Plumbing help

[Perthegallon]

Hello so really want to build a frag tank on the side of my cabinet for my apex but I have no idea we’re to set art or how to plumb it I have plenty of room in my sump for another pump but I have no idea to buy or get any help would be great this is what I have to work with

 

[dank reefer]

If your pump is strong enough, then you can use the same pump to run both tanks by using gate valves to adjust to flow. My concern is if your current sump will be able to handle the additional water volume that would will have with the new tank. if you're adding like a 10-20 gallon tank then I don't see the extra water being an issue, but if its 40+, consider in looking for a bigger sump for extra water volume and peace of mind.

 

[ReefLab]

Just so im understanding, you want the tank to be plumbed into your current set up, correct?

 

[Perthegallon]

If your pump is strong enough, then you can use the same pump to run both tanks by using gate valves to adjust to flow. My concern is if your current sump will be able to handle the additional water volume that would will have with the new tank. if you're adding like a 10-20 gallon tank then I don't see the extra water being an issue, but if its 40+, consider in looking for a bigger sump for extra water volume and peace of mind.

The sump can take a extra 10 gallons at least so I’m not worried about that the dc pump is highly over scaled for the tank so that’s not a issue as well

 

[Perthegallon]

Just so im understanding, you want the tank to be plumbed into your current set up, correct?

Yes I want the frag tank to be Plumbed into the tank I have now but I don’t know what to buy

 

[Perthegallon]

Here’s the measurements but I’m hoping to get smaller by a bit

 

[ReefLab]

I would have a separate pump in your sump fill the frag tank. Then I would put an overflow box on your frag and have it drain back into the sump. pretty much like setting up any tank with a sump

You can get something like this and install it on pretty much any tank. The overflow box would eliminate any issue of overfilling your sump. I'd get a dedicated pump for it though, obviously doesn't need to be anything super powerful.

a 20 gallon would fit there nicely

 

[Perthegallon]

I would have a separate pump in your sump fill the frag tank. Then I would put an overflow box on your frag and have it drain back into the sump. pretty much like setting up any tank with a sump

You can get something like this and install it on pretty much any tank. The overflow box would eliminate any issue of overfilling your sump. I'd get a dedicated pump for it though, obviously doesn't need to be anything super powerful.

a 20 gallon would fit there nicely

Would you have a suggestion on tank and would I have to drill that overflow into the tank?

 

[Perthegallon]

I would have a separate pump in your sump fill the frag tank. Then I would put an overflow box on your frag and have it drain back into the sump. pretty much like setting up any tank with a sump

You can get something like this and install it on pretty much any tank. The overflow box would eliminate any issue of overfilling your sump. I'd get a dedicated pump for it though, obviously doesn't need to be anything super powerful.

a 20 gallon would fit there nicely

Would I also have to worry about pump or can I do any cheap pump like a ato one

 

[ReefLab]

Would I also have to worry about pump or can I do any cheap pump like a ato one

Yes you have to drill it. I can't think of any safe way to set up this tank without drilling it. You can rely on an overflow with a siphon, but if the siphon breaks for some reason, the pump is going to overflow your frag tank and spill water everywhere. There are glass drill bits and as long as you take your time it is so easy. don't be intimidated by drilling a tank.

a petco 20 long would be a good option. Ive seen some new rimless tanks at petco recently also so that might be worth checking out.

an ATO pump wouldn't be sufficient. get something like this inexpensive DC pump.

 

[Perthegallon]

Yes you have to drill it. I can't think of any safe way to set up this tank without drilling it. You can rely on an overflow with a siphon, but if the siphon breaks for some reason, the pump is going to overflow your frag tank and spill water everywhere. There are glass drill bits and as long as you take your time it is so easy. don't be intimidated by drilling a tank.

a petco 20 long would be a good option. Ive seen some new rimless tanks at petco recently also so that might be worth checking out.

an ATO pump wouldn't be sufficient. get something like this inexpensive DC pump.

What should I do about return flow then?

 

[ReefLab]

What should I do about return flow then?

The frag tank will fill with water from the pump in the sump.
The water will fill in the frag tank and go down the overflow back into the sump. Just like pretty much every tank with a sump.

I was saying not to have a siphon like this: hang on back overflow box. You don't have to drill the tank with that but it is not reliable and if it fails, it would be a disaster.

 

[Perthegallon]

The frag tank will fill with water from the pump in the sump.
The water will fill in the frag tank and go down the overflow back into the sump. Just like pretty much every tank with a sump.

I was saying not to have a siphon like this: hang on back overflow box. You don't have to drill the tank with that but it is not reliable and if it fails, it would be a disaster.

Should I do one of these? https://waterboxaquariums.com/produ...IKRy6WOu9iGnDZxodgK-qAaSheclmKxsaAu16EALw_wcB

 

[ReefLab]

Should I do one of these? https://waterboxaquariums.com/produ...IKRy6WOu9iGnDZxodgK-qAaSheclmKxsaAu16EALw_wcB

Yeah that would be sweet. again, take your time when you're drilling it!

 

[Perthegallon]

Yeah that would be sweet. again, take your time when you're drilling it!

How should I return the flow?

 

[ReefLab]

How should I return the flow?

Via an overflow box on the frag tank. Put a gate valve on the main drain line on the overflow box and leave the emergency drain unrestricted.

 

[Pistondog]

How should I return the flow?

I have a waterbox 10 slaved to my main like you are proposing. Used the eshoppes overflow listed above in the center waterbox rear, only place it would fit. Cheat it to the right side, away from waterbox inlet to minimize bubbles in the siphon tube, which is the main drawback and failure to this approach. I used a cobalt mj600 to return out the waterbox return pump nozzle, but they are scarce now since they are made in italy.
My waterbox was already full of water, fish and coral, otherwise I think I would've drilled. Trying to find a less expensive leak detector than the standard apex one to sense the catastrophe mentioned above. Put a check valve on the return pump line to minimize backflow when the pump is shut off. You have a good idea to leverage your existing refugium and equipment. Let me know how the drill goes on the waterbox, if that's your move.

 

[Perthegallon]

I have a waterbox 10 slaved to my main like you are proposing. Used the eshoppes overflow listed above in the center waterbox rear, only place it would fit. Cheat it to the right side, away from waterbox inlet to minimize bubbles in the siphon tube, which is the main drawback and failure to this approach. I used a cobalt mj600 to return out the waterbox return pump nozzle, but they are scarce now since they are made in italy.
My waterbox was already full of water, fish and coral, otherwise I think I would've drilled. Trying to find a less expensive leak detector than the standard apex one to sense the catastrophe mentioned above. Put a check valve on the return pump line to minimize backflow when the pump is shut off. You have a good idea to leverage your existing refugium and equipment. Let me know how the drill goes on the waterbox, if that's your move.

I’ve ordered all the stuff recommended but what tubing do I buy for the dc pump and the over flow box?

 

[Pistondog]

I’ve ordered all the stuff recommended but what tubing do I buy for the dc pump and the over flow box?

10 to 15 feet each of 3/4" Id (overflow) and 1/2" (pump). You'll want band clamps or the plastic ratcheting retaining clips (from brs). That's if you're using the Pf nano overflow box and cobalt mj600 pump, or equivalent. If different, the overflow will list the fitting sizes.

 

[Perthegallon]

10 to 15 feet each of 3/4" Id (overflow) and 1/2" (pump). You'll want band clamps or the plastic ratcheting retaining clips (from brs). That's if you're using the Pf nano overflow box and cobalt mj600 pump, or equivalent. If different, the overflow will list the fitting sizes.

Is there any chance I can use adjustable tubing like on my return pump for my waterbox does for my overflow as well as the return for the new pump?