Sump/Plumbing and basic setup questions

[Jon Fishman]

I am looking at an ebay seller (can't link while at work) who sells something kinda like this but made for a 75g:

https://www.amazon.com/Fiji-Cube-Re...aquarium&qid=1555516609&s=gateway&sr=8-1&th=1
So I can silicone and go......

If I make my own, is it Overflow > Skimmer > Fuge > Return? just separate each section? I don't plan on water-tight silicone job, so I wouldn't try to incorporate my own ATO in a DIY sump.

Either way, my tank is going to have a center overflow with two 1" drains. I want to plumb it all (preferably with nice looking colored PVC plumbing as I may ultimately choose to do a fancy new acrylic sump, and go "all exposed" look ) Is there anywhere to buy a "Kit" for plumbing an overflow, or I am overthinking it, and it's really just making the connections on the back of the tank (or under? they didn't say where, I guess it would be under) route to the sump, and it really is just some 90's or 45's ?

And the return is just a small PVC pipe from the pump to up/over the tank....... Can I drill a hole in the back corner of the tank and put a secure fitting on it so my return is kinda like a jet from a hot-tub/spa etc? so like a flush mount? I know I would need one of those check-valves regardless, so has anyone done this?

Also, for return, with two 1" return pipes, and a big sump, how big of a return pump can I get? I was thinking about upgrading to this:

https://www.amazon.com/Jebao-10000L...+return+pump&qid=1555517252&s=gateway&sr=8-10


Any links of products that would make my life easier would be greatly appreciated as well!

Thanks!

 

[Jekyl]

Baffles can be done much cheaper with some plexi from home depot and some reef safe silicone

 

[BeejReef]

You're running a 75g sump or a 75g display tank and a 40g sump?

Can't really answer questions about return rates and such without knowing a little more.

You need an overflow of some sort. Just running a hose out the bottom or back of the tank won't really cut it... particularly from the bottom of the tank is bad, bad, bad. There's no way to equalize the water draining out with the amount you can pump back up. Overflow, Skimmer, Fuge, Return certainly is the most common. There's no compelling reason I know of that the overflow lines can't share a compartment with the skimmer.

Bulkheads, I think, are what you're looking for. That's the "special piece" that seals up the hole in the bottom of your overflow. The plumbing is very intimidating. It can be quite difficult the first time you do it because a lot of the parts reefers often use aren't available at brick and mortar stores, so you have to order (i.e. gate valves, bulkheads, some fittings) online. Then there is all of the plumbing lingo... slip, spigot, etc. etc.

Then there's inside and outside diameter, sch 40 and 80 pipe. It's a pain. If you know someone who has done it, they can look at your tank and give you a list of parts and specs in 5 minutes. If you have to do it yourself, your best bet is to draw a diagram. Then go to the hardware store and try to piece together as much of it as you can (minus the specialty pieces from online) and refine your diagram where you've screwed up. The BRS video on plumbing was a big help, but plumbing lingo is difficult the first go round. I spent about an hour trying to figure out what a threaded nipple was.

 

[Jon Fishman]

You're running a 75g sump or a 75g display tank and a 40g sump?


You need an overflow of some sort. Just running a hose out the bottom or back of the tank won't really cut it... .

Thanks! It's a 75g sump, or at least it will be once I put some baffles in it. I just think a kit that will hold socks etc. will look nicer than me trying to do it myself. As far as overflow, yes, it will have one, they said they are going to put a "Center overflow with two 1" drains" so what that means as far as what comes with it and doesn't......... who knows! The tank is being made, or at least it's been ordered and waiting for other projects to finish so they can start, so if I need any modifications, now is the time!

Sump is gonna be 75g (re-using a tank I use now) Display tank is 106? gallons..... whatever 8' x 16" x 16" is..... I don't remember the exact volume. With a 75g sump, I figure the only thing that would limit my pump size, is how fast the drains on the over-flow to the tank can actually drain, or am I missing something?

Do you think two 1" drains from the display will be enough? Should I ask for more? If I do more I might have to do more than over overflow though? I would prefer not to if possible.

Thanks.

 

[BeejReef]

If there's room for three holes in the overflow, I would ask them for that. You'll do fine with two drain holes and a "herbie" overflow, but three and "bean animal" is better.

If someone else says something different, trust them. I'm new, but 1" overflow drains are pretty robust and should have no problem giving you the turnover rate you will need. Again, it's nice to have three so one can be a total emergency backup and the second can be used to drain maybe 10% of the total volume and give you a rock solid water level for your tank and sump.

The return pump/overflow equation is a teeter-totter. Only as much water will overflow and need drained as your pump can push up to the display tank. Its very rare to have a setup where the return pump is too powerful. You would almost have to try to screw it up. Underpowered return pump also isn't near as much an issue as it used to be because most of your "flow" will come from powerheads in the display tank.

The cadillac version for a tank your size would be three overflow drains and two holes in the back glass for two return lines. That way nothing is looping over the top of the tank and making it harder to have a nice fitting cover or canopy. If you wanted to be real fancy, you could then use two (smaller) return pumps. That way, if one dies, the tank should be fine with one running until you notice it.

 

[Jon Fishman]

If there's room for three holes in the sump, I would ask them for that. You'll do fine with two drain holes and a "herbie" overflow, but three and "bean animal" is better.

I have definitely heard the "Bean Animal" method is the way to go, but have no idea what that means..... off to Google I go!

Thanks for your patience!

 

[BeejReef]

It's the kind of thing that's hard to explain in words, but is so simple when you see it happen. If you can find someone who has a tank up and running and you can watch them turn off their power strip and then back on, it will make all the sense in the world.

 

[Jon Fishman]

Does anyone have links where I can find different colored (orange perhaps) PVC and connectors (Gray or black) ?

 

[FishyFish]

Does anyone have links where I can find different colored (orange perhaps) PVC and connectors (Gray or black) ?

Hi! I'm working on plumbing my first sump too. I was actually pricing colored pipes earlier today, Home Depot had the best prices for the color I wanted (blue). They also sell orange PVC pipe. Walmart also has them for the same price. I haven't priced the fittings yet but if I find any good deals I'll let you know.

You probably already know this but don't count on being able to buy all of this in the store, I scoped out Home Depot and Lowes earlier today, they only sold white pipe in the stores and didn't have a very big selection on the cool grey schedule 80 fittings.

Also check out this video if you're interested in bean animal style overflows. I found it really helpful, he does a great job breaking down the information for people with no plumbing knowledge. Best of luck to us both!

 

[Jon Fishman]

Thanks! I just put the deposit on my new tank down yesterday, so I feel like the project has officially begun!