Sump help...

[ReefdudeAdam]

Hi guys,

ordering my custom tank & sump in the coming week(s). Need to finalise a layout for my sump. Suggested size is 50”x18hx20w. Because this is being made from scratch, I want to get it right.
I don’t want a fuge in there. This is something I may consider externally in the future. I’ll be running a fuge reactor for now.

I want you guys to recommend the split/section number/sizes.
I’ll run a roller mat, skimmer, 2 returns. An M1 and a smaller backup & to help flow.

sump layout is new to me, I’ve always been a ‘get what you’re given’ kinda guy.

 

[ReefdudeAdam]

I’d also like suggestion for pipe work... my tank builder has suggested 2 drains, 1 overflow, 1 return to tank. Does this seem right? Again, I’ve only ever had one drain, one overflow, one return to tank. What are the benefits of dual drain if any?

 

[nereefpat]

I would also recommend 1 overflow containing 2 drains, called a Herbie. 1 drain will be a siphon and the other will be a trickle/emergency. This way you can have a decent amount of flow, and do it silently. Some people use a 3 drain system called a Beanimal (guy who came up with it). There are lots of ways to handle overflows, however.

If you're having a hole drilled for a return, I would probably do 2 there too.

 

[ReefdudeAdam]

I know this looks like my 2 year old knocked it up.. but it was a quick sketch.
Something like this look like it’ll work well?

 

[nereefpat]

Naw, that drawing is easy to follow.

So, there you have 2 separate overflows with 1 drain and 1 return each, and the bottom of the tank is drilled for those pipes. That is the simplest way to do it, and that's how the 'Reef Ready' mass produced tanks do it.

If you're starting from the beginning, I would do it differently. I would do at least 2 drains in 1 overflow. That way the overflow will be quiet. Then drill the back for however many returns you want, and they don't have to be in the overflows.

For a 50" wide tank, I would just do one overflow in the middle. I would also use something like this instead of those big 'megaflow-style': https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/lopro-external-overflow-box-1600-gph-fiji-cube.html

There are other brands too, but something like that.

 

[ReefdudeAdam]

Naw, that drawing is easy to follow.

So, there you have 2 separate overflows with 1 drain and 1 return each, and the bottom of the tank is drilled for those pipes. That is the simplest way to do it, and that's how the 'Reef Ready' mass produced tanks do it.

If you're starting from the beginning, I would do it differently. I would do at least 2 drains in 1 overflow. That way the overflow will be quiet. Then drill the back for however many returns you want, and they don't have to be in the overflows.

For a 50" wide tank, I would just do one overflow in the middle. I would also use something like this instead of those big 'megaflow-style': https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/lopro-external-overflow-box-1600-gph-fiji-cube.html

There are other brands too, but something like that.

Thanks a lot.
Tank is 72”. I want a lot of my flow to be from returns.. wave makers are not allowed on the sides.. ordered from the boss. So I’ve 3 Mp40’s for the back wall. That’s why I thought 2 separate returns would dual outlet might be beneficial??
My aim is SPS dominant in this tank.

tank will be an in wall build and must be as quiet as possible! Again.. orders from the boss.

 

[ReefdudeAdam]

Naw, that drawing is easy to follow.

So, there you have 2 separate overflows with 1 drain and 1 return each, and the bottom of the tank is drilled for those pipes. That is the simplest way to do it, and that's how the 'Reef Ready' mass produced tanks do it.

If you're starting from the beginning, I would do it differently. I would do at least 2 drains in 1 overflow. That way the overflow will be quiet. Then drill the back for however many returns you want, and they don't have to be in the overflows.

For a 50" wide tank, I would just do one overflow in the middle. I would also use something like this instead of those big 'megaflow-style': https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/lopro-external-overflow-box-1600-gph-fiji-cube.html

There are other brands too, but something like that.

See amended overflows. Now surface skimming but no extra holes drilled. Overflows can be as wide as needed

would this work better in theory?

 

[nereefpat]

Oh, the Sump is 50". I like your basic plan. And you definitely need to keep management happy.

You will want to make those 2 overflows into individual Herbies, then, so that they can handle a lot of flow and be silent. Then put the returns over the back.

The drains can not be tied together.

Hope that makes sense.

 

[ReefdudeAdam]

Oh, the Sump is 50". I like your basic plan. And you definitely need to keep management happy.

You will want to make those 2 overflows into individual Herbies, then, so that they can handle a lot of flow and be silent. Then put the returns over the back.

The drains can not be tied together.

Hope that makes sense.

Thanks a lot for your help.
I don’t understand the need to complicate something more than required. The manifold in sump will run reactors and UV on individual ball valves. Other than that, it’s just making sure it’s providing enough flow back and draining quietly

 

[nereefpat]

I disagree with a few things in this video, but it does a pretty good job explaining a dual Herbie set up with returns over the back:

 

[ReefdudeAdam]

I disagree with a few things in this video, but it does a pretty good job explaining a dual Herbie set up with returns over the back:

Okay.. I think I’m set. One overflow. Herbie dual return.. no need to complicate these things now is there!

 

[Snoopy 67]

Remember not to have the drains more than 2 inches below water level in the sump, slightly less is preferable.

 

[Super Fly]

here's a very informative article discussing sump design that I read when making mine.

Reef Tank Sump Design - gmacreef

A reef tank sump can take advantage of modern overflow methods to process water quietly and safely. It will also fail-safes in place to prevent floods.

gmacreef.com

 

[ReefdudeAdam]

here's a very informative article discussing sump design that I read when making mine.

Reef Tank Sump Design - gmacreef

A reef tank sump can take advantage of modern overflow methods to process water quietly and safely. It will also fail-safes in place to prevent floods.

gmacreef.com

Thanks @Super Fly, just had a read through and it has basically reiterated everything I’d thought already. I don’t want to over complicate, but I am adding T’s and capping ends I can add to at a later date. Reactors, lines for external refugium etc.

 

[Super Fly]

Oh one more thing, if you have room I'd highly recommend adding sump return manifolds for adding reactors and just whatever you may need down the road. Very convenient