Sump Question

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by luvreefs23, Mar 17, 2008.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. luvreefs23

    luvreefs23 Millepora

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2008
    Messages:
    940
    Will a 20 gallon sump be enuf volume to contain the xtra water in case of a power failure with a 90 gallon display tank (48x18x24) ?
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. KOgle

    KOgle Zoanthid

    Joined:
    May 4, 2007
    Messages:
    1,109
    Location:
    Columbus Indiana
    Depends on two things, first how full the sump is before the power goes out and second, how much water drains from your display before breaking syphon....

    To help answer your question I would guess yes...
     
  4. suckafish

    suckafish Montipora Capricornis

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2008
    Messages:
    1,048
    Location:
    monterey...cali
    i personal would jump to a 30, but a 20 may work. as long as your outtake is high enough in your main tank not siphion more then your sump can take
     
  5. aquaboy

    aquaboy Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2007
    Messages:
    2,112
    Location:
    Tatamy, PA
    just drill a hole in your return and you should be fine ;) Drill hole right at water line so it breaks the siphon of water to sump :D
     
  6. luvreefs23

    luvreefs23 Millepora

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2008
    Messages:
    940
    I may jump to a 30 but im unsure if id be able to get it in the stand. I was trying to leave room for a 10 gallon to act as a refugium too. Im using a megaflow plumbing kit with siphon hole drilled so i imagine this will work as long as i adjust the drain even with water level?
     
  7. aquaboy

    aquaboy Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2007
    Messages:
    2,112
    Location:
    Tatamy, PA
    then go with a 20, and plumb 10 to it, and you will have a 30 ;)
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. Crabby Jim

    Crabby Jim Sea Dragon

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2008
    Messages:
    528
    Location:
    New Jersey
    I am using a 20 on my 120 gal display and I haven't had a flood yet as long as your return will break syphon when your overflow does you should be fine.
     
  10. luvreefs23

    luvreefs23 Millepora

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2008
    Messages:
    940
    Thanks for the help guys, aqua boy...i think i am gonna stick with the current plan and get the 10 to act as a refugium and plumb it to the 20. Got another question...first time going with a sump so got many ?'s. Im using a megaflow 90 and plumbing kit, what size pvc do i use for my drain & what kinda pvc cement is safe? Also i want a ball valve on return and drain? Last question for now...can i use flexible hose for return line? Thanks
     
  11. suckafish

    suckafish Montipora Capricornis

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2008
    Messages:
    1,048
    Location:
    monterey...cali
    good luck, i have flex hose on my return but its 10 gal for 30 main tank. and a ball values are nice.