Sump Recommendations (3x PNW Custom TidePool setup)

[vldka]

Hello!

I'm looking at purchasing 3 PNW Custom TidePool tanks (24x12 model) to setup on a rack that I have in my office. I'm planning to use this mainly for frags/propagation/grow out. I'm looking at using a 15 gallon tank that I have as a shared sump for all three tanks. The plan is to drill drains in the back of the AIO chamber of the TidePool which will then drain to the sump. I'm a beginner and this will be my first sump setup. I've been utilizing AI for the design, but I wanted to get some opinions. The proposed plan is below.

Proposed Sump Layout:

Chamber 1 (Drain / Mechanical Filtration)

• Width: approximately 5-6".
• Receives drain lines from all TidePools.
• Removable filter floss tray near top of chamber.
• Water passes through floss and into chamber.
• Open bypass around floss tray if floss clogs.
• Detritus collection area for easy siphoning.

Baffle #1

• Glass.
• 1/4" thickness.
• Approximately 7.5-8" tall.
• Water flows over top.

Chamber 2 (Media / Heater)

• Width: approximately 9-10".
• Seachem Matrix or similar biomedia.
• Heater.
• Carbon bag if desired.
• Stable water depth.

Baffle #2

• Glass.
• 1/4" thickness.
• Approximately 7.5-8" tall.
• Water flows over top.

Chamber 3 (Return)

• Width: approximately 8-9".
• Return pump.
• ATO sensor.
• Temperature probe.
• Only chamber affected by evaporation.

 

[vldka]

Hello!

I'm looking at purchasing 3 PNW Custom TidePool tanks (24x12 model) to setup on a rack that I have in my office. I'm planning to use this mainly for frags/propagation/grow out. I'm looking at using a 15 gallon tank that I have as a shared sump for all three tanks. The plan is to drill drains in the back of the AIO chamber of the TidePool which will then drain to the sump. I'm a beginner and this will be my first sump setup. I've been utilizing AI for the design, but I wanted to get some opinions. The proposed plan is below.

Proposed Sump Layout:

Chamber 1 (Drain / Mechanical Filtration)

• Width: approximately 5-6".
• Receives drain lines from all TidePools.
• Removable filter floss tray near top of chamber.
• Water passes through floss and into chamber.
• Open bypass around floss tray if floss clogs.
• Detritus collection area for easy siphoning.

Baffle #1

• Glass.
• 1/4" thickness.
• Approximately 7.5-8" tall.
• Water flows over top.

Chamber 2 (Media / Heater)

• Width: approximately 9-10".
• Seachem Matrix or similar biomedia.
• Heater.
• Carbon bag if desired.
• Stable water depth.

Baffle #2

• Glass.
• 1/4" thickness.
• Approximately 7.5-8" tall.
• Water flows over top.

Chamber 3 (Return)

• Width: approximately 8-9".
• Return pump.
• ATO sensor.
• Temperature probe.
• Only chamber affected by evaporation.

My apologies. I didn't see how to edit the first post. Baffle 2 will actually be 1" to 1.5" off of the bottom so that water will be puled under, forcing water to be pulled through the biomedia.

 

[annihil8ted]

Looks good to me! The only thing I'm curious about is if these tanks are stacked vertically? The rack statement is leading me to think so and in that case, I wonder if the different heights may cause different levels of flow if it's all pumped out to the same return. If it's all on the same level, then no worries

Following along too because I got their 16 inch frag tank and have started to look at a possible sump setup. I'm a little concerned with the size of the tank and how small the filtration sections are

 

[vldka]

Looks good to me! The only thing I'm curious about is if these tanks are stacked vertically? The rack statement is leading me to think so and in that case, I wonder if the different heights may cause different levels of flow if it's all pumped out to the same return. If it's all on the same level, then no worries

Following along too because I got their 16 inch frag tank and have started to look at a possible sump setup. I'm a little concerned with the size of the tank and how small the filtration sections are

Thanks for the reply!

They will be stacked vertically. I look to combat this with valves on each section of the return manifold.

I plan on drilling the AIO return chamber for the drain to the sump with a threaded plug so it can be returned to an AIO, if needed.

I’ll keep you updated.