New to sumps

Jej34 · Jan 2, 2016

Hi Guys,
I just plumbed this sump that I purchased used. I've not filled it yet, wanted to ensure cement has cured. Question is, can I make the center section a refugium with the way the baffles are configured?

Again, I'm new to sumps.

Thanks

vic67 · Jan 2, 2016

Yes; your center section would the only place you could have a fuge.

Reefing Madness · Jan 2, 2016

Yup, center section is for the fuge, looks like your baffles are pointing up on the insides, your good to go. The cement will cure in a matter of minutes.

redfishbluefish · Jan 2, 2016

Agree....center section a refugium. And put a skimmer in that first section with the sock. And get rid of that canister filter!

Jej34 · Jan 2, 2016

Lol, sump is replacing the canister once I'm confident it's working.
Just fired it up for the first time, all is well but with one disappointing issue.
I have a pf-800 overflow box and a mag 9.5 pump. The overflow can't keep up with the pump, pump sucks that chamber dry if ball valve is wide open. I have to close the return valve 1/2 way to keep flows equal.
That overflow is supposed to do 800 gph. Do you guys think the 2, 90 degree elbos on my overflow plumbing is restricting my flow that much?
Fyi, no air bubbles in the u tube either.

Thanks guys

dbl · Jan 2, 2016

Have you determined how much drain down you have when the pump shuts down? I ask because it appears you have an open bulkhead in the return section. It may be plugged, I just can't tell from the picture. You may want to check that you have ample room for power outage in the sump, and that the water level doesn't reach the bulkhead, if in fact it's open.

redfishbluefish · Jan 2, 2016

I'd prefer you meter the pump going up versus the drain going down.

What do you have in the way of an overflow for the DT? I can't see it in your picture.

Jej34 · Jan 2, 2016

Did un

plug the pump to simulate power outage. All ok, we'll below that bulkhead that you see ( I will plug it)
Below is a pic of the Eshopp PF-800 overflow (running).

Thanks!

NanaReefer · Jan 2, 2016

I've a feeling your going to be switching out the mag pump soon anyways. They are notorious for being loud. I now use mine as my reservoir pump [emoji38]

Jej34 · Jan 2, 2016

To be honest, I have it on a silicone mat, it doesn't make any noise at all.

My problem is the lack of return from the PF 800 Eshopps overflow box

Reefing Madness · Jan 3, 2016

http://melevsreef.com/category/articles/acrylics/sump-designs

twilliard · Jan 3, 2016

Yup that single U tube wont work with that pump. Rated values are imo a miss conception as there are many variables involved in ratings.
I personally would go with a different overflow as the pump will be adequate for flow within the tank.
The cpr cs150 with aqualifter is a spectacular unit for hob's
If you stick with your overflow make sure you take black tape and cover that U tube. Algae will start to grow in it and endless nights will come

Jej34 · Jan 3, 2016

I wondering if adding another u tube would help?

I barely had enough room to fit that box behind the tank because like a dummy, I didn't plan for the overflow at the time. That other overflow suggested is twice as wide.

2xal · Jan 3, 2016

I ended up having to swap overflows because my single utube couldn't keep up with my mag 9.5. No space to add a second u tube. Since I added a second u tube it's been much better. Awesome recommendation about blacking out the tubes too. I got a special tube brush that cut down on the washing time a lot, but any reason to prolong having to start a siphon again is good with me.

Jej34 · Jan 3, 2016

So your saying the additional tube made a big increase in your overflow volume?
For the life of me, I can't understand how Eshopps can advertise 800 Gph when I have a 950 gph pump throttle back 1/2 way. To me, it appears that overflow is doing 450 Gph.Maybe an additional u tube will get me to the 800 Gph???

2xal · Jan 3, 2016

The drain on your overflow will increase volume as pressure forcing the water down the drain increases. You can increase the pressure forcing water down the drain if you help put more water in the rear section of your overflow. You can do this by increasing the volume that gets brought over from the front of your overflow. My problem was there wasn't enough area in my overflow to keep both ends of 2 tubes submerged to keep the siphon.