most reliable way to setup sump

[Wbflyer]

Hello all,

Planning my new tank build and want to incorporate a sump. I have a 50 gal acrylic viewing tank by SeaClear and a 20 gallon sump/refug. I need to make this as leak/flood proof as possible do to it being upstairs in my house. I have a 1/2 inch supply line and a 1 inch return tube. What do I need to consider before I start piecing this all together to make it uber reliable? I've drilled the bulk heads and cleaned them with alcohol prior to installing. didn't over tighten but very snug. Will need to glue in PVC fittings with the best cement. My sump pump is a 850 gph and is adjustable with a controller. distance to the exit is roughly 4 feet.

Thanks for you input!

 

[Flippers4pups]

Hello all,

Planning my new tank build and want to incorporate a sump. I have a 50 gal acrylic viewing tank by SeaClear and a 20 gallon sump/refug. I need to make this as leak/flood proof as possible do to it being upstairs in my house. I have a 1/2 inch supply line and a 1 inch return tube. What do I need to consider before I start piecing this all together to make it uber reliable? I've drilled the bulk heads and cleaned them with alcohol prior to installing. didn't over tighten but very snug. Will need to glue in PVC fittings with the best cement. My sump pump is a 850 gph and is adjustable with a controller. distance to the exit is roughly 4 feet.

Thanks for you input!

Using the big box hardware stores pvc primer and pvc glue should work just fine applied correctly.

Make sure the tank and stand are level before water.

Tap water test it for leaks before filling with saltwater.

During the leak test, adjust your water level in the sump to allow for a power outage so it won't overflow. Make sure your return to the DT will break syphon right away to help with the above.

 

[Wbflyer]

Excellent, whats the best method to make sure it breaks siphon?

 

[Flippers4pups]

Excellent, whats the best method to make sure it breaks siphon?

Return should be just below the DT water line.

 

[Wbflyer]

Ok, perfect. Thanks! What else could cause flooding? I know you can't avoid everything but if I can get 99% of the known issues then I'm a step ahead!

 

[Flippers4pups]

Ok, perfect. Thanks! What else could cause flooding? I know you can't avoid everything but if I can get 99% of the known issues then I'm a step ahead!

ATO failures. Sensors can fail on. Don't use a mechanical float valve for a ATO. Don't attach a water line directly from a RO/DI unit to your sump as a way to top off a ATO.

I've always used a electric float switch for my ATO. "Double" from these guys. Been rock solid for decades:

AutoTopoff.com

 

[Flippers4pups]

Also, when you can, only use a ATO reservoir that holds enough water so that if the ATO fails on, your sump will hold that amount. Not everyone can do this and filling a ATO reservoir all the time can be a pain.

 

[Wbflyer]

Oh good point. I currently use a IceCap on my little nano setup. It's bee perfect for a year but maybe I should change that on this new setup.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Oh good point. I currently use a IceCap on my little nano setup. It's bee perfect for a year but maybe I should change that on this new setup.

Failures "on" are rare, but can happen.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Funny we are talking about this. I'm filling my ATO reservoir as I type.

180 total volume system with a 125 sump down stairs. ATO reservoir is 16 gallons. If it would fail on, my sump could hold that amount and not flood.

 

[Wbflyer]

wow, that's a nice sump.. 125 gallon sump for total of 180 gallons? for your display tank is 180?

 

[Flippers4pups]

wow, that's a nice sump.. 125 gallon sump for total of 180 gallons? for your display tank is 180?

DT is a standard reef ready 125 gallon. Total DT and sump water volume is around 180.