Separate Double Sumps

[tony_caliente]

Unfortunately, my stand has a center brace precluding me from installing a larger sump unless it is from the rear (which is no longer an option).

I was thing about a second sump like a 15g or 20H to house my skimmer.

Any one have any thoughts on this?

 

[lilrobb]

Show some pics of the stand - there is always a way of getting a large sump in.

 

[weaglereefer]

Get an external skimmer.

 

[mockery]

Here are a couple other ideas you might be able to try. Depending on you stand.
http://www.melevsreef.com/install_sump.html">http://www.melevsreef.com/install_sump.html</a>
And here is another about little way down.

 

[acroholic]

Hi Tony,
How about this. Did you see the acrylic cube I am using for my ATF?

It measures 16L x 14W x 15H and holds 15.5 gallons. Creation Reef sells them. About $100 each after ARC discount. Get two of them and install a 1 1/4 inch or 1 1/2 inch bulkhead on each and connect them with a hose. Instant split sump. Use one for intake and the other for the return.
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[rbredding]

I'm actually contemplating something like that^^

 

[tony_caliente]

I knew there would be no shortage of great advice! I like the double acrylic cube idea. I have the tools to cut out the side but worry about messing it up. My skimmer is external (or internal), but I don't want it exposed for aesthetic reasons. That Mel's Reef link is something else! Thanks for great advice....nothing beats experince.

 

[seedless reefer]

Tony, I had the same problem with my 125 stand.

I ran three seperate tanks plumbed together under the stand one for overflow, one for fuge and one for return it never worked right.

I wanted a 55 under there but that center brace kept me from doing anything so one day I said the hell with it took a floor jack supported the stand and tok a hammer to the center brace.

I put the 55 gallon in put the brace and door back on with a brad gun removed the jack and moved on with my life.

I got the idea from melevsreef.com where you can find an article on the same exact operation.

Good luck.

 

[seedless reefer]

Here is a link to the story at melevs:

 

[tnyga]

I like that!

Acroholic;472582 wrote: Hi Tony,
How about this. Did you see the acrylic cube I am using for my ATF?

It measures 16L x 14W x 15H and holds 15.5 gallons. Creation Reef sells them. About $100 each after ARC discount. Get two of them and install a 1 1/4 inch or 1 1/2 inch bulkhead on each and connect them with a hose. Instant split sump. Use one for intake and the other for the return.

 

[tnyga]

What about putting in a temp brace, cut out the center, install and reinstall old brace?

 

[acroholic]

tnyga;472679 wrote: What about putting in a temp brace, cut out the center, install and reinstall old brace?

I got the idea that the brace was vertical load supporting member, but I could be wrong.

 

[tony_caliente]

You, Loren, are a much braver person the me. It's great to learn about your success!
Thank you

 

[oz]

With 2 sumps, I'd put 2 drains from sump #1 to sump #2 just in case depending on what you have in sump #1 as I assume one will have some filter type media (rock/fuge/socks/etc) setup. That way if you put the skimmer in sump #2, you could have it drain back into sump #1. this would help with microbubbles as well.

 

[william1]

Sump two would have to be elevated above sump one.

 

[mvm]

No it wouldn't. If the return pump is in sump 2, it will be fed with water from sump 1, right?

 

[oz]

MvM;472750 wrote: No it wouldn't. If the return pump is in sump 2, it will be fed with water from sump 1, right?

He may be referring to the height of the return line from the skimmer if its in the sump #2.

I would raise the skimmer in the sump enough for the output go over the top to sump #1. OR you could put another bulkhead connection for the skimmer output to sump #1 above the water line if there are height restrictions with the skimmer as is.

If possible, raising the skimmer in sump #2 would allow for a higher operating water volume too.

 

[tony_caliente]

I think I may just get a 14G glass tank from wal-mart for $50 and use that to house my skimmer. I have a very simple 55g system; I perform almost everything manually; and dare I say, use bio-balls! LOL. I was wondering if any of the ATO have magnetic mounts, so I don't have to drill. I am learning a lot of you guys/gals...thank you!

I only have 11 inched ID to paly with, by 19 long.

 

[weaglereefer]

There are some float switch sensors on Marine Depot that use suction cups. You could take the cups off and glue on epoxy coated magnets, like from Bulk Reef Supply and have yourself a good setup for &lt;$20.

I made my own brackets out of acrylic during a power outage last year, not to bad of a project.