Sump Tank Along Side Display Tank

[VictorMeldrew]

Hi all

As many of you will already know, i have a six foot reef tank (100gl) and i have been offered a sump tank, the only thing is i have no room for it under the tank, would it be possible to place the sump next to the display tank, would i have gravity issue's, is there a way around this by the use of pumps etc? I really want to employ the sump, but with the space i have, along side the display is my only option.

Thanks
VM

 

[VictorMeldrew]

any help with this

 

[SkiFletch]

It doesn't take much of a height differential to run a sump or overhead tank. As long as the second tank is a few inches above or below the DT you'll be fine. Even if the tank is exactly the same top level as the DT, you could set the water level in the sump a little lower and do just fine

 

[VictorMeldrew]

Thanks Ski, i forgot to mention mate, i am not prepared to drill any holes in the display tank, would this be a problem?

Thanks
VM

 

[john.o]

You could use an aquarium overflow box which work on a siphon based system. But this option is less reliable than the drilled hole. for e.g. if the power goes off the siphon will continue and over flow your sump if you don’t design it correctly, and there also prone to air building up in the neck of the over flow which breaks siphon but your sump pump keeps running over filling the main tank
Just some food for thought VM hope this helps john,o

 

[garybuk]

VM i have two overflow boxes i can sell you one really cheap if you like then you can try it and not lose out on much! just then buy a clear seal tank ( really cheap brade new) and try it with out and baffels and cutting the power supple all the time and see what happens then if it all works get baffels fitted into the sump!

Tho one thort with your tank your going have the same problem with your skimmer as it has sheet of glass going all the way round you wont fit an over flow box !

Orr what about this vm ???

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/AquaOne-240-Marisys-...1QQcmdZViewItem

But then again i sopose cause you been offerd a sump you wont wana go spend money on one

 

[john.o]

Umm I think Gary is correct you will struggle with hang on overflow box they only have a 30mm – 40 mm Hang-On Slot width, it won’t clear the support glass that goes round the top of your tank
just thinking, do you have any room between the wall and the back of the tank {your skimmer is a hang on type isn’t it} How about one of these
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cleartides-Refugium-...oQQcmdZViewItem
Would that work for you?

 

[SkiFletch]

A hang-on refugium might be a better option VM. Use of significantly lighted refugia can really help with nutrients (and stop that hair algae of yours), often even better than a skimmer. Fact of the matter is, skimmers are exceedingly efficient at removing the waste that they CAN remove, but they cannot remove every dissolved organic as many just are not attracted to the microbubbles. I rarely reccomend going to a BIGGER skimmer, but often reccomend adding a refugium.

If you do want the side-tank idea, AND you don't want to drill, your only option would be a home-made overflow box. If you're good with acrylic work this can be done (I did it myself in the 45g reef) and there's some good plans/ideas on melevsreef.com. I cheated and used a pair of hang-on fish containers like they use at the LFS and built my own U-tube. I'd do it a little differently now if I wanted to do it again, but this would really be the only way to span that extra width of a side-by-side.

 

[garybuk]

Umm I think Gary is correct you will struggle with hang on overflow box they only have a 30mm – 40 mm Hang-On Slot width, it won’t clear the support glass that goes round the top of your tank
just thinking, do you have any room between the wall and the back of the tank {your skimmer is a hang on type isn’t it} How about one of these
[URL="http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cleartides-Refugium-...oQQcmdZViewItem"]http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cleartides-Refugium-...oQQcmdZViewItem[/URL]
Would that work for you?

Thats a dam good idea!!!

 

[VictorMeldrew]

Wow., thanks for the info guys, you have all given me loads to think about. I know so little about sumps this all makes me feel new to the hobby again i think what i will have to do is take the info you have given me and do some more research of my own and maybe come up with a diagram or two, i will be come back to you guys very soon

Man, so much to consider and think about, thanks agian everyone.

VM

 

[garybuk]

Wow., thanks for the info guys, you have all given me loads to think about. I know so little about sumps this all makes me feel new to the hobby again i think what i will have to do is take the info you have given me and do some more research of my own and maybe come up with a diagram or two, i will be come back to you guys very soon

Man, so much to consider and think about, thanks agian everyone.

VM

Vm the refugium is a really really good idea! simpy but effective and easy no worrying about flooding and stuff , but on that side with the sump you can put your skimmer init heater ect ect but then you got the worrys will it over flow (with an overflow box)

 

[SkiFletch]

VM, don't forget melevsreef.com for sump info. He's got some great diagrams on how it all works including a DIY overflow box

 

[VictorMeldrew]

Checked out that site Ski, its very good

I think i have now made up my mind, i am going to scrap the sump idea for now and go for the hang on the back refugium that John'o suggested, i will get it over the annoying brace somehow. Thanks again folks.

VM

 

[garybuk]

Checked out that site Ski, its very good

I think i have now made up my mind, i am going to scrap the sump idea for now and go for the hang on the back refugium that John'o suggested, i will get it over the annoying brace somehow. Thanks again folks.

VM

Souldnt have any probs cause it hangs on the out side of the tank just need a power head in the tank to supple small flow of water then a pipe back in

Edit : just make sure the pump going back in wont get blocked

 

[VictorMeldrew]

Thanks Gary thats good to know, now i just need to find the cash to get one