Reef sump with 2 pumps

PlumberTwo · May 18, 2023

Can I create a reef pump system with 1- pump pulling and the other a return pump into a reef system? Because my tank is already setup and I don’t want to drill the glass? Your thoughts please

WarChief · May 18, 2023

Same concept as a cannister filter. Of course it can be done. The obvious issue is the look of the hoses hanging out of your tank and matching flow in and out. Then what type of shutoff/ backup do you have if one fails?

DCR · May 18, 2023

No, at least not with a sump. The two pumps will not be exactly balanced in flow rate and you will either overfill the tank or the sump. You would need some type of automatic level control system that would adjust the flow of one of the pumps which is generally used in industrial systems

A cannister works but that is only one pump

The traditional way is with a siphon overflow box on the tank which has been around since the 80's but entails some risk if the siphon tubes become air locked (tank overflow)

BZOFIQ · May 18, 2023

The answer is no, this will never work evenly.

PlumberTwo · May 18, 2023

That’s what I currently have is fx6 for a 75 gallon tank but of course reef sump is the best way to go it seems I’m just trying to see what I can do and what my options are. I see some pumps come with a way to control flow?

WarChief · May 18, 2023

Agreed, I would not recommend it. Your options IMO would be to get a HOB Overflow to your sump and then use a standard return pump

fodsod · May 18, 2023

You can add an HOB overflow box that empties into your sump and use the FX as your return pump. Inbound side of the FX goes into the return chamber of your sump and the out bound hose goes into your DT.

I ran a set up like that for about a year and it worked fine. Eventually, you can just dump the canister for good and add a return pump to your sump if you want.

DCR · May 18, 2023

I agree that the HOB siphon overflow box is your best option if you do not want to drill the tank. Many people are fearful of them, but when I used them, I never lost siphon. I would look at the LifeReef units if you want to try it. You do not want to go cheap.

PlumberTwo · May 18, 2023

wow that’s a great idea using the canister as a return pump.

WarChief · May 18, 2023

Remember you will still have to conduct weekly maintenance on the cannister. That's why I got away from my FX6 for my reef tank as fast as I was able. Mainly the upkeep and mechanical filtration costs of the FX6.

fodsod · May 18, 2023

DCR said:
I agree that the HOB siphon overflow box is your best option if you do not want to drill the tank. Many people are fearful of them, but when I used them, I never lost siphon. I would look at the LifeReef units if you want to try it. You do not want to go cheap.

100% agree with this. LifeReef HOB overflow is what I use now (my tank is really old) and it has never had an issue. Very well made overflows that will last.

BZOFIQ · May 18, 2023

PlumberTwo said:
wow that’s a great idea using the canister as a return pump.

Canisters are generally speaking gravity fed once primed so this may not work if the canister is next to the sump.

fodsod · May 18, 2023

BZOFIQ said:
Canisters are generally speaking gravity fed once primed so this may not work if the canister is next to the sump.

Sorry but this is inaccurate. All canisters have an internal pump that pulls water in and pushes it out. It'll work perfectly fine. I speak from personal experience.

PlumberTwo · May 18, 2023

Hi everyone that’s why I want to get to the sump I’m cleaning it every week and it takes over an hour I have a laundry room below but family live in the basement I’d hate for them to complain if it’s load but I’ll probably need a larger return pump correct it’s directly below

WarChief · May 18, 2023

PlumberTwo said:
Hi everyone that’s why I want to get to the sump I’m cleaning it every week and it takes over an hour I have a laundry room below but family live in the basement I’d hate for them to complain if it’s load but I’ll probably need a larger return pump correct it’s directly below

So like I mentioned, get the HOB Overflow and a return pump and viola you are in the business with a sump!

PlumberTwo · May 18, 2023

Thank you everyone for all of your support.

WarChief · May 18, 2023

I literally just started with a canister and swapped to a predrilled tank and sump. Check out my build thread and you will see I certainly just went through this. I just finished getting my sump up properly. Don't hesitate to ask any questions.

BZOFIQ · May 18, 2023

fodsod said:
Sorry but this is inaccurate. All canisters have an internal pump that pulls water in and pushes it out. It'll work perfectly fine. I speak from personal experience.

I understand what you're saying and have had many canisters but the pump doesn't really have much suction, it is primed to make it over the rim of the tank, from there it's mostly gravity fed. If you stick the inlet of the canister into a shallow vessel next to the canister it will never pump the water up into the canister - at least the Fluvals didnt.

PlumberTwo · May 18, 2023

WarChief said:
I literally just started with a canister and swapped to a predrilled tank and sump. Check out my build thread and you will see I certainly just went through this. I just finished getting my sump up properly. Don't hesitate to ask any questions.

Hi where do I find your build thread?

BZOFIQ · May 18, 2023

PlumberTwo said:
Hi where do I find your build thread?

Build Thread - WarChief's 125 gal.

Aqueon Megaflow 125 Gallon Tank W/ 2 Overflows 72x18X22 Trigger Systems Sapphire Sump CR44 Reef Octopus Classic 202-S Protein Skimmer 2x Kessil A360x w/ wifi Dongle Kessil AP700 Jebao MDP Smart Pump (Return) (MDP-6000) 1000w hygger Aquarium Heater 2x Uniclife Aquarium Wave Maker for...

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