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Unread 07/29/2011, 10:48 AM   #1
STEELERFAN747
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Technical question regarding possible multiple sump connection ??????

Good afternoon all. I recentlt decided to change my system around a bit and in the process have found myself with a few different possibilities.

I just received an Aqueon Pro Flex Model 1 :

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...m?pcatid=22133

which I will be using the center area to house a Tunze skimmer and the last sump area will house the return pump.
I really want to incorporate a fuge but the sump is not big enough.

I was thinking I could purchase a second sump unit which should fit and would allow for me to not only have more overall water volumn but also allow me to have a fuge.

My question is this, while I know I would need to use 2 return pumps which is no problem since I have 2 return lines, I would like to know if it is possible to feed to sumps out of the same 1 line overflow.

I feel I could probably T it off but don't want to risk the possibility that one system could starve and the other overflow.

Has anyone done something like this? and is it best to T it off right at the begining of the source (high up) or towards the end (down at the bottom).

Thanks for any and all help and ideas.


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Current Tank Info: 46g, 22" rimless starphire ReefSavvy cube, Speedwave DC 790 return pump, Custom acrylic sump/fuge, set of Tunze 6055 PH's with multi controller 7095, Cadlights PLS-100 skimmer, Apex controller, Tunze osmolator & Maxspect Razor 120w led light fixture
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Unread 07/29/2011, 10:57 AM   #2
slief
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I have a sump and fuge in my system. The sump is fed by the overflow from my tank. The water travels from the sump to the fuge through a pair of 2" bulkheads/pipes which are used to plumb the sump and fuge together. I used union ball valves between the sump and fuge so that they could go under the tank in 2 pieces as this install was a retrofit. The rerturn pump is located at the other end of the fuge. I also plumbed in a bypass line that allows me to shut the fuge down without shutting the return pump off. The bypass line is plumbed into the main sump and then routed to the inlet side of the return pump. By closing a valve at the fuge and opening a valve at the main sump, the water goes from the sump directly to the return pump bypassing the fuge. This is useful for doing maintenance on the fuge.

Here are my sump and fuge prior to going under my tank. you can see the bypass line running around the fuge on the right. you can also see the plumbing between the sump and fuge.


This is the return pump plumbed down stream of the fuge. As you can see, I only used one return pump and this setup works like a charm! The water level is the same in both the sump and fuge. You can also see how the bypass line is plumbed in.

This is how the sump and fuge are plumbed together.






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Unread 07/30/2011, 11:07 PM   #3
STEELERFAN747
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Quote:
Originally Posted by slief View Post
I have a sump and fuge in my system. The sump is fed by the overflow from my tank. The water travels from the sump to the fuge through a pair of 2" bulkheads/pipes which are used to plumb the sump and fuge together. I used union ball valves between the sump and fuge so that they could go under the tank in 2 pieces as this install was a retrofit. The rerturn pump is located at the other end of the fuge. I also plumbed in a bypass line that allows me to shut the fuge down without shutting the return pump off. The bypass line is plumbed into the main sump and then routed to the inlet side of the return pump. By closing a valve at the fuge and opening a valve at the main sump, the water goes from the sump directly to the return pump bypassing the fuge. This is useful for doing maintenance on the fuge.

Here are my sump and fuge prior to going under my tank. you can see the bypass line running around the fuge on the right. you can also see the plumbing between the sump and fuge.


This is the return pump plumbed down stream of the fuge. As you can see, I only used one return pump and this setup works like a charm! The water level is the same in both the sump and fuge. You can also see how the bypass line is plumbed in.

This is how the sump and fuge are plumbed together.



Love the set up but I dont have anywhere near the room to pull out anything like that. My set up is a 22" cube meaning I have roughly that amount of space to work with.
The current sump I purchased is 20"l x 10"w. I should be able to fit another one but would not be able to make any connections like that especially since I'm using a submersible pump.
Maybe I could have someone make me one. Does anyone know someone who works in acrylic.


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First they said "practice makes perfect", then they told me "nobody's perfect", so I just stopped practicing.

Current Tank Info: 46g, 22" rimless starphire ReefSavvy cube, Speedwave DC 790 return pump, Custom acrylic sump/fuge, set of Tunze 6055 PH's with multi controller 7095, Cadlights PLS-100 skimmer, Apex controller, Tunze osmolator & Maxspect Razor 120w led light fixture
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Unread 02/03/2020, 09:40 PM   #4
kal1gvla
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hi, do you cut the bulkheads for that clean look or are uniseals?

thanks


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Unread 02/04/2020, 05:49 AM   #5
mcgyvr
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kal1gvla View Post
hi, do you cut the bulkheads for that clean look or are uniseals?

thanks
Just cut off most of the extra thread sticking out.. Hacksaw works
Just ensure you leave enough of a stub for the nut plus like 1/4" of extra and you are good to go..


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Unread 02/04/2020, 01:40 PM   #6
Pokerman11
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My set up is a 22" cube meaning I have roughly that amount of space to work with.
The current sump I purchased is 20"l x 10"w. I should be able to fit another one but would not be able to make any connections like that especially since I'm using a submersible pump.
Maybe I could have someone make me one. Does anyone know someone who works in acrylic.



Going with one larger sump is best. It's really hard to split flow into two different sumps and different returns. With that said I have tied together two sumps. Basically creating a flow thru connection between the two - like with 2" bulkhead fittings. Or use acrylic weld and put them both together and drill a hole between them.

You can use a 2nd return pump in the 2nd sump, just as long as the connection hole is large enough to let water flow thru at enough volume to support the pump. If it's a fuge Not all water has to flow thru the 2nd sump, just some.

In the end you destroy two sumps for one, and if not done right will leak. I did this as I had extra parts on hand but it's just best to go with one big.


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Unread 02/05/2020, 02:13 PM   #7
kal1gvla
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcgyvr View Post
Just cut off most of the extra thread sticking out.. Hacksaw works
Just ensure you leave enough of a stub for the nut plus like 1/4" of extra and you are good to go..
thanks


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Unread 02/05/2020, 09:26 PM   #8
tkeracer619
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No, you can’t feed two sumps off a single drain and use separate return pumps. The sumps need to be connected if they are on the same level or you will end up with an imbalance.

What is your goal for the fuge? it seems like it would be too small to be very useful. May want to use the space for reactors. Or other equipment.


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