Sump with 2 return sections?

[Tuffloud1]

For those running multiple tanks on 1 system. Is it possible to have 2 return sections on a sump?

Would love to see some pictures.

 

[Ron Reefman]

The simple answer is yes. I have downsized to just one tank now. I had 2 systems and each had 2 tanks on a single sump/refugium. However, both tanks were fed return water from a single return pump with gate valves on each. The 180g tank feed the refugium and DSB at the left end. The 75G hexagon tank feed filter socks, the skimmer and live rock at the right end. The return pump is in the middle. This system ran for 6 years and was only reired due to the 180g tank developing a 30gph leak that was not repairable!

 

[Tuffloud1]

The simple answer is yes. I have downsized to just one tank now. I had 2 systems and each had 2 tanks on a single sump/refugium. However, both tanks were fed return water from a single return pump with gate valves on each. The 180g tank feed the refugium and DSB at the left end. The 75G hexagon tank feed filter socks, the skimmer and live rock at the right end. The return pump is in the middle. This system ran for 6 years and was only reired due to the 180g tank developing a 30gph leak that was not repairable!

Thanks for the description and picture.

I was more looking for pictures of 1 sump with 2 separate return sections.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Thanks for the description and picture.

I was more looking for pictures of 1 sump with 2 separate return sections.

You mean 2 separate return pumps from 2 different sections in the sump?

 

[shred5]

I have multiple returns from my sumps:

There is 3 returns on the right sump with multiple pumps and there are 3 sets of drains.
Excuse the mess I am only part way through the build.

The left sump will have 2 returns with two pumps. I like multiple pumps incase one fails.
Right now it is one but I am changing that.

 

[Tuffloud1]

You mean 2 separate return pumps from 2 different sections in the sump?

Yes, looking for a diagram of how this can be implemented.

 

[ryeguyy84]

Wouldn't a center drain with return sections on both sides accomplish what you are looking for? As long as the baffles are the same height the water should flow down into the chambers

 

[DCR]

You would need to design the overflow weirs to run one of the return sections completely full, or else figure a way to equalize the two return chambers so the level is the same in both. Unless you design the overflows carefully, they may quickly become unbalanced. One will be empty with pump cavitation, and the other will be full. Also would not be easy to set up the ATO unless one chamber is kept full.

 

[Troy V]

Here are 3 seperate tanks sharing the same 75 (48"x18"x21")gallon sump.
You can see the 2 outer tanks have a single 2" drain and the center tank has 2-1.5" drains. 3 drains flow into the right side chamber in the sump, and 1 drain supplies the fuge on the left. The center camber is where I house the skimmer, return pumps, and Tunze osmalator ATO. If you go this route it is important to periodically flush the lines. I usually do this during water changes by unscrewing the strainers so the increased water pressure will keep the detritus from building up in the return hoses. HTH

 

[Tuffloud1]

Here are 3 seperate tanks sharing the same 75 (48"x18"x21")gallon sump.
You can see the 2 outer tanks have a single 2" drain and the center tank has 2-1.5" drains. 3 drains flow into the right side chamber in the sump, and 1 drain supplies the fuge on the left. The center camber is where I house the skimmer, return pumps, and Tunze osmalator ATO. If you go this route it is important to periodically flush the lines. I usually do this during water changes by unscrewing the strainers so the increased water pressure will keep the detritus from building up in the return hoses. HTH

Thanks for the pictures.

I’m trying to figure out where your overflow pipes on the left and right tanks are. In the picture showing the 3 tanks, I don’t see any pipes connecting to the center stand.

 

[Troy V]

Maybe this will help.
This is how the plumbing comes out of the back of the tanks.

Here you can see the white pvc return pipes on the floor between both outer tanks before I installed the carpet to cover the pvc.

 

[ngoodermuth]

Here are 3 seperate tanks sharing the same 75 (48"x18"x21")gallon sump.
You can see the 2 outer tanks have a single 2" drain and the center tank has 2-1.5" drains. 3 drains flow into the right side chamber in the sump, and 1 drain supplies the fuge on the left. The center camber is where I house the skimmer, return pumps, and Tunze osmalator ATO. If you go this route it is important to periodically flush the lines. I usually do this during water changes by unscrewing the strainers so the increased water pressure will keep the detritus from building up in the return hoses. HTH

Love the tanks! That clam [emoji7]

 

[Tuffloud1]

Maybe this will help.
This is how the plumbing comes out of the back of the tanks.

Here you can see the white pvc return pipes on the floor between both outer tanks before I installed the carpet to cover the pvc.

I see the return lines on the floor between the tanks but how did you conceal the gravity fed overflows coming out of the left and right tank into the center sump?

 

[Troy V]

The carpet covers the plumbing between the tanks. I zoomed in so you can see the "bump" in the carpet. The pipes behind the tank aren't concealed. They are in plain sight if you look behind the system.

 

[Troy V]

Love the tanks! That clam [emoji7]

Thank you!