i would like some input on filtration

[eric.battani]

I just cant seem to get straight how I want the filtration in this tank setup to run. So I thought that I would take some advice from all who are willing to share their input. Right now I have three options that I can play with. my tank has two overflows drilled into the back of the tank. So I was toying with the idea of having two different tanks underneath the stand. one for a sump and the other for a refugium. now here is where I cant seem to figure out what I want. (will it work) if instead of connecting the two tanks (sump and refugium), can they run without overflowing? I will have two different rated pumps for the filtration tanks. sump 1090 gph and refugium 496 gph. I want to think that if I use a ball valve to reduce the flow coming in to the refugium to hold some of the water back that this will work. But still I wonder if it will overflow over time. option two is connecting both tanks by drilling the tanks and connecting them with pvc pipe. having both tanks receive water from the two over flows. (one overflow into each tank) having the tank on the left hold the macro algae and algae scrubber, then as the water flows from this tank over to the sump tank on the right which will hold the skimmer, extra LR, reactors, heaters, etc. And also be receiving water from the other overflow (and refugium tank into a filter sock) which will make this tank have a lot of water coming into. so I will then use my 1560 gph pump for the return. and by using this method, whenever the power goes out, when the sump tank gets to full it will just back up into the refugium tank. now option three is not one that I like all that well. but it does cut a lot of worry out. I use a larger tank such as a 55 gallon tank to hold everything and use lots of baffles, let both overflows run it this one tank. but this will really take up a lot of space under my stand. I have a little time before I need to figure out how I am going to run everything, the stand is not finished yet. I still have to put a bottom in it, sand the whole thing and paint it. but I do want to have the filtration figured out before I place the tank on top that way it will be easier to set every thing up and if I have the space, add a couple of shelves. thanks for reading and looing forward to the feedback.

 

[H@rry]

I would not try to use two different tanks for sumps with two pumps. That sounds like an invitation to an overflow if one pump fails. I think most people who want a refugium have a section of their sump partitioned off for that purpose with macro algae and a light, but which overflows back into the sump.

If you are still in the process of building your stand you have the opportunity to plan the layout of your sump and refugium. I would forget about trying to put shelves in it and design it for the largest sump I could fit in it. I think every stand should have a door on the end. A lot of stands have plenty of room inside them but you can't get a big sump in through the front door(s). As a matter of fact, the way the person built my frag tank, sump, and stand; you have to put the sump in the stand from the top before you put the tank on the stand. If I ever need to get the sump out I will cut a door in the end of the stand.

Good luck with your project. All the time you spend now planning and asking questions will pay off when you set it all up.

 

[eric.battani]

I was kind of thinking the same thing about overflowing with two diff pumps. ( its just the idea sounded good inside my head lol) so I think i will try to connect them. and i had the same thought in mind when i built the stand about having an opening on the end if ever need be. now the shelves are not so much for storing things as much as it will be for a small 2 gallon hold tank for new fish. i have seen to many times were people buy a new fish and put it straight into there aquarium, then it ends up having something that kills all the other fish. so i want to have a way to watch the fish to make sure its got a clean bill of health. being a tank this large ( which i know is no where near as big as some peoples tanks) it would be next to impossible to catch a fish without going to some over the top measures. well thank you for your input. i have been planning this build for over a year now and its almost at the end to start the beginning. all my dead rock is cured, i have new led lights, all my powerheads for a tank this size, just need to finish the stand and hood then paint it. oh and plum the filtration system.

 

[H@rry]

You might use a small tank on the shelf for a refugium and let it overflow into your sump; maybe! On second thought, I guess it would be better to put it in your sump to start with (less opportiunity for a spill.