's sump. Simple and effective.
Started as a fuge and morphed into 2nd pic.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

My frag tank is plumbing into my main sump, was fairly easy.

I elbowed my return back into one of my weirs (my main display has dual weir's), so it can be tricky to balance the water sometimes (but only if i fiddle with things!).

Dual returns so one just t's off to the frag tank with a gate valve so the flow into the frag tank can be adjusted without affecting the flow into the main display.

Works great - have found that the frag tank, as it has no fish in it, has become a breeding area for Stomatella snails (at night the glass will be completely covered with them!)

Cool! Would love to see a pic of the stomatellas sometime.

 

[JonoH]

Cool! Would love to see a pic of the stomatellas sometime.

Some pics of the side glass - the front gets completely covered but dont have a pic on hand!

I rarely clean the glass on my frag tank so these guys have food constantly.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Some pics of the side glass - the front gets completely covered but dont have a pic on hand!

I rarely clean the glass on my frag tank so these guys have food constantly.

Wow! Great supply for the display whenever needed, I'm sure!

 

[JonoH]

Wow! Great supply for the display whenever needed, I'm sure!

Yep - and wrasse snacks