Sump - Tank Water Flow

[chris348]

I am trying to figure out how the sump and tank setup works. Does anyone know if there has been such a thread that explains the process etc?

In the main i need to know about the feed pump to the tank - return which is going to be an OR 6500 and how that works alongside the water flowing into the sump from a 3 part weir setup>

Any ideas anyone ?

 

[Colin_T]

the sump is any container that holds water and usually sits under the main display tank. Water from the main tank drains into the sump. The sump contains rock, sand, macro algae, etc that helps to filter the water. The water flows in at one end, passes over and through the algae, etc, then gets returned to the main tank by a pump located at the opposite end.

The sump doesn't need a lot of water flow and many people only have a flow rate of 3-5 times an hour. If the main tank holds 500litres of water then the return pump needs to be able to pumpabout 1500-2500litres per hour at the top of the main tank.
As water gets pumped up higher the flow rate decreases. Most pumps have a chart that shows water flow vs height.

 

[chris348]

Thanks Colin,

i was trying to find something to help me with my new setup, where there was a mention of sucking air sounds, that required some slight adjustments to water flow?

 

[Colin_T]

Most tanks that have sumps do create some gurgling/ air sucking noises. The drain design is the main factor in the amount of noise produced. Generally a smaller return pump will create less noise because there is less water flowing over the drain and into the sump. Some people have tried bends and elbows in the drain pipe. Others have a glass panel that separates the main tank water from the drain pipe. The water flows over the edge of the glass before going down the drain pipe. My cousin's tank had a tap in the pvc pipework from the drain to the sump. It was adjusted to minimise noise but maximise water flow. Unfortunately if you have it closed too much the tank overflows.

 

[chris348]

Thanks again Colin,

i think you have put my mind to ease lol... I am supposed to have the new tank delivered next week, with some modifications on it. Thought i should spend a while getting my head around the sump issue, as my other tank does not have one.

Your a star though, thanks for the advice etc.

I dont suppose you could also do me a huge favour ?

I have posted my old tank under users tanks and really could do with some corals being identified for sure, prior to moving them across...

Chris

 

[andywg]

For a silent drain research google durso standpipe

 

[chris348]

Thanks Andy, been doing some research this afternoon, still taking it all in lol...

 

[SkiFletch]

Agree with Andy, Durso standpipes are definitely what you need to use. The other significant issues you need to consider are what the flowrate will be (~5x tank size), which pump you'll then need to use (choose one with ~30% MORE flowrate than desired to deal with head loss), and finally a drain (prefferably dual drains for safety) that is(are) large enough to handle that water flow. Finally where pumbing is concerned, you need a check valve and means of anti-siphon prevention to keep your floor dry

 

[chris348]

Just got myself the first sump pump - OR 6500 which is apparently the right one to get for the size of the tank.

Your thoughts.

As for the durso and plumbing, the tank is coming complete with (apparently) a suitable system that is tried and trusted and works a treat. The technical aspect of it i am not completely upto speed on. That said, i am attending a pre-delivery presentation of the tank and sump this coming Friday or over the weekend. I shall then post some pics of the setup.

Also just purchased 35 lbs of Miracle Mud and a block of Reefresh20 for the sump and 25 kgs of fine sand for the main tank.

I shall of course keep you updated.

Does this all make sense? as the skimmer is a Deltec AP701 with an aquabee 2000 as the feed pump, that also arrived this evening too.

Exciting times and i hope to god i have bought wisely, it has taken me an age to do the research and listen to tips/advise etc.