Need a little advice...

[chad fenner]

This sump, I'm getting with a setup that should be here this weekend. I know it's a bit small, does anyone see how I could possibly make a refugium work with it or do I need to just plan on getting a bigger one eventually. This is what comes with it for a 90 gallon that is drilled.

 

[Joshua Hurst]

I personally don't have much experience, but I would think a bigger one. I'm buying tank in a few weeks that comes with a nice refugium if your interested in a trade or cash trade

 

[R_C]

I would just wait to get a bigger sump then you don't have to run another pump and the possibility of water spilling. From what I can see, if the power goes out you are going to have a lot of water coming down to the sump and maybe filling that plastic container. You might want to re position your return nozzles to prevent that.

 

[chad fenner]

I would just wait to get a bigger sump then you don't have to run another pump and the possibility of water spilling. From what I can see, if the power goes out you are going to have a lot of water coming down to the sump and maybe filling that plastic container. You might want to re position your return nozzles to prevent that.

I see. Ill set it up a bit different how would you position returns?

 

[Mark75]

I would ditch that sump and either buy or build a better one.
To be honest, that doesn't look like a sump,..it looks like a trickle filter?

 

[R_C]

I see. Ill set it up a bit different how would you position returns?

I would position them just below the water level (when the pump is running) so when the power goes out the siphon is broken quickly.

 

[chad fenner]

I would ditch that sump and either buy or build a better one.
To be honest, that doesn't look like a sump,..it looks like a trickle filter?

Alright. Thanks for making that clear... guess I don't know the difference yet.

 

[Jaycoach]

Use a check valve on your return pump to prevent water back flowing. Make sure it is a pvc valve. Lowes and Home Depot have corrosive internal parts, the Aquarium on Papermill sales them.

 

[saltrookie53]

I also have a 90 gallon I just set up myself. I used a 40 breeder for my sump.. I did have to make my stand wider than the DT itself..

 

[thejuice24]

FYI Petco is running a $1 per gallon deal I think to 11/2/16. Good time to pick up a tank on the cheap.

 

[cee]

Use a check valve on your return pump to prevent water back flowing. Make sure it is a pvc valve. Lowes and Home Depot have corrosive internal parts, the Aquarium on Papermill sales them.

You can use check valves, but I would caution you for relying on them in a salt water aquarium. Over time, little tube worms and other creatures will line the walls of your plumbing. These prevent the check valve from sealing properly. I haven't used them in years.

One thing you will want to do is simulate a power outage. Turn your pump off and see what happens to make sure your siphon break works and that the sump has enough volume to contain the extra water that will flow into it. Better to do this when you are present than learn the hard way after you wake up to a flood!

I would also put a float switch on the pump that shuts it off in the event the sump runs dry or near dry. Some of the modern pumps have this feature built in but your Mag pump does not.

Dave

 

[chad fenner]

You can use check valves, but I would caution you for relying on them in a salt water aquarium. Over time, little tube worms and other creatures will line the walls of your plumbing. These prevent the check valve from sealing properly. I haven't used them in years.

One thing you will want to do is simulate a power outage. Turn your pump off and see what happens to make sure your siphon break works and that the sump has enough volume to contain the extra water that will flow into it. Better to do this when you are present than learn the hard way after you wake up to a flood!

I would also put a float switch on the pump that shuts it off in the event the sump runs dry or near dry. Some of the modern pumps have this feature built in but your Mag pump does not.

Dave

Great advice... thank you and I'll definitely be sure to do that...