New Sump Questions

kylemm · 02/05/2015, 12:47 AM

Hey everyone, I just picked up a brand new elite aquatics sump for a crazy deal. This is my first complete build. Every other tank I have owned were nano tanks like a biocube.

I have a few newbie questions. The first photo I am just curious as to what these sharp hook looking pieces are for. I cannot think of a reason.

The second question I have has to do with attaching the drain to the sump. The sump has two 1 1/4in intakes which flow over into filter socks. I have a single 1 1/2in drain from the tank. The holes are threaded. However, I'm assuming I would want to continue the PVC pipe down towards the bottom of the sump. Not just attach the intake to the top of the sump and stop there. Otherwise I would constantly hear the water flowing into the sump. So my question is, how to I connect this sump correctly? Do I need to attach a bulkhead or something?

Thank you guys. I apologize for the stupid questions. I hope I explained it fairly well.

morleyz · 02/05/2015, 08:37 AM

Looks like heater brackets.

For plumbing, I believe these are setup to take bulkheads and you would put plumbing on both sides to adjust the depth into the sump.

If it were me, I would just drill out those holes big enough for my drain lines to pass through without a bulkhead, but if you want to use a bulkhead, I would at least drill it to match your drain lines. Don't downsize your drain lines to fit those holes. You are correct though, you will want your drain lines to be just below the surface of the water to eliminate splashing.

DieselJunkie · 02/05/2015, 09:02 AM

^ agree

They do look like heater brackets.

If your using a 1.5" drain I would drill out those holes to make it fit.

If your not going to use the filter socks, you could also just run the pipe in that area. However, if you ever wanted to throw them on to help with a situation it would add another hurdle.

kylemm · 02/05/2015, 12:47 PM

Thank you guys for all the help! I apologize for the stupid questions. I honestly wasn't sure. You guys are awesome.

kylemm · 02/05/2015, 01:38 PM

I am also a little confused about the sizing. Just to get a idea. I measured the hole. It is a 1 1/4 in hole. However I do not really see a option for that size of bulkhead. Do I get a bulkhead with a larger size or what?

Also, could I split the 1 1/2 in and go into both of those holes while maintaining similar drain flow? Trying to avoid drilling out the hole

02/05/2015, 08:37 AM	#2
morleyz Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Crystal Lake, IL Posts: 304	Looks like heater brackets. For plumbing, I believe these are setup to take bulkheads and you would put plumbing on both sides to adjust the depth into the sump. If it were me, I would just drill out those holes big enough for my drain lines to pass through without a bulkhead, but if you want to use a bulkhead, I would at least drill it to match your drain lines. Don't downsize your drain lines to fit those holes. You are correct though, you will want your drain lines to be just below the surface of the water to eliminate splashing. __________________ -jeff

02/05/2015, 09:02 AM	#3
DieselJunkie Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 125	^ agree They do look like heater brackets. If your using a 1.5" drain I would drill out those holes to make it fit. If your not going to use the filter socks, you could also just run the pipe in that area. However, if you ever wanted to throw them on to help with a situation it would add another hurdle.

02/05/2015, 12:47 PM	#4
kylemm Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 61	Thank you guys for all the help! I apologize for the stupid questions. I honestly wasn't sure. You guys are awesome.

02/05/2015, 01:38 PM	#5
kylemm Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 61	I am also a little confused about the sizing. Just to get a idea. I measured the hole. It is a 1 1/4 in hole. However I do not really see a option for that size of bulkhead. Do I get a bulkhead with a larger size or what? Also, could I split the 1 1/2 in and go into both of those holes while maintaining similar drain flow? Trying to avoid drilling out the hole