Complex sump question...kinda

[luvreefs23]

If I built a sump lets say 5 feet wide and I put the return section in the middle and the left and right side each had its own equal sized compartments...that wouldn't be a problem would it? So basically if you were looking at the sump from left to right it would go 2 foot section for left drain, baffles, 1 foot section for return pump, baffles, 2 foot section for right drain. I want to do it this way to simplify complex plumbing & utilize 2 smaller skimmers....one in each 2 foot drain section. It should all act the same as a sump set up as all draining on one side & returning on the opposite as far as the return section being the part that fluctuates with evaporation correct? I mean even if for some reason one drains slightly faster or slower than the other it would just mean that drain section would have a different rate of flow & the return section would still evaporate as if both drains were on one side like on a typical sump.

Thanks

[Wingman6]

I don't think it should be an issue. I built something similar however the left is the drain area with skimmer, the middle is the return with enough for about 5 days of evap if the ato fails, and the right a fife fed by the return pump. Son far so good.

[shaginwagon13]

I suppose it would work but in my opinion thats a lot more work then simply adding two 90 degree pvc joints to one side of the overflow lines and having one side of your sump where water from the display tank will enter.

I could be wrong, but I don't see a problem really with evaporation, the way I see it, the center compartment will raise and lower depending on the evaporation.

Personally I would use one side for water coming from the display tank, the center compartment for skimmer, and then the last section for return lines. One skimmer is hard enough to tune properly, I couldn't imagine running two especially in the compartment of my sump thats always getting bombarded with hi-flowing water. Just my .02 cents.

[Borchers]

I had a center return sump. Section 1 had skimmer,reactors,heaters and a small power head. Section 2 had the return pump. Section 3 held a refugium with a gate valve on the overflow outlet. This was slowed down to give the fuge time to work its magic.

[Fish Junction]

I think it will function fine but I also don't see how it is simpler especially w/2 skimmers.

[mtcoins123]

Originally Posted by shaginwagon13

I suppose it would work but in my opinion thats a lot more work then simply adding two 90 degree pvc joints to one side of the overflow lines and having one side of your sump where water from the display tank will enter.

I could be wrong, but I don't see a problem really with evaporation, the way I see it, the center compartment will raise and lower depending on the evaporation.

Personally I would use one side for water coming from the display tank, the center compartment for skimmer, and then the last section for return lines. One skimmer is hard enough to tune properly, I couldn't imagine running two especially in the compartment of my sump thats always getting bombarded with hi-flowing water. Just my .02 cents.

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