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Unread 04/29/2009, 07:08 PM   #1
pass1over
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connecting 2 tanks

I currently have a 75 gallon with a sump up and running. Overflow box, with a mag9 return pump.

I moved a 30gal salt downstairs b/c she lost interest in it. I want to "connect" the 2 tanks so they share the same water, filtration, etc.

Here is the way I had envisioned it, please correct me if this wont work or a supply your ideas or current setups please!

My 75gal overflow has 2 drains, i was going to plumb 1 through 3/4" pvc, where it will be gravity fed into a small sump in the bottom of the 30. From there it will be pumped up into the tank via some return pump (havent figured out what yet). Then it will go through an HOB overflow gravity fed into my 75gal's sump.

The only concerns I have, will this reduce the turnover from my main display tank? Since I am plumbing 1/2 of its output into another tank where the flow there depends on the pump I put in its sump.

ANY help would be greatly appreciated!


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Unread 04/29/2009, 07:13 PM   #2
pass1over
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or the other idea I had ...

get larger pump for sump of 75gal, plumb a line over to smaller display tank with hob overflow going back into 75gals sump.

I dont really want a ton of flow through this small tank, im going to turn it into a prop/frag tank.


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Unread 04/29/2009, 07:41 PM   #3
EverettReef
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Quote:
Originally posted by pass1over
get larger pump for sump of 75gal, plumb a line over to smaller display tank with hob overflow going back into 75gals sump.
Yes, this is the way to go. You want a single sump.


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Unread 04/29/2009, 09:22 PM   #4
pass1over
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I would assume it be best to T off as high as possible so the pump doesn't have to fight gravity on the run over to the smaller tank.

Gotta figure out the run length to the new tank and then i'll need some advice as to how big of a pump to go.


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Unread 04/29/2009, 09:29 PM   #5
Superstretch18
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Yeah, definitely don't do the criss-cross sump idea. If one pump is pushing even one gph more than the other, then one of the sumps is going to overflow.

After the T, you should have valves on both ends, so you can dial in the flow going to each tank...


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Unread 04/30/2009, 08:49 AM   #6
iamwhatiam52
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Easiest way to is for both tanks to return to a single sump that can hold all the overflow when all pumps are off. You can even overflow one tank into another as long as everything gravity feeds to the sump. Doesn't matter if you use separate pumps or one pump with a T and two valves.

I feed my main tank and 5 smaller ones all at different heights from one manifold returning to one sump.


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Unread 04/30/2009, 09:24 AM   #7
stylolvr
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Could you split one of the drains from the 75 to drain into the 30 and the sump? The return pump could pump staright back to the 75, and you could just valve the side of the drain going to the 30 to control the flow. The rest would just drain straight back to the sump. I hope that makes sense.

Not sure if this would work, just a thought so you don't have to buy a bigger pump.


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Unread 04/30/2009, 10:25 AM   #8
grallster
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I think having one sump with 2 return pumps is the ideal. That way if you want to unhook one tank for some reason or another all you have to do is unplug its pump and the other tank is unaffected. This is the way I do it.


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Unread 04/30/2009, 10:29 AM   #9
stylolvr
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Probably the easiest way to do it.


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Unread 04/30/2009, 10:38 AM   #10
pass1over
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I was going to upgrade main return pump, T off to the smaller tank with a ball valve inline so I can throttle it up, down or off if I choose.

The 2 pump idea would work as well, but I think id rather run 1 pump than 2 b/c of plug space, sump space, and heat.


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Unread 04/30/2009, 10:53 AM   #11
grallster
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Yeah, that is true and would work just as well, but a single pump failure puts both tanks at risk instead of just one.
But then again I am a "worst case senario" type of person, so the one pump would work fine. I would definitely go with only one sump though.


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Unread 04/30/2009, 11:40 AM   #12
pass1over
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you all have convinced me, i'm going to stick with 1 sump.
I was hoping to put the other to use as its just sitting in the garage and it wouldnt hurt to add another 8-10 gallons of water to the total system volume.

I do see your point about pump failure. It will be taken into consideration.


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Unread 05/02/2009, 04:30 PM   #13
pass1over
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ok, currently have a mag 9.5 in the sump as the return pump. It has a branch off going into a small fuge, but its moslty closed off, not a lot of flow to it. There is a 4.5 fo0t rise to the top of the 75 where theres a spray bar in the tank. (tank also has a closed lo0p for flow)

Over to the 30gal would be about an 8 fo0t run, all downhill. Again, I dont know how much flow I really want through here, its eventual use will be a prop tank for frags.

Ive had great luck with my mag9.5 so far, submerged in my sump. So I was thinking of getting another one, just larger. Think a mag12 would do what I want? If not, which one would some of you suggest? I am also open to other brands.


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