Question about my sump...

Raven312

Raven312

Member
I picked up a sump for my 65g that is already partitioned. I've never had a sump before but I'm questioning whether this is too high and won't allow for proper draining in case of power outage. The first compartment, where the red arrow is, is 12" tall, which is the lowest point. Would this be for the drain or the return? I was thinking that it would be for the drain, the large middle section would be for a skimmer, and the tallest section would be the return pump section. The lowest part of the baffle (yellow arrow) is 13". It just seems like this doesn't leave me much leeway - or am I overthinking this? Obviously, someone made it work. Should I leave it as-is or take it out and cut it down a couple of inches?? As it is, it would leave me, what - about 8 gallons, if I'm lucky?

View attachment 12273View attachment 12274
 
That looks a little questionable. I would leave the water as low a possible in the return pump section with out sucking air if you are going to use it. The only way to know for sure is to try it out. Im running a 10 gallon sump on my 90 right now and when the return pump is shut off the sump goes op about 6 or so inches but its full with in the return section.
 
Put all the equipment in the sump and leave it all turned off. Fill it with water to the point where you'd like the water level if you lose power (like 2" below the rim) that will garuntee the sump won't overflow in a power outage
 
Thank you. I'll try it out like it is, then. Is it alright to have my return pump in the taller section, as it is? I was thinking the drain should be in the lowest section so that the water can get to flowing through the sump without being so high.
 
The lowest section is for the return pump. Middle section for a skimmer or refugium. Large section is for the overflow. The water will move in a downhill direction. You can put your skimmer and overflow in the large section, rubble and algae in the middle, and return in the small section. Let your tank water flow into it without the pump on to see how much extra room you need when the tank is not running. Also, highly recommend a check valve on the return line.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Thank you PPD. I've reconfigured it so that is easier for me to use and allow for a skimmer upgrade later. ATO and return pump will be in the lowest section with baffles, a mini refugium in the middle, drain and skimmer in highest (first) section. Do you have a recommendation for a good check valve? That seems to be a controversial topic; some people are strongly against, some strongly for. Those against say they are prone to failure. Not your experience?

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top