Aquarium placement.

Turbobusa2000 · Feb 25, 2021

Hi all,

I just recently purchased 120 gallon reef tank used. The previous owner had it upstairs with the sump downstairs. The question I have is I would like to put my sump in my utility room but the aquarium by my bar. This is about a 30-ft run and on the same level. Has anybody done this before? If so do you have to put another pump under the stand to get it pumped back to sump.

Thanks in advance and sorry if this is a dumb question.

sfin52 · Feb 25, 2021

Turbobusa2000 said:
Hi all,

I just recently purchased 120 gallon reef tank used. The previous owner had it upstairs with the sump downstairs. The question I have is I would like to put my sump in my utility room but the aquarium by my bar. This is about a 30-ft run and on the same level. Has anybody done this before? If so do you have to put another pump under the stand to get it pumped back to sump.

Thanks in advance and sorry if this is a dumb question.

I'm not sure @fishguy242 @Eagle_Steve @Crabby48 thoughts

Oldreefer44 · Feb 25, 2021

Easy answer is yes. If it were me I would just be very careful that water lines are very well secured and that potential flow rate reductions are adjusted for. Would also probably be somewhat inconvenient when working on something where several trips back and forth would be required.

sfin52 · Feb 25, 2021

Turbobusa2000 said:
Hi all,

I just recently purchased 120 gallon reef tank used. The previous owner had it upstairs with the sump downstairs. The question I have is I would like to put my sump in my utility room but the aquarium by my bar. This is about a 30-ft run and on the same level. Has anybody done this before? If so do you have to put another pump under the stand to get it pumped back to sump.

Thanks in advance and sorry if this is a dumb question.

The only dumb question is one that isn't asked.

fishguy242 · Feb 25, 2021

hi,welcome to the reef..

need a little more info,pump ,drain size,top of tank height,top of sump height,
30' is a long drain on same plane

Eagle_Steve · Feb 25, 2021

It all depends on the pipe run and how many 90s are involved. You shouldn’t need a second pump though. Come out of the tank and run to the sump. Just keep the pipe run above sump height until the sump and it will drain. The weight of water above plus gravity does wonderful things.

The issue becomes room in the sump in the event of a dead pump or power outage. 30’ of pipe is quite a bit of water to account for when it comes to flow back.

Also, need to know what size sump, return pump and planned pipe size.

Heck, if you can get in paint and draw out your idea that will be best. I have tanks 50’ from a sump and on the same level, just need to know what you are working with.

the_cros · Feb 25, 2021

I am not an expert, but a pump that used to go up a floor should be able to handle a run of 30ft on the same level.

Let everyone know what pump it is and I’m sure someone can help answer.

Oh...and welcome to R2R!!!

fishguy242 · Feb 25, 2021

i don't know why is lined out ,mistake;Facepalm

the_cros · Feb 25, 2021

fishguy242 said:
i don't know why is lined out ,mistake;Facepalm

I thought you were simplifying your questions

vetteguy53081 · Feb 25, 2021

Your return/primary pump will need to be strong enough to push the water at that length. Reeflo Hammerhead and dolphin pumps would accomplish this Assure the pump has a very high gallon flow per hour as the current/pressure reduces when moving at long lengths.
Can it be done- Yes and there are a few running in a similar fashion.

Turbobusa2000 · Feb 25, 2021

I am picking up the set up Saturday. I believe the pump is a 1200gph. The size pipe I was going to use was going to be 1" from pump to tank and sump to pump and 1.5" from tank to sump.

Really appreciate the help and very excited to start this hobby.

The pics are what I am purchasing.

Eagle_Steve · Feb 25, 2021

Turbobusa2000 said:
I am picking up the set up Saturday. I believe the pump is a 1200gph. The size pipe I was going to use was going to be 1" from pump to tank and sump to pump and 1.5" from tank to sump.

Really appreciate the help and very excited to start this hobby.

The pics are what I am purchasing.

You are going to have to 90 the drains right as they come out of the tank. The pipe run will need to stay at that same height (slight down slope is ok) the entire run. Then do a 90 or 2x 45s when you come down to the sump. You just have to be sure the pipe run does not drop below the height of the sump. If it does it will create head pressure, so to speak, on the drains.

The return should be fine at 1200 gph. You will probably end up with 600-700 at the tank due to 90s and head pressure. But that is still fine. Just use powerheads for in tank turn over. Knowing what pump you will be getting will be helpful though to determine return flow.

Crashnt24 · Feb 25, 2021

If you want to get super accurate you can use mathematical equations to calculate static and friction loss to give you the most accurate gph over 30'. Also your drain will be fine over 30' as long as your gravity drain pipe size can handle your max gph. Then you also need to account for the water volume of 30' pipe length plus water volume above overflow, then make sure your sump can handle it.