Long plumbing run advice.

jwalker314 · 03/20/2017, 08:33 PM

Okay, so I have a total of around 500 gallons in my basement (125 display, 120 display, Rubbermaid tubs - 50 gal coral grow out, 59 gal coral grow out, 50 gallon sump, 100 gallon fuge.

I just added a 92" 240 gallon tank to my living room on the floor above. This tank will require about 60' +/- of plumbing for the drains and returns.

My concern is that I know my sump is way too small but I am unable to purchase a custom sump at this point.
So what are some ways to handle the amount of water I am expect draining from the pipes and the pump being off.
(I already have a 30 gallon bin set up as an overflow container and it works well (also already gets full)

I also think the only way I can plumb this new tank is using the 100 gallon fuge to feed the pump and to drain the tank into.

I'll post some photos tomorrow.

Maybe someone has a link to a similar build or some suggestions.

(Tank is still cycling)

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Reefinny · 03/20/2017, 10:09 PM

Install check valves will help.

jwalker314 · 03/21/2017, 04:31 AM

Right,. I plan on installing one of the George Fischer check valves for the return lines.

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Reefinny · 03/21/2017, 06:42 AM

I have a long stretch as well probably close to 60 feet I have the check valve right above my return pump it helps but quite a bit still drains down you might want to try to consider some kind of overflow method for your sump that's a lot of water

ericarenee · 03/21/2017, 07:39 AM

The way i did it is .. The long stretch of pipe i ran down hill , The 2 inch drain and 1 1/2 Return line Came out of my sump/ pump Went up to the highest point against the floor joist above my sump and ran Down Hill across the basement then up to the tank.. During a shut off the pipe because its running down hill would retain most of the water instead of all of it draining back into the sump. I was Running a Hammerhead pump ,On the Drain line at the top dead elbow above the pump. I drilled a 1/4 inch hale and put a line from there back into my sump just below the rim with a Air check valve on it at

This was the Solution i came up with and worked for 4 years until i moved my sump closer to the tank so i can renovate the fish room..

03/20/2017, 08:33 PM	#1
jwalker314 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Landenberg, PA Posts: 421	Long plumbing run advice. Okay, so I have a total of around 500 gallons in my basement (125 display, 120 display, Rubbermaid tubs - 50 gal coral grow out, 59 gal coral grow out, 50 gallon sump, 100 gallon fuge. I just added a 92" 240 gallon tank to my living room on the floor above. This tank will require about 60' +/- of plumbing for the drains and returns. My concern is that I know my sump is way too small but I am unable to purchase a custom sump at this point. So what are some ways to handle the amount of water I am expect draining from the pipes and the pump being off. (I already have a 30 gallon bin set up as an overflow container and it works well (also already gets full) I also think the only way I can plumb this new tank is using the 100 gallon fuge to feed the pump and to drain the tank into. I'll post some photos tomorrow. Maybe someone has a link to a similar build or some suggestions. (Tank is still cycling) Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

03/20/2017, 10:09 PM	#2
Reefinny Building my Reef Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Huntington, NY Posts: 237	Install check valves will help. __________________ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrGjqZtreEPH3IvGxgfbkLA?view_as=subscriber

03/21/2017, 06:42 AM	#4
Reefinny Building my Reef Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Huntington, NY Posts: 237	I have a long stretch as well probably close to 60 feet I have the check valve right above my return pump it helps but quite a bit still drains down you might want to try to consider some kind of overflow method for your sump that's a lot of water __________________ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrGjqZtreEPH3IvGxgfbkLA?view_as=subscriber

03/21/2017, 07:39 AM	#5
ericarenee Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Louisville Kentucky Posts: 3,110	The way i did it is .. The long stretch of pipe i ran down hill , The 2 inch drain and 1 1/2 Return line Came out of my sump/ pump Went up to the highest point against the floor joist above my sump and ran Down Hill across the basement then up to the tank.. During a shut off the pipe because its running down hill would retain most of the water instead of all of it draining back into the sump. I was Running a Hammerhead pump ,On the Drain line at the top dead elbow above the pump. I drilled a 1/4 inch hale and put a line from there back into my sump just below the rim with a Air check valve on it at This was the Solution i came up with and worked for 4 years until i moved my sump closer to the tank so i can renovate the fish room.. __________________ 240+G Mixed BB Reef tank.. 350 G Marine Pond. And the expensive stuff that runs it. Chic's are for Chic's You silly men Go Fishing or something... Current Tank Info: 240= gal Reef /550 Gallon Saltwater pond 72 G Bay front Tropical aquarium

03/21/2017, 04:31 AM	#3
jwalker314 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Landenberg, PA Posts: 421	Right,. I plan on installing one of the George Fischer check valves for the return lines. Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk