Plumbing 4 tanks together

alexgv14 · 01/20/2015, 12:45 PM

I am thinking about building out a frag system that will be 4 separate tanks. Actually 5 if you include the sump. Each tank would by 100 gallons. My question specifically is about plumping four tanks together would the best way be running two long pvc pipes behind the tanks where one pipe is pumping in to each tank and the other is the draining out from each tank. The drain would drain into the sump.

I have also heard gravity feed is another option, but I have a bad feeling about the gravity feed option.

ca1ore · 01/20/2015, 01:02 PM

You can plumb as many tanks as you want into a single sump as long as the latter can handle all the overflow water when the pump is off. Connecting them in series requires height differential between the tanks so that one can oveflow into the next and so on - but you only need a single pump. You also have to work out how to avoid slat spray/splash. Connecting them in parallel would allow you to keep them at the same level, but would require 4 pumps.

alexgv14 · 01/20/2015, 01:07 PM

What kind of pump would you recommend to pump into that many tanks. Keep in mind I plan to have the majority of my flow come from powerheads within the tanks itself.

username in use · 01/20/2015, 01:19 PM

100g per tank, across 5 tanks, figure 500gph turnover per tank means you will need around 2500gph after head losses. http://www.saltysupply.com/ReeFlo-Sn...29870000148878

Chris27 · 01/20/2015, 02:18 PM

Its no different then a standard reef ready tank and sump. Each tank should have an overflow and drain going into a much larger drain pipe that goes to the common sump, or individual drains if you have the room. From the sump, a common pump can be connected to a manifold that would feed each tank. Of course the tanks would have to be elevated above the sump for gravity to work.

alexgv14 · 01/20/2015, 02:40 PM

What do you think would be the best PVC connection to each tank? What adapters would be need to spilt the single pipe to all tank and recommended size for input pipe and drain pipe are the main questions I have.

alexgv14 · 01/22/2015, 11:13 AM

bump

username in use · 01/22/2015, 12:02 PM

You just need a bunch of "t" fittings to split up the return flow with gate valves on each line.

alexgv14 · 01/22/2015, 12:41 PM

Im thinking 1.5 inch drain pipe for each tank and 1 inch return pipe. You think that is good.

woodnaquanut · 01/22/2015, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexgv14

Im thinking 1.5 inch drain pipe for each tank and 1 inch return pipe. You think that is good.

Do these tanks have any drains yet?

With only one 1.5" drain per tank you won't be able to get much flow and it will be LOUD!

Going with a system like a herbie or BeanAnimal will dramatically increase the capacity for flow.

Do you plan to plumb every tank individually back to the sump or consolidate into one big drain?

The drains are a bit more complicated than the returns because you only have gravity to move water in the drains. The returns can simply be one big pump with 'T' and valve to each tank.

alexgv14 · 01/22/2015, 08:08 PM

I plan to consolidate into one big drain and use the Herbie overflow. The tanks will be drilled to whatever size I determine. I was thinking with a 1320gph return pump 4 1.5inch drain would be enough

01/20/2015, 12:45 PM	#1
alexgv14 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Miami Posts: 95	Plumbing 4 tanks together I am thinking about building out a frag system that will be 4 separate tanks. Actually 5 if you include the sump. Each tank would by 100 gallons. My question specifically is about plumping four tanks together would the best way be running two long pvc pipes behind the tanks where one pipe is pumping in to each tank and the other is the draining out from each tank. The drain would drain into the sump. I have also heard gravity feed is another option, but I have a bad feeling about the gravity feed option.

01/20/2015, 01:02 PM	#2
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	You can plumb as many tanks as you want into a single sump as long as the latter can handle all the overflow water when the pump is off. Connecting them in series requires height differential between the tanks so that one can oveflow into the next and so on - but you only need a single pump. You also have to work out how to avoid slat spray/splash. Connecting them in parallel would allow you to keep them at the same level, but would require 4 pumps. __________________ 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

01/20/2015, 01:19 PM	#4
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	100g per tank, across 5 tanks, figure 500gph turnover per tank means you will need around 2500gph after head losses. http://www.saltysupply.com/ReeFlo-Sn...29870000148878 __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

01/20/2015, 02:18 PM	#5
Chris27 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 4,452	Its no different then a standard reef ready tank and sump. Each tank should have an overflow and drain going into a much larger drain pipe that goes to the common sump, or individual drains if you have the room. From the sump, a common pump can be connected to a manifold that would feed each tank. Of course the tanks would have to be elevated above the sump for gravity to work. __________________ Fill your tank with $5 bills, add gasoline and light it on fire.....only then will you know the real cost of reefing. Current Tank Info: 180 Mixed Reef

01/22/2015, 12:02 PM	#8
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	You just need a bunch of "t" fittings to split up the return flow with gate valves on each line. __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

01/20/2015, 01:07 PM	#3
alexgv14 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Miami Posts: 95	What kind of pump would you recommend to pump into that many tanks. Keep in mind I plan to have the majority of my flow come from powerheads within the tanks itself.

01/20/2015, 02:40 PM	#6
alexgv14 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Miami Posts: 95	What do you think would be the best PVC connection to each tank? What adapters would be need to spilt the single pipe to all tank and recommended size for input pipe and drain pipe are the main questions I have.

01/22/2015, 11:13 AM	#7
alexgv14 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Miami Posts: 95	bump

01/22/2015, 12:41 PM	#9
alexgv14 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Miami Posts: 95	Im thinking 1.5 inch drain pipe for each tank and 1 inch return pipe. You think that is good.

01/22/2015, 08:08 PM	#11
alexgv14 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Miami Posts: 95	I plan to consolidate into one big drain and use the Herbie overflow. The tanks will be drilled to whatever size I determine. I was thinking with a 1320gph return pump 4 1.5inch drain would be enough