DIY dual overflow

[MoreDakka]

Hey all,

Just getting into this fish tank stuff. Had our 45g running for about 6 months. 33lbs of live rock from Tonga.

The setup I have works but the HOB filter and protein skimmer are ugly and the protein skimmer is really noisy. So this prompted me to get a sump system going. Got me a Little 10g tank that I'm going to baffle off and put a refugium and a sponge filter in it with my protein skimmer

Just got The pieces for the dual overflows. The 2" abs isnt in the pics but here is the start.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2bo...k1Nkx3c1U/edit

till not complete but now this leads into a question about my tiny sump.

First off here is the dual overflow running (nothing glued, I like seeing it run before getting it into the system).

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2bo...it?usp=sharing

Missing the auto-start system (hose drilled through the top of each side then connected to an air pump or powerhead)

Here is the question about the sump:
It's only a 10g sump as that's all I can fit under the cabinet. Here is a pic:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2bo...it?usp=sharing

Now the spacing I've written on the tape there ( 4" - 1" - 1" - 7.25" - 7.5"). The right most will be the skimmer, middle will be live rock, baffles then return pump. So the question, will this work? I need a small skimmer, was looking at the NAC3.5 Cone or the NAC6 (might fit 7.5x9.5 is max size if that whole area used). Leaning toward the NAC3.5 as it's price is more my area. Tank is a 45g and sump of 10g water volume of 50g ish I would think so the NAC3.5 would work but will it wooork.

Was also wondering if I should have some sort of foam filters to filter out large particulates that make it into the sump and where I would put that?

Thanks.

[daplatapus]

Greetings and welcome to Canreef!
For photo sharing, it's best to open a photobucket account and use the "IMG" links then the pics are right in your post, people don't have to click the links to see the pics.
Right now your pic links aren't valid

As to your last question, you'd be better off using 4" filter socks if you can fit them in than using foam filters I think. Easier to clean and not so much traps for detritus.

[tom123]

I agree with the above reply.

Also, though; why are you putting live rock in the sump? I remember being told that it was useless to put it in the sump if you already had it in the tank. Maybe some other people can give input on that?

Welcome to Canreef, btw!

[MoreDakka]

Well, not sure what's up with forums these days but I can't edit my posts...

Anyways here are the pics instead of links.

My current tank, somewhat blah but we can't afford all the big corals and I just killed an Acro frag with high nitrates. However my hammer is doing quite well.


The soon to be sump


Dual overflow working well.

[MoreDakka]

Originally Posted by tom123

I agree with the above reply.

Also, though; why are you putting live rock in the sump? I remember being told that it was useless to put it in the sump if you already had it in the tank. Maybe some other people can give input on that?

Welcome to Canreef, btw!

From my understanding of sumps (which is low btw) the extra live rock will help with keeping the nitrates low. Should I not worry about live rock in the sump?

[FishyFishy!]

If those are plastic/acrylic dividers in that sump, be prepared to replace them, or have to tear down the sump to re-silicone them in. I did the same thing, and 6 months down the road all the dividers had come loose. Silicone has a very poor bond to acrylic.

If you're thinking long term, might want to consider glass baffles.

Ever considered just drilling the tank and making a normal overflow? That contraption, though it looks like it is working well, would scare the crap out of me lol. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

[hillegom]

I agree with fishyfishy.
That "contraption" is scary. If the power went out and you lost your siphon, the tank will overflow. You should have separate returns for each overflow.
Here is a link for a DIY overflow

http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/overflow.html

[Reef Pilot]

Here is a PVC overflow I used when I had a refugium connected to my sump. http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...846#post794846

You need to be sure it is self priming, and can't collect bubbles that might break the siphon.

[newsaltfan]

i would seriously consider spliting the overflow drain into two. if the overflow gets blocked past your "T" you're screwed.... at least if they are plumbed individually you have redundancy. i have had no issues with my DIY system which is like yours but individually plumbed.

[MoreDakka]

Originally Posted by hillegom

I agree with fishyfishy.
That "contraption" is scary. If the power went out and you lost your siphon, the tank will overflow. You should have separate returns for each overflow.
Here is a link for a DIY overflow

http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/overflow.html

I thought of trying to build one of those instead but acrylic isn't the cheapest and I'm no good at working with materials like that. This works the same and is cheaper...just doesn't really look as nice. Hence why this is outside and I'll have it running for weeks before I allow it into the house. It works really well.

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Here is a PVC overflow I used when I had a refugium connected to my sump. http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...846#post794846

You need to be sure it is self priming, and can't collect bubbles that might break the siphon.

I will be doing the same thing you did, connect an air hose to the return pump to make sure that if there are bubbles that they will be taken care of. Either the return pump or some other automatic means of auto-starting the system. Cause right now it's a pain. However for me to break the system I have to pull the whole thing out of the water. It works really well, I'm surprised at how well it works.

Originally Posted by newsaltfan

i would seriously consider spliting the overflow drain into two. if the overflow gets blocked past your "T" you're screwed.... at least if they are plumbed individually you have redundancy. i have had no issues with my DIY system which is like yours but individually plumbed.

I hadn't thought of things blocking it that far down, it goes from 1" -> 1.25" at that point to allow more flow. What are the chances of something getting past the screens and down there to a point where a 1.25" pipe won't push it through?

I've added another piece but it's pouring rain and can't show it off. I'll get more pics tomorrow.

PS - canreef forums are much better than reefcentral. They seem stuck up over there and no one wants to talk to or assist newbs... Thanks all.