Adding a sump to an existing tank

webersp · 08/18/2013, 12:22 PM

Hello,

I have a 29 gallon standard reef, I'm pretty unsatisfied with all of my equipment being out in the open, so I'm thinking about adding a sump. The tank isn't drilled, so I'd have to add a HOB overflow.

I'm wondering if anybody has had any experience with these? I'm thinking of an EShopps PF-300, what's the likelihood of the siphon breaking? My biggest concern is having water spilled all over my floor.

Thanks!

Fitz19d · 08/18/2013, 01:22 PM

My 55g has a HOB overflow. I've never had a flood. Early on had a close call. They usually can adjust where they hang and you want it in the right place to keep it at full siphon. I've found mine now and then (usually once in a few months) will start collecting air in the utube. I just proactively restart the siphon or even just thread air tubing up it and suck out the air.

A. Grandis · 08/18/2013, 01:36 PM

I had a CPR for many years without absolutely any type of trouble.
You can use an Aqua Lifter pump to remove the air from pipe, if you want.
DF&S has it on sale now. Good deal!

Grandis.

webersp · 08/18/2013, 03:58 PM

So maybe this is a stupid question, but what exactly causes the siphon to break?

I'd rather just get another 29g tank and drill it, but I don't have the equipment and I've been searching on CL and local reef forums looking for one forever with no luck. I would really like to have a sump again.

A. Grandis · 08/18/2013, 07:43 PM

Small air bubbles in in the tube.
They stay on the top part of the tube and could affect the flow and in some cases it could stop the flow.
Another reason to use the pump is because sometimes when there is no electricity for a while the syphon doesn't work when it comes back. The pump removes the air trapped and then the syphon will be back to normal fast. It's a measure of safety.

Grandis.

webersp · 08/18/2013, 10:05 PM

I have an extra aqualifter laying around. How exactly do you use it to remove air from the siphon?

This is new to me, I've never had a sump on an undrilled tank.

Thanks!

Fitz19d · 08/18/2013, 11:04 PM

I imagine you'd turn it on if theres air to drain, or you could run it non stop if you had the out hose directed into the sump or something. (Sucks out air if it's there, otherwise drizzles water)

webersp · 08/19/2013, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fitz19d

I imagine you'd turn it on if theres air to drain, or you could run it non stop if you had the out hose directed into the sump or something. (Sucks out air if it's there, otherwise drizzles water)

Got it, that's probably what I'll do. I want to add a sump badly, but I definitely don't want a floor full of tank water.

08/18/2013, 12:22 PM	#1
webersp Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 74	Adding a sump to an existing tank Hello, I have a 29 gallon standard reef, I'm pretty unsatisfied with all of my equipment being out in the open, so I'm thinking about adding a sump. The tank isn't drilled, so I'd have to add a HOB overflow. I'm wondering if anybody has had any experience with these? I'm thinking of an EShopps PF-300, what's the likelihood of the siphon breaking? My biggest concern is having water spilled all over my floor. Thanks!

08/18/2013, 01:36 PM	#3
A. Grandis Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Honolulu Posts: 3,418	I had a CPR for many years without absolutely any type of trouble. You can use an Aqua Lifter pump to remove the air from pipe, if you want. DF&S has it on sale now. Good deal! Grandis. __________________ Cartoon names + 1-5 polyps on white plugs = easy money!!! Really? Try to become a reefer, not a "plugger", please! Don't forget that LEDs are actually the shop lights nowadays!! Try HOT5s!

08/18/2013, 07:43 PM	#5
A. Grandis Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Honolulu Posts: 3,418	Small air bubbles in in the tube. They stay on the top part of the tube and could affect the flow and in some cases it could stop the flow. Another reason to use the pump is because sometimes when there is no electricity for a while the syphon doesn't work when it comes back. The pump removes the air trapped and then the syphon will be back to normal fast. It's a measure of safety. Grandis. __________________ Cartoon names + 1-5 polyps on white plugs = easy money!!! Really? Try to become a reefer, not a "plugger", please! Don't forget that LEDs are actually the shop lights nowadays!! Try HOT5s!

08/18/2013, 01:22 PM	#2
Fitz19d Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Frederick Colorado Posts: 475	My 55g has a HOB overflow. I've never had a flood. Early on had a close call. They usually can adjust where they hang and you want it in the right place to keep it at full siphon. I've found mine now and then (usually once in a few months) will start collecting air in the utube. I just proactively restart the siphon or even just thread air tubing up it and suck out the air.

08/18/2013, 03:58 PM	#4
webersp Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 74	So maybe this is a stupid question, but what exactly causes the siphon to break? I'd rather just get another 29g tank and drill it, but I don't have the equipment and I've been searching on CL and local reef forums looking for one forever with no luck. I would really like to have a sump again.

08/18/2013, 10:05 PM	#6
webersp Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 74	I have an extra aqualifter laying around. How exactly do you use it to remove air from the siphon? This is new to me, I've never had a sump on an undrilled tank. Thanks!

08/18/2013, 11:04 PM	#7
Fitz19d Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Frederick Colorado Posts: 475	I imagine you'd turn it on if theres air to drain, or you could run it non stop if you had the out hose directed into the sump or something. (Sucks out air if it's there, otherwise drizzles water)