Setting up sump...

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Wayne

Hey I am setting up my sump for my tank. I already have two built in overflow boxes and a 20 gallon sump which I just siliconed one baffle into. The display tank already has dual returns and it about 52 Gallons.

I am curious about:

Inlet piping
Return piping (do I need a valve to throttle back)
Suggested return pump size
Dialing it all in

TIA

It sounds like the "dual returns" are 1" bulkheads drilled in the bottom of the tank? If so, they would work as dual drains for a Herbie style overflow. You would need a gate valve for this (about $30). You would need the drain pipes to have stand pipes so they are close to the surface. The main drain will be about 2" below the tank's water line, the emergency drain will be level with the water line.

If you choose an appropriate sized return pump you don't need a ball valve to throttle back. You can put the return over the top of the tank to leave two drain lines.

I would suggest a return pump about 375-500 gph based on about 52+10 (half the sump) = 62 gallons of water. That will give you 6-8x turnover through the sump. Any more and you will have a major micro-bubble problem considering your single baffle. Any less and your skimmer will not perform its best. I would suggest you stick close to 6x turnover.

Speaking of baffles...how tall is your baffle? What is the suggested depth of water your skimmer's manufacturer suggests? Is your baffle acrylic?