/ Register

  1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

120 gallon sumps ????

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by CREYNOLDS, Sep 23, 2011.

  1. Sep 23, 2011 #1
    CREYNOLDS

    CREYNOLDS

    184
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Ok what does everyone think. Fiinally getting back to this 120 build. Setting the sumps up now, going to use two 20 gallon long tanks. One will house the skimmer, rock and return pump. With one live inlet from main tank and one over flow line. The second 20 gallon long will have a direct inlet from main tank, and gravity feed in to the sump with the return pump. This will be the fuge. I have to be creative on this one not a lot of room. So the one sump with the skimmer and return pump will be sitting on the bottom of the stand, here is the tricky part the second sump will be built on a stand inside the main stand to staggred over the main sump. This allows me to still have tub for top off water and still have room under the hovering sump for euip. Hope everyone can follow my madness. No thoughts concerns, am I crazy?????
     
  2. Sep 23, 2011 #2
    AJ

    AJ Inactive User

    5,011
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    OK...so is all your water going to one sump, then the next, or are you feeding both of them with water from the display? I'm not sure how that would work with having water going separately to the two separate tanks. Theoretically, it shouldn't be an issue as long as you have a single return pump in the lower sump and gravity feeding the water from the upper sump to the lower (I think that's what you said, right?) You will get into trouble when you start using pumps to feed water between two "sumps" as it opens up a whole can of potential problems. Personally, I would recommend a single flow for the water as I would think that it would be easier to control and troubleshoot, but the dual flow with the single return pump should also work. Sounds like an interesting design. Make sure and send pics when you get it set up!

    --AJ

     
  3. Sep 23, 2011 #3
    Andy The Reef Guy

    Andy The Reef Guy Inactive User

    2,581
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I get ya. The only potential problem I could see with this is that you're going to only be able to run about 4" of water in your 20 gallon sump in order to accomodate the event of a power outage and avoid spilling over. That means an ATO is imperative to keep your return pump and skimmer pump drowned so you you don't burn them out. Second thing, is practicality and expansion, it's going to be a real ***** to get in there and service anything, and you won't be able to add much onto that system. The wiring will (inevitably with all tanks) become a total mess over time.

    Otherwise...yeah I've considered this configuration myself. How tall are you going to build that stand anyways? Gonna have to be at least 32" I would imagine.
     
  4. Sep 24, 2011 #4
    CREYNOLDS

    CREYNOLDS

    184
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Yes I do have dual overflows. What I made was a coast to coast calfo system. So the left water inlet will feed the fuge, will will gravity feed in to the main sump with the return pump and skimmer. My stand is Around 40 inch tall, I have plenty of height. As of now under the fuge I have a 10 gallon tank for top off. So has of now I have it mocked up, it might work. I guess will see. The only issue is if I cant get enough water in to the main sump for the skimmer to work right. I can control how much water is getting skimmed from the overflows with 90 elbows. So in the event the power goes out I dont have a mass overflow issue. Should finish the plumbing today. Then start the work work and sand next week, so maybe two weeks start putting water in it. Any other toughts so far?
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...