Two connected sumps for three frag tanks -- this should work. Right? I mean, what could go wrong?

[ScottB]

Having tried to hijack 3 other vaguely similar threads (somewhat sorry!) I begin my own thread and will bump it mercilessly for feedback. Or just plow ahead and share my experiences.

Why would I do this? Oh, the excuses:
a) I already own all this equipment. (some exceptions, but roughly true)
b) My frag tanks are crammed and my DT is stuffed and becoming the coral version of Call of Duty. (mild exaggeration)
c) I have the basement space and just love building stuff related to coral propagation. (beyond reproach)
d) I need to use up the last 20 amps of space on my emergency generator panel (a bold face lie; I need another 10 KW)

Lights are out now so EXISTING SYSTEM pictures coming tomorrow. Until then -- and really the point of this -- will this diagram work in real life use?

SOMEBODY please let me know if this is not readable. TY.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

This will work but you want the water bridge to connect the return section of both sumps - so in the diagram, flip the new one so the drain comes in on the right and the return is from the left. The sumps need to be at the same level - or more specifically, the water level in the return sections needs to be the same.

I have “two sumps” on one tank (one overflow pipe to each sump) but because of the “water bridge” between the return sections (as you call it) it’s basically the same as one sump with a divider down the middle.

 

[Rogergolf66]

Yes will work fine. I do something similar with 3 sumps and 7 tanks

 

[ScottB]

@Rogergolf66 and @LobsterOfJustice thank you for the modifications and confirmations. Revised drawing below.

One more question: I am concerned a bit about potential torque transmitted to the sump walls with a hard pipe & bulkhead. Should I be? Both sumps are both acrylic and the stands are steel. Would you recommend flexible pipe? Guess I also need to think about maintenance and disassembly.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

I used flexible PVC, just to account for any slight differences in the placement of the drilled holes, and to give me a little play in the pieces during initial install.

 

[Rjramos]

What is going inside the 2 sumps? Or are you planning this way to handle power outage overflow water between the 2 sumps. You could eliminate the existing sump and create 1 large sump to handle all 3 tanks with 1 pump. I am currently running dual 60 gal. With everything shared underneath. 2 sumps, 1 elevated, is solely refugium and has a 1” connection bridge to other sump that sits lower, so relying on gravity not only displacement of water. The second and lower sump has mechanical filtration, protein skimmer and return pump.

 

[ScottB]

What is going inside the 2 sumps? Or are you planning this way to handle power outage overflow water between the 2 sumps. You could eliminate the existing sump and create 1 large sump to handle all 3 tanks with 1 pump. I am currently running dual 60 gal. With everything shared underneath. 2 sumps, 1 elevated, is solely refugium and has a 1” connection bridge to other sump that sits lower, so relying on gravity not only displacement of water. The second and lower sump has mechanical filtration, protein skimmer and return pump.

The current sump is maxed out for size given the stand dimensions. And I don't believe it would comfortably handle the overflow on a power cut once I add the next 80G frag to the system. I don't have space for a freestanding tub/sump due to a few poorly placed lolly columns in the basement. Floor space is at a premium.

In the current sump are 2 large Marine Pure blocks,reactors, scrubbers, skimmer, refugium & mud. Plus dosing lines, heat and too many pumps to count. I built a manifold the other night to solve for the pumps and will likely go with a nice inline external pump like you have going there. Let me know if you love your brand (Blueline?)

So yeah, I am looking for more sump volume to cover the extra back siphon and better spacing for sump centered equipment and ceramic media.

 

[ScottB]

Here are couple poor pictures of the whole mess so nobody has to feel bad about their shoddy wire management. (Another project that just keeps getting differed until NEXT winter.)

 

[ScottB]

The blue painter tape on the floor is where the matching 80G frag tank will go.

 

[ScottB]

Thank you again folks for contributing your suggestions. I am now two versions beyond my last proposed above, but I think I am getting happier and more trusting that it will work sustainably.

As a refresher, my goal is to add a third 80G frag tank to the two existing frag tanks that share a sump. And adding a SECOND sump because I cannot fit a larger one and need more back-siphon capacity when returns shut off.

Here is the revised drawing: