Unusual Sump Design

[Passedyouby]

I have an odd space for a sump and and hoping to have my input and output of the sump on the same side of the tank instead of simply starting on one side and flowing through the sump. My solution was a 1in channel along the back to feed the return section.

Anyone see an issue here? I plan to fill that section with marine pure to aid in the biological filtration which will also restrict flow somewhat.

Other than that anyone else see a mistake with the overall sump? Disclaimer- this is my first attempt.


Thanks everyone!

-Andrew

 

[lolgranny]

I don’t think you’ll get enough flow back there to feed the pump unless it’s choked down a lot, but that’s just a guess.

If it was me and I’ve built all the sumps on my previous tanks, I would simplify it. I feel like in the long run having all of that, especially the 1” section in the back is going to cause more of a issue then anything.

Why do you want the pump and drain on the same side? Is there a issue with the pump being on the other and plumbing it to that side?

 

[Even Further]

That 1" section would be a maintenance nightmare. Especially if that it is the back side of the sump.

I would think adding a tee off the return pump, or adding a second pump to feed the fuge back to the return section would be better.

You also need to account for the baffle and tank panel thickness. It looks like you're trying to squeeze every inch out of it. If the 11 x 36 is the outer tank dimensions, the inside will be smaller. The filter sock and return section will be very cramped if the 1" channel is there, and if the 11"is the outside dimension.

 

[Passedyouby]

That 1" section would be a maintenance nightmare. Especially if that it is the back side of the sump.

I would think adding a tee off the return pump, or adding a second pump to feed the fuge back to the return section would be better.

You also need to account for the baffle and tank panel thickness. It looks like you're trying to squeeze every inch out of it. If the 11 x 36 is the outer tank dimensions, the inside will be smaller. The filter sock and return section will be very cramped if the 1" channel is there, and if the 11"is the outside dimension.

Gottcha! Yeah i planned everything a little bigger to account for the 1/4 panes, but didnt consider the 1in channel needing maintenance! What do you expect it to need overtime? I assume every 6 months or so pulling the marine pure out to clean underneath, but thought that with the high flow rate and since its at the very end, that there souldnt be much buildup of sediment. If so i assume a sponge would help that?

Guide me!! I want to plan ahead for as many problems ahead of time haha

Thanks for the insight

 

[lolgranny]

Imo keep the rock out of the sump as it’s just going to be a detritus trap. Do a standard 3 chamber. Have your drain / baffles / fudge / baffle / return section. Simple , easy, and effective. Get a ball of cheato and a light off Amazon. Will be easy to clean each section and work on anything you have to.

You can get a standard 40gallon breeder for cheap, buy some glass, get some silicone. Bam a hour later you’ve got a sump.

 

[Passedyouby]

I don’t think you’ll get enough flow back there to feed the pump unless it’s choked down a lot, but that’s just a guess.

If it was me and I’ve built all the sumps on my previous tanks, I would simplify it. I feel like in the long run having all of that, especially the 1” section in the back is going to cause more of a issue then anything.

Why do you want the pump and drain on the same side? Is there a issue with the pump being on the other and plumbing it to that side?

More or less its a highly visible area of the home, hoping by keeping all plumbing on the right side i can keep it looking cleaner, but may be over thinking.

Agreed about choking out the pump. Then i realized, while its only 1in wide, its 17in tall. I thought about how much water can flow through a 1in round pipe. This is 1x17!

Maybe you're right and keeping it standard is the best bet though... may build itand run without a tank for a week as a test.

 

[Passedyouby]

Imo keep the rock out of the sump as it’s just going to be a detritus trap. Do a standard 3 chamber. Have your drain / baffles / fudge / baffle / return section. Simple , easy, and effective. Get a ball of cheato and a light off Amazon. Will be easy to clean each section and work on anything you have to.

You can get a standard 40gallon breeder for cheap, buy some glass, get some silicone. Bam a hour later you’ve got a sump.

Would love to use a 40g breeder. But i only have 12inches of width. Using 11 for the tank and 1in for the box to hide it all in

 

[lolgranny]

Would love to use a 40g breeder. But i only have 12inches of width. Using 11 for the tank and 1in for the box to hide it all in

Oh, yes I did notice this. I’d definitely go the easier route. You can have a very successful reef without a crazy sump configuration. On my 400g / 700gallon i had / have a lot of room for a sump. I still went with the 3 compartment style when I built mine.