sump setup

[Baldy]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Perhaps but I don't believe the skimmer in question is that sensitive and it would take about 2min to dial it in to match the power head and with a proper manifold you'll never have to reset it. And worst case he'll still have the maxi-jet so no money is wasted.

Using a single return pump to feed multiple pieces of equipment is very common practice. It certainly would make more sense here given the size constraints.

what would you describe as a "proper manifold"

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by TheNewGuy

what would you describe as a "proper manifold"

Something like this:

[sphelps]

As for the stand and sump size you could build two sumps, one for each cabinet, and link them with a 2" pipe. Done this a few times for people with similar stands; it will allow for all equipment to fit with space to spare and you'll have some more freedom for back flow.

Is your tank drilled? Or are you planning on using a HOB overflow?

[pscott99]

Money permitting of course, better stand bigger sump. It seems like you will be accomplishing little with your size limitations, although the two tank idea sounds like the best fit. One of the big benefits is getting everything out of the DT and it sounds like you will not be able to. Just my 2c.

[Baldy]

i will be able to get the surface skimmer boxes, heaters, and 1 float sensor (ill keep one for overflow protection) out of the DT. that combined with the ease of maintenance, better water clarity (canister likes to gather air in it and realease little clouds of bubbles now and then), and more space for live rock is what im after. the sump wont be optimal, but im building it myself out of acrylic so it wont cost too much.

i think im going to set it up with 1 mag drive 9 returning to a spray bar, and another split between the skimmer and the reactor. the reactor will fit in the sump as well, but i wouldnt be able to get the collection cup off the skimmer if i got it down there.

i know that 1500gph (750gph at 4' head x2) is a bit much for a 75g, but i could always throttle that back some.

[Baldy]

and i really do like the idea of linking a sump in the other side, only problem is i also have a custom 10g ATO tank in that side thats taking up half the space . I need a bigger stand...

[sphelps]

Well make sure you think this through, personally I think the one sump will be too small but if you can make it work to your expectations then that's all that matters. Just remember when the return pump turns off you'll loose about 1-2" of water from the DT which will back flow into the sump, so you'll need about 4 to 7 gallons of extra space in the sump depending on the overflow size and flow rate. Also you'll have more than 4' of head pressure, with loses from the pipe and fittings you'll actually be closer to about 7 feet or even 8. With a smaller sump you'll want a smaller flow rate, 5x is probably the max you want.

For the ATO you can either move it beside the stand or somewhere else or run a different kind of ATO system all together. If you have an RO filter and can run a 1/4" line to the tank from it you can set something better up anyway for about $80 worth of parts.

[sphelps]

Head loss calc if you're interested:
http://www.reefcentral.net/index.php...oss-calculator