Plumbing layout

[Phyl]

We're trying to streamline our (hi Rich) sump. We need to get some of the pumps out of there in an effort to eliminate some of the heat being generated (12+* over room temp, which wasn't bad in the winter, lol) and make room for a new G3, etc). The thought was to get one big pump, rather than the 3 smaller ones we need right now.

As a result we've come up with the following plan:

What's wrong with this picture? Is it ok to run the system off of one pump? Is there some design flaw in our thinking? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[RichT]

what size is the discharge on your pump? Also, what are the 2 chambers (where's the skimmer going?) and where is the supply water coming in at. You can use one pump but I have read that you get better water processing power if the dirty water comes right from the tank overflow to its prossing area. (i.e. gravity fed to the fuge and the skimmer chamber. )Also, I wouldn't skim the water coming out of the fuge. You'll skim the good stuff out.

 

[Phyl]

We haven't picked one yet but were thinking about either the mag24 or 36 depending on which one would do what we needed based on head, elbows, t's, etc.... I have a cool calculator somewhere... now I just need to find it.

 

[grasshopper]

I would suggest taking the pump line going right back into your sump out, and taking the pump to fuge out. Let the drain from your tank feed both the fuge and the sump. Then the fuge can also feed the sump. This means you only need three lines. One to the chiller and two to the returns. If I can make another suggestion (which of course I will) Why don't you only have two lines from the pump - one to the chiller and one feeding a squid the shoots off to the two returns? This will create even more random water movement for you.

 

[grasshopper]

To Rich's point, where is the skimmer going?

And, I'll try to upload a picture of my thoughts, but I'm getting errors...

 

[grasshopper]

Can't upload the pic...

This is the error I'm getting...

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(/usr/local/apache2/vhosts/njreefersclub.com/htdocs/forums/Sources/Post.php ln 911)

 

[Phyl]

Not shown in the picture are my overflows. They fall into the leftmost side of the sump. That is currently where my built-in skimmer is. From there the water flows over the wall, through the bioball/rubble chamber and into the place where it is returned to the tank. From there it is currently routed into the chiller, then back into the left side of the current sump. There is a pump in the inlet area on the left that feeds water out of the sump, through the protien skimmer and then back into the sump (into the middle area).

The returns to the tank return the water evenly to both sides of the tank.

The setup is really chaotic right now. There's constantly a lightly dusty look to the tank (is this really not normal? If not then what?). It is based purely on where there is space in the current sump (hi Rich) for the placement of pumps and the p/s. Definitely not optimal.

Maybe we should redesign the sump before we redesign the plumbing!

 

[RichT]

Might I suggest this design.

This is the plan I drew before I built my sump.

 

[Phyl]

As long as you factor in dual overflows and dual/split return to the tank. The tank is 48x24 so the sump has to fit under there. Right now the fuge is a split off into a separate container, but I don't care if it integrates into the newly designed. You also need to figure in a feed to my chiller (mag7 supply) and my UV filter (about 120gph).

How much for parts, Rich? And how long will it take? And how many frags for labor ;-)

 

[RichT]

We'll work all the details out as far a compensation later. Bob's sump is up next then we'll tackle yours. I'll be needing a couple pictures of where the sump is going mainly for feel and to see what kind of bracing we may have to deal with. Another thing to think about is how you will get the sump into the stand. The best would be the ability to slide it in from one end. Otherwise it may have to be two parts or a brace may have to be taken out of the stand which is a pain because you still have to support everything. Also, got to melevs reef .com and view his sump designs.

 

[Phyl]

Yikes. Hadn't thought about that. The sump would most likely have to go in through the front door compartment which has a center brace. Putting it in through the end would mean cutting a hole in the wood. I think I'd have better luck suggesting we empty the tank and lift the monster off the stand, put the sump in and then put the heavy b* back!

Maybe it makes sense to keep the fuge a separate unit like it is now?

 

[concept3]

**psst** Maybe you don't have to throw the sand back in after you place the tank back on the stand. J/K

Phyl, ever thought of going with an external pump? It made my life easier for me, and makes "adding" T's on the PVC to go to other places (like my frag tank) a heck of a lot easier. Not to mention added sump space AND HEAT generated by SUBMERSED pumps.

 

[concept3]

OH, and by the way, I only use ONE pump

minus the second Mag5 for the skimmer

 

[Phyl]

John is talking about drilling through the floor (oh where does it end?!). Then I wouldn't need a sump at all. Any ol' 150g tub will do then, right?! Would certainly make plumbing in a *Frag tank* much easier! We have a 65g tank just sitting in the basement waiting for something to do *drums fingers*.

*yelling in the distance* Put that hole saw down!

 

[concept3]

definitely do the sump in the basement if that's an option, makes life sooo much easier, can't say how your floor would take it though **ouch** if you ever move the tank somewhere else especially if it's hardwood....

You'll definitely need an external pressure pump if you do that.

 

[Phyl]

The living room is carpeted so the hardwood isn't a problem. We're thinking of taking the piping between the walls so that there doesn't have to be a hole in the carpet either (we're pretty handy with a can of spackle). The temp down there being so much cooler is definitely going to be a plus in moving the sump to the basement. Oh man.... you're talking me into it!

 

[grasshopper]

I wouldn't even think twice about putting the sump in a basement. Without a doubt, there are MAJOR advantagest to it. I would also think about sending the lighting ballasts down there too.

 

[Phyl]

Ok then. What pump do you recommend to get the water back up to the main?

 

[grasshopper]

A REAL big one. I would get in touch with Jason (the_tiler) he has a setup that goes down to the basement and then back up. Regardless, you'll need some serious pumps.

 

[Marcelog]

Definitely go for the basement. If I had that option I would have done it.

Hey Rich - When do I get my sump/refuge?

Marcelo -