Sump Question

[roberts722]

Is a 10 gal tank large enough to use for a sump on a 55 gal tank?? I do not plan a fuge but would like to keep the skimmer, heater and other probes out of the tank.

If this is an acceptable tank size then I will post some additional questions. Thanks.

Jim

 

[devinf]

It should work. I don't know of any set formula to determine the size of your sumps (anyonw?), but 10G should be just fine for your 55.

Devin

 

[roberts722]

Thanks for your quick response. If the 10 gal tank is acceptable I may give it a try and go the sump route. I am just very limited on space so anything bigger than a 10 gal will not work. I will not be doing a fuge and will bio filter with LR. The main reason I want the sump is to get the skimmer, heater and other probes out of the main display. Other questions on the sump.

Do I have to have an overflow box or can I just pump water into the sump and then back out??

Do pumps and skimmers come with pluming hook ups or do you have to make something up??

How high do you fill the water in the sump??

How do you adjust flow rate to make sure you do not get a flood??

These are my concerns. You help is appreciated.

Thanks/Jim

 

[ostrow]

The limiting factor on sump size will be size of skimmer. It has to fit in the sump with enough room for pumps, water entry, etc. 10G will be tough IMO. You'd be better with a 15G rubbermaid, believe me.

Anyway, DO NOT use an overflow that relies on a pump. It WILL fail and you will end up draining your sump and flooding your floor. You are asking for trouble. If you haven't taken my advice you really, really need to look at reefcentral on issues like this.

The skimmer will have hookups but generally you want the overflow running through a pipe and into the sump, then have a small pump feeding your skimmer independent of the overflow pipe (so you don't overwhelm the skimmer). You'll just use a hose to return to the tank.

As for flow rate, overflow boxes are rated at GPH they move, as are return pumps. So you match (my overflow and returns are 700GPH). You should have a ball valve in the PVC to adjust if necessary.

Again, reefcentral will have whole articles guiding you step-by-step in setting this up.

Did you find the post on live rock for sale???

Jump on this one. This is a steal!!!
http/reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.p...threadid=281190