connecting 2 tanks together to a sump

[b3h0ldrc]

I am currently running two tanks and trying to keep the same water parameters for both tanks the same. I also want to do a diy, submerged small rubble sump that I want to run the heaters and what not in. I am trying to run my 80 gal to --> my 55 gal to --> the sump back to --> the 80 gal. I am trying to do this in order to help with keeping both tanks stable as well as keeping all equipment in one sump, instead of having double of everything (heaters, sump, pumps... etc)... I am going to be using a pvc overflow set up. What I had planned was to have an overflow from the 80 gal, move water to the 55. From the 55 gal run another overflow into a sump. I want to use one sump, one pump for both tanks and figured this was the most feasible option. Would this idea work, in your experience or opinion? Also I am trying to have a flow rate of 1200 gph - 1500 gph... In case I do use two pumps just to keep up with increased water flow, is it better to just hook up both tanks with separate overflows and returns from the same sump (using individual pumps). Would using 1.5" diameter pvc be enough? (I could experiment, but I am trying to keep costs low, so doing everything once is something I am hoping for). Any help or opinions would be appreciated. Thank you for your time, apologies for the long winded post. BTW I will update as needed as I hadn’t seen anything like this online (per my research)... In case you are wondering, this is for FW AFRICANS, LIGHTLY PLANTED... Thank you,

Ramon C.

ps...
I am looking at using http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product_info.php?cPath=27_28&products_id=1071 these pumps... I was comparing the wattage to flow rates, and these seem to provide the best flow rate for the wattage used, 2000gph @ 120 watts (2 pumps) with 1500gph @ 163 watts (single, larger pump) comparably. Buying two pumps would also be cheaper than buying the 1500gph model.)

 

[Palancar]

The only way I can see you going moving water from one tank to the next is stack the tanks then go to the sump. Using 1 1/2" PVC pipe is fine, you can move alot of water through it. Our greenhouse system has multiple tanks and I use 2 main pumps going into a manifold and feed the tanks off of it. There is a valve on each return to control the flow. Be sure and choose you return pump rated at the correct head pressure so you get the flow rate you want.

 

[wiseguide]

Depends on the location you have available. You could have the two tanks with their own feed down to the sump, then have separate pumps returning to each tank.

If you are going to have one pump, you will of course have to have a cascade from top tank, to middle tank to sump and back up.

 

[iceman66]

i've done it the way wiseguide states and it worked fine...just be sure your sump can handle all the water that drains into it when you lose power to both pumps together.

 

[wicked demon]

Why not, I have 3 displays hooked up to my fuge/sump.

 

[b3h0ldrc]

the tanks are being set up in my basement, with about 6' of clearance, stacking 2 tanks and a sump would require to much space. I was thinking if the 80 was placed about 6" in. Above the 55 but laid out in a line, with the sump underneath the 55 stand. I was going to use an overflow system (pvc) to move water between 80 to 55, 55 to sump, and (1) pump to the 80. Do you guys think I will have a problem with balancing water level. If I'm thinking correctly this should work. Or if my friend really drags it out any longer (waiting on pump) I may just purchase 2 Catalina pumps rated at 1000gph each. What your humble opinions? lol I want to do everything once in as much as possible. Thank you


Ramon C.

 

[roshi719]

It will work just fine. Like iceman said though just make sure there is room in the sump to handle the overflow from both tanks when the pump is shutoff.

 

[Palancar]

Are you drilling the tanks in the back glass or through the bottom for your returns? What will the distance be from the sump to the rim of the tank(s) for the pump head pressure? What is the GPH of the pumps you are looking at for that distance?

 

[addicted4life]

Word of warning.

I have a current setup that I pump from my sump to a 30L on a shelf on the wall. It drains to a 45G frag tank directly under it, that in turn drains to the sump.

Don't do it.

Everything you "flush down the drain" from the upper-most-tank is being dumped into your lower tank without any filtration. YUCK !

I would either run 2 pumps as an optimal setup, or just "Tee" just above your single pump and live with both tanks draining to the sump and filtration of a skimmer etc... that it deserves.

Don't take one tanks waste and feed it to another.

of course this is just my 2 cents

 

[b3h0ldrc]

getting started....

Are you drilling the tanks in the back glass or through the bottom for your returns? What will the distance be from the sump to the rim of the tank(s) for the pump head pressure? What is the GPH of the pumps you are looking at for that distance?

I wont be drilling my tanks, instead I will be using a HOB pvc overflow system. I will be using a 30 gallon tote filled with small rubble (approx. 10-15 gal) , with a return pump placed in most likely a lee's critter keeper to also act as a refugium for w/e I please to do with later on in the future. The pump is looking at around 5' ft in head pressure, going straight up to the 80 gal.

As to the "waste" from one tank to another, I have ideas that I am going to be experimenting. Its something that I actually kind of want, so I clean most debris off of one tank. And with a skimmer system hooked up the overflow, as well as sponges to act as mechanical prefilter should take care of most "floating" debris. Adding powerheads/pumps inside the tanks also for even more circulation of unwanted debris.

Now I already started cutting the pvc pipes, unfortunately my pvc cement has dried up (been a while since I last did construction work involving pvc plumbing), so I have to wait till tomorrow to glue them together. Ill post pics up asap, lol its gonna look weird, but with my situation it was the most feasible way of going about things. Any inputs are appreciated, thank you.


Ramon C.