2 sumps???

[dstockwell]

I have to sumps, the HOB overflow is split to two sumps. The first sump has skimmer and chaeto in 2nd chamber. The second sump has bioballs and return pump in second chamber. The first sump gravity drains to the first sump through 1" PVC. I use true union ball valves on the drain, and control return flow with DC pump. It is not hard to get the flow balanced.

 

[MoshJosh]

I understand that, basically one of the choices I gave but I didn’t included raised up some. I just figured where a lot of the suggestions were mostly hob or externals I thought maybe that the 2 sump plan isn’t a very good process. I’m looking for any suggestions to do this due to the limited space I have in my current sump and all

I think the 2 sump idea is fine as long as you plumb it/connect it in such a way you wont run into overflow issues. If you have the extra sump and the room I say why not?

 

[MoshJosh]

OP could you post pics of your aquarium stand/cabinet and the sumps you are working with. I think mounting side by side with one elevated slightly or mounted overlapping somewhat (one over the other) could both work.

 

[dirty_south87]

OP could you post pics of your aquarium stand/cabinet and the sumps you are working with. I think mounting side by side with one elevated slightly or mounted overlapping somewhat (one over the other) could both work.

First picture was when I was working on getting the tank cycled. Second pic is from when the 180 sprung a leak (yes it’s a mess). I’m not home to take current pics but that was the best I could do at the moment. I’m picking up the sump tonight (supposedly) and the protein skimmer.

 

[MoshJosh]

Pick on the right makes it look like there wont be a ton of room, how big is the new sump?

 

[dirty_south87]

Pick on the right makes it look like there wont be a ton of room, how big is the new sump?

The current sump can move over a few more inches. The new sump I believe is 20 gallons. It’s smaller than the one I currently have. I was gonna take the ato tank and set on top of one of the sumps or just run a hose from outside of the stand

 

[xcountryx]

I don't believe you could fit 20 longs in there but 2 20's or even 2 10's would fit. My first sump was sitting on a stand. It was roughly 4 to 6 inches high. Just need to get it up high enough to have a drilled hole in first sump about half way that will overflow into the 2nd. I used an elbow and straight pvc to cut down on splash and noise. Flow is regulated by your valves from return pump and it overflow. I used regular size baffles in both sumps. Still had plenty of room when pumps went off for overflow.

 

[dirty_south87]

I don't believe you could fit 20 longs in there but 2 20's or even 2 10's would fit. My first sump was sitting on a stand. It was roughly 4 to 6 inches high. Just need to get it up high enough to have a drilled hole in first sump about half way that will overflow into the 2nd. I used an elbow and straight pvc to cut down on splash and noise. Flow is regulated by your valves from return pump and it overflow. I used regular size baffles in both sumps. Still had plenty of room when pumps went off for overflow.

Hopefully when I get this other sump it’s the right measurement, I’d not I’ll have to figure something out.

Quick question I am picking up a used protein skimmer, they said it’s been sitting for awhile. What’s the best way to clean them or what do I use?

 

[xcountryx]

Hopefully when I get this other sump it’s the right measurement, I’d not I’ll have to figure something out.

Quick question I am picking up a used protein skimmer, they said it’s been sitting for awhile. What’s the best way to clean them or what do I use?

Depending on how dirty it is. Might be able to use just warm water and an old tooth brush. If not let it soak or even run in a bucket of warm water and some vinegar. Then rinse well with water.

 

[dirty_south87]

Depending on how dirty it is. Might be able to use just warm water and an old tooth brush. If not let it soak or even run in a bucket of warm water and some vinegar. Then rinse well with water.

I appreciate that. I’ll find out here in about an hour

 

[xcountryx]

I had mine stored for a few years and it cleaned up just fine with water.

 

[dirty_south87]

I had mine stored for a few years and it cleaned up just fine with water.

Oh ok, they didn’t say how long it’s been sitting. Wasn’t sure if there would be a need for a deep clean or what

 

[dmsc2fs]

If you are only looking for a second sump for chaeto you could look at a reactor instead.

 

[Doctorgori]

I had a 2 sump setup before, what I did was raise one higher by 6” as my intake and the lower chamber was for the return pump … a lil tricky to ge t right, but not really

 

[dirty_south87]

If you are only looking for a second sump for chaeto you could look at a reactor instead.

I’ve been checking them out, still debating on this whole thing tho. Was suppose to get another sump today but the guy never showed up.

 

[dirty_south87]

I had a 2 sump setup before, what I did was raise one higher by 6” as my intake and the lower chamber was for the return pump … a lil tricky to ge t right, but not really

If I make my final decision on going this route that was basically the idea I had.

 

[dirty_south87]

I had mine stored for a few years and it cleaned up just fine with water.

This is the one I ended up picking up. It also came with a 70 gallon tank with stand, canopy, and 3 sumps for 50 bucks… deal of a century I believe..

Just judging off the picture do you see any reason to go haywire on cleaning?

 

[xcountryx]

Doesn't seem to bad. Most the white stuff will come off but I wouldn't be to concerned if it doesn't since it will just come back in your tank

 

[dirty_south87]

Doesn't seem to bad. Most the white stuff will come off but I wouldn't be to concerned if it doesn't since it will just come back in your tank

Should I clean it some before installing or just go for it?

 

[xcountryx]

I would clean it.