Re-design sump

[philr]

I have a 90g tank. Recently I made a filter/sump/refugium from a 20g long. However there is just not enough room for reactors, sterilizer and skimmer etc. I am considering re-plumbing the 20 into the old eshopps filter. Does anyone see any logistcal problems with flowing water from one sump to another then back to the tank? Basically I am going to use the 20g as mechanical filtration, then with 1" pvc route the water to the eshopps sump, and use that as a refugium. From there pump water back to the tank. All ideas / suggestions welcome. Thanks, Phil

 

[shovelrider]

This has been done many times. I believe the best way will be to have the sump tanks as close as possible and the bulkheads low. If the tanks have any distance between them it would be a good idea to have the 1st tank higher than the 2nd.

 

[philr]

Shovelrider... you have hit exactly on my dilemma. The first tank the 20g is up higher on approx a 3" high stand. It does seem to make sense (that gravity thing) to have the second lower to aid the flow of water. My concern is this: overflow of the second -eshopps- sump. I guess I can put a ball valve betweem the 2 sumps??

 

[Coraloliseffect]

This is exactly what I did here kind of hard to see but the spumps into the front on right then drains on left into fuge which then drains on the bottom into the sump. I keep the flow in way way below the flow capacity of the plumbing of the drain.

 

[philr]

Yes that is similar to what I am looking to do... any chance for a better pic so I can look at how you flow the plumbing? That looks great!

 

[Coraloliseffect]

. In from pump

. Over to fuge

coming out from fuge
Happened to have two bulkheads already installed so plumed one as duroso other as emergency.

. From fuge back to sump


All tanks tops are at the same altitude so under power failure I have larger sump capacity for back flow.

 

[Coraloliseffect]

Would love to have one mega sump and eliminate the rube goldburg. But used what I had and could $$$$.
Part of my scheduled mantance is to clean these pipes.