What would you do if you were me? Help me decide!

[traumajeff]

I just got my dream tank. I purchased a 240g acrylic in great condition. I want to refinish the stand before I set it up, and in the meantime, I need help with a sump and return pumps.

It currently has a 3 foot, 3 chamber sump with two external pumps on it. One of the returns is plumbed through a uv sterilizer. There's honestly nothing extremely wrong with the way things are. I just want a little more sump and I'm not 100% sold on external pumps.

On my current setup (125g), I plumbed a 2 chamber and 3 chamber sump together. I use an internal return pump. In the 3 chamber, I have my reactors and skimmer. I use the 2 chamber as a refugium. I have had good success with this method and I kind of want to stay with it.

So my choices are...
1: leave the new setup as it is (not keen on external pumps)
2: plumb the existing 3 chamber and my 3 chamber together and use one as mechanical and the other as a fuge
(If I do this, should I use internal return pumps, or keep the external)

I'm leaning towards #2. I've never used external pumps though. I know they can theoretically be more powerful, but I'd probably go with two internal... I'm sure I could do ok rate wise. If I used the external pumps, I could make the double sump work, it'd just be a little trickier.

Any ideas are welcome!

I should note, that every time I look at my 125g, I think sump! I may still convert it, even though I want to sell it and use the money for more toys.

 

[saltyphish]

I would go bigger with the sump for sure. That 125 would have plenty of room for some nice microalgae. Maybe turn it into a display sump since there is lots of room with potential. But, I like new toys too!

 

[Vivid Aquariums Verified Sponsor]

Congratulations on your new tank.

There is really no such thing as too much sump. Your plan to connect the two sumps is a good one. Just use two or three 2" pipes or a 3" pipe to connect them so they flow freely between one another. We have had external pumps running in our store for a decade without problems. I have also used them on many setups over the years. Reeflo makes many good external pumps that are reliable and quiet. With that being said I would consider the new Ecotech Vectra L1 or M1. You could probably use two on your 240 for added flow and redundancy. They can be run externally or submersed so you have options with them. They also run very quiet and draw only 80 - 130 watts depending on the model. If you have further questions just give me a ring at the shop.

Dave

 

[Kungpaoshizi]

#2
As far as external pumps running 24/7, I see more chances for a flood waiting to happen when I look at external pumps..

 

[red reef]

I like the idea that Dave has. Redundancy is a GREAT thing, and I am also looking at the Vectra L1 pump as a second return to my 360 gal display.

 

[traumajeff]

I like the idea that Dave has. Redundancy is a GREAT thing, and I am also looking at the Vectra L1 pump as a second return to my 360 gal display.

I think I'm heading that way. One sump mechanical and the other as a fuge. I have a jebao return now, but I'm really liking the Vectras. Definitely dual pumps! It really does make sense to keep them internal... easier to plumb the sumps together and less chance of leaking. Still considering converting the 125g... I'd have to do it all in one day though! I don't have anywhere to put my frags in the meantime

 

[Kungpaoshizi]

I know others who would curse me for saying it, but I enjoy internal pumps as well because they contribute to the heat in the tank so the heater doesn't have to work so much (of course that's only positive to a certain point, I've seen mag pumps replace heaters and the guy still needed a chiller lol)