Sump, reactor and pump

Hi Refel,

If you could give some more details on tank size and such it is always easier to provide better advice

I have powered this reactor with a Mag drive 500 gph pump. I used a throttle valve to limit flow to the reactor. I don't think 600 gph will kill it and this will decrease as the filter clogs.

Any solid watertight container can be a sump if the appropriate size and materials you want. Your bigger issue is #3.

Your sump always has to have enough water in it to cover the pump intake strainer. You could just use a 5 gallon bucket and top it off every couple of days

Or you can install a CPR brand overflow to feed it but then the sump size needs to be matched to the overflow rate and your pump.

I would try and find a small external pump you can use.

I would be leery of using the other canister output to feed the sump as you have to get it adjusted just right so as not to overflow the sump container.

Some 'sump' pumps have connections where you can hook hose/fittings to directly so they can be used externally, unless the water is needed to keep it cool and from running dry...........

Hope this helps.

 

With that setup you really won't be able to counter the problem. You have a couple of options. There may be other options as well.

1) Build/buy a proper overflow box and you're set. Power outages will not affect your siphon or sump. Take the output from your main pump and run it through the AM1000 and then to the tank. ( single pump setup )

2) Start the siphon you mentioned, feed that through your pump, then to your AM1000, and then run that back up to the tank and skip the sump. ( dedicated recirculating line ) This method does not require a sump and power outages will have no affect on it. Probably one of the more efficient uses of a pump as only the internal plumbing resistance for the most part will affect the throughput.

3) Assuming your sump is fed from an overflow, take the water from the sump and run it through your pump, then the AM1000, and either return the water to the sump ( more efficient ) or to the tank if your overflow will handle both pumps' output and you want the extra flow in the tank. ( dual pump setup )

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S