Sump Return Pump Location Advice

alp75 · Jan 29, 2019

Hello,

I'm in the plumbing design phase of a new reef tank. I have a couple of options on where to place my pump and both has its advantages and disadvantages. On the picture marked 1, this places the pump close to the water supply, but due to space, I have to set the pump part way out the back and with the fittings and ball valve, this will likely be tight. The picture marked 2 has the pump on the opposite end of the sump. This setup I would run the pipe out the back of the cabinet, back through the other side of the cabinet and then into my sump. This setup seems more appealing to me, but I'm concerned about the pump not being in close proximity to the return section of the sump. Which option will give me the best results? I'm also open to other suggestions. Thank you in advance!

JMetaxas · Jan 29, 2019

I'd go with #1. #2 has 3 90 degree elbows and could inhibit flow.

DLHDesign · Jan 29, 2019

I agree; of those two, I would use #1.
The ideal is to have a straight run out of the sump, however. Have you looked into using a gate valve in between the sump and pump instead of a ball valve? Gate valves are often more narrow, which can help them fit in smaller places... Though they do take more effort to open and close, that's not something you would need to do very often.

alp75 · Jan 29, 2019

DLHDesign said:
I agree; of those two, I would use #1.
The ideal is to have a straight run out of the sump, however. Have you looked into using a gate valve in between the sump and pump instead of a ball valve? Gate valves are often more narrow, which can help them fit in smaller places... Though they do take more effort to open and close, that's not something you would need to do very often.

Thanks. My initial goal was a straight shot, but after I set everything in the stand, it appears that would be an extremely tight fit, if possible at all. I hadn't thought about a gate valve, I will locate one for measuring. Thank you for that suggestion. My sump bulkhead should be here tomorrow so I will have a better idea on measurements after that.