Pump chamber size for external pump

MikeInToronto · 03/21/2017, 02:58 PM

Looking for some opinions. I'm converting a tank (48x18x20 lxwxh) into a basic 3 chamber sump per below.

http://gmacreef.com/wp-content/uploa...m-gmacreef.jpg

The pump is an external PanWorld 200PS, so 1750 gph (max). (Display is 72x24x30" if that's important).

I was wondering how large you think the pump chamber should be. I was going to go with 8x18x10". Haven't built a sump with an external pump in many years.

Thanks for any help/opinions!

MikeInToronto · 03/21/2017, 03:02 PM

Please also feel free to comment on the sizes of the other chambers. Or even a different sump design. My skimmer is 9.9 x 11.6 (Bubble Magus Curve A9 DC).

Thanks!

Vinny Kreyling · 03/21/2017, 05:22 PM

Mine is 2 sections because I wanted to use chaeto,
so its a 1' x 2' & a 3' x 2'
Many use Rubbermade tubs with no baffles.
Whatever works for you.

thirsty saltine · 03/21/2017, 05:52 PM

I wouldn't think it would need to be too big since its main function after the bubble trap would just be for holding water for evaporation and to get water to the external pump, so maybe 6 or seven inches so you can put some chaeto or something in there with the bulkhead to get to the pump.

ca1ore · 03/21/2017, 06:06 PM

It's really up to you. The advantage of a bigger return section is that it will 'last longer' before needing top off. Given the reliability of ATO units, this benefit is dubious;

thirsty saltine · 03/21/2017, 06:18 PM

agreed, a solid diy autotop off is super easy to do or just purchase one, I got mine from autotopoff.com and love it.

MikeInToronto · 03/21/2017, 07:39 PM

Thanks for all of the replies. My biggest concern is the amount of water that will flow through the chamber into the pump. I wonder about the amount of splashing. Maybe I'm over analyzing it.

03/21/2017, 02:58 PM	#1
MikeInToronto Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 147	Pump chamber size for external pump Looking for some opinions. I'm converting a tank (48x18x20 lxwxh) into a basic 3 chamber sump per below. http://gmacreef.com/wp-content/uploa...m-gmacreef.jpg The pump is an external PanWorld 200PS, so 1750 gph (max). (Display is 72x24x30" if that's important). I was wondering how large you think the pump chamber should be. I was going to go with 8x18x10". Haven't built a sump with an external pump in many years. Thanks for any help/opinions!

03/21/2017, 05:22 PM	#3
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Mine is 2 sections because I wanted to use chaeto, so its a 1' x 2' & a 3' x 2' Many use Rubbermade tubs with no baffles. Whatever works for you. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

03/21/2017, 06:06 PM	#5
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	It's really up to you. The advantage of a bigger return section is that it will 'last longer' before needing top off. Given the reliability of ATO units, this benefit is dubious; __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

03/21/2017, 03:02 PM	#2
MikeInToronto Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 147	Please also feel free to comment on the sizes of the other chambers. Or even a different sump design. My skimmer is 9.9 x 11.6 (Bubble Magus Curve A9 DC). Thanks!

03/21/2017, 05:52 PM	#4
thirsty saltine Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Mount Airy, NC Posts: 61	I wouldn't think it would need to be too big since its main function after the bubble trap would just be for holding water for evaporation and to get water to the external pump, so maybe 6 or seven inches so you can put some chaeto or something in there with the bulkhead to get to the pump.

03/21/2017, 06:18 PM	#6
thirsty saltine Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Mount Airy, NC Posts: 61	agreed, a solid diy autotop off is super easy to do or just purchase one, I got mine from autotopoff.com and love it.

03/21/2017, 07:39 PM	#7
MikeInToronto Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 147	Thanks for all of the replies. My biggest concern is the amount of water that will flow through the chamber into the pump. I wonder about the amount of splashing. Maybe I'm over analyzing it.