How high? SUMP Question

revhtree · Nov 3, 2016

Well it's about time to PLUMB the new tank.

The sump will be in the tank room behind the tank and I am wanting to elevate the sump off the ground to make it easier to access. I have never had this option as I have always had to install under the tank.

My question is this. How high would you install the sump off the ground? A few inches, a few feet, etc?

What's some issues I could run into?

HiddenUser · Nov 3, 2016

revhtree said:
Well it's about time to PLUMB the new tank.

The sump will be in the tank room behind the tank and I am wanting to elevate the sump off the ground to make it easier to access. I have never had this option as I have always had to install under the tank.

My question is this. How high would you install the sump off the ground? A few inches, a few feet, etc?

What's some issues I could run into?

Personally I love having my sump at counter top level. 36"? So much easier to work with versus having to bend down. Issues you might run into? - I can't think of any off the top of my head at the moment.

mcarroll · Nov 3, 2016

revhtree said:
Well it's about time to PLUMB the new tank.

The sump will be in the tank room behind the tank and I am wanting to elevate the sump off the ground to make it easier to access. I have never had this option as I have always had to install under the tank.

My question is this. How high would you install the sump off the ground? A few inches, a few feet, etc?

What's some issues I could run into?

How easily can you reach the back corners of the sump? It shouldn't be any higher that it needs to be for that maneuver to be no effort.

Reefer1978 · Nov 3, 2016

I'd make total height waist level. Maybe a few inches higher, not as high as a usual stand is (30" + tank).

revhtree · Nov 3, 2016

mcarroll said:
How easily can you reach the back corners of the sump? It shouldn't be any higher that it needs to be for that maneuver to be no effort.

That's good thinking!

cromag27 · Nov 3, 2016

Having it higher than the overflow drain could create flow issues. other than that, wherever you want.

Ocelaris · Nov 3, 2016

Don't forget structures , I. E. Being able to slide a bucket or bin in easily . If you have to have a cross beam on the floor it's harder to slide things underneath. If you ever plan on having a second tank like a frag tank you might want it low enough that the frag tank drains easily . Also being able to drain from the sump to the pump to a sink would be nice , then you catch and detritus build up . Gravity is your friend with water changes, so take into consideration the new salt water height. Most likely use a pump to move water , but there are situations where if you want to link tanks height is important . Just some thoughts.

Daniel@R2R · Nov 4, 2016

Ocelaris said:
Don't forget structures , I. E. Being able to slide a bucket or bin in easily . If you have to have a cross beam on the floor it's harder to slide things underneath. If you ever plan on having a second tank like a frag tank you might want it low enough that the frag tank drains easily . Also being able to drain from the sump to the pump to a sink would be nice , then you catch and detritus build up . Gravity is your friend with water changes, so take into consideration the new salt water height. Most likely use a pump to move water , but there are situations where if you want to link tanks height is important . Just some thoughts.

That's a good point. I'd go with as high as possible, but still low enough that gravity does it's job. The goal is easy access.