Basement Sump Planning Need Input

I am pondering the idea of moving the sump for my 90g into the basement, however the most direct route is going through about 3 feet of heating/cooling duct. I am wondering opinions on whether this will cause too much fluctuation in temperature during summer and winter months ( I live in upstate NY, so cold winters). The basement runs substantially cooler than the house int he winter. I would run insulation over the piping from the sump and through the ducting to minimizing heat exchange. Thoughts?

 

Is there an alternate route? I would think even being insulated, being around all that heat would make a pretty big difference.
Here's my set up:

 

Unfortunately this is the best and pretty much only route.

 

It will probably have an impact. The good news? It's the impact you want it to have. If heat is running through the duct then chances are the tank needs heat. If cold air... same, same.

However, I don't believe it will cause fluctuations significant enought to cause any sort of problem and will help keep the temp where you want it during the extremes of weather. I wouldn't insulate.

Your biggest issue is going to be heating during winter. My remote sump room gets chilly and I also have pipes outside the house (doesn't freeze in San Fran). I currently have, I think, 1200 watts of heaters that run continuously during the winter. With California power costs that really blows.

Regardless, it will all be worth it. I haven't had a tank without a remote sump for 13 years now. Never going back.

 

I actually realized its a return and not a blower duct so I don't think I will run into any problems. However like rocket stated I am also worried about how much power its going to take in the sump to keep things at temp.

 

I am thinking insulation around the sump would help greatly.

 

wow rocketman, you are very lucky to live in San Francisco. What a beautiful part of the country to call home.

 

It will help somewhat, but the open top will allow a lot of heat to escape (and you don't want to cover it to allow gas exchange).

Also, I saw you're doing this on a 90. Even with a fuge, big sump, etc. you won't have that much water to heat so don't be too scared by what I told you about power usage... I've got about 300 gallons in my unheated fish room between my sump, fuge and frag tank - and a total of about 80 feet of pipe (half outside) that is completely uninsulated. So I've got a ton of water exposed to the cold and I need a lot of watts to keep it warm. You won't need that much.

 

Thanks. I absolutely love it here. This view off our balcony gives one reason why

 

That pic makes me want to go sailing.

You gotta pay to play around here but I love it too.

@Joker - nice setup! I am jealous.

@mobalized - you are a lucky man to have rocketman on this thread. I've seen his setup. He knows a bit about this.

Can you post a pic of where this has to go through? I am having a hard time believing it has to go there. Can you pipe it a few feet from the tank first without it being noticeable?



matt