Sump return plumbing (dual or triple return pumps)

[nazrm]

I'm planning to set up a sump for my 250L. It's going to be a 75x40x40 tank - 120L.

The overflow I'm going to use (with upscaling in mind) is a CPR CS102DX. The sump return plumbing will have Loc-line adapter on the end with 2 Y fittings. All 3/4".

My questions then is:

How can I plumb this with multiple return pumps without diminishing pump life, and still having a "mixing pool" before water gets spread in the loc line tubing?

Individual 1" PVC from each pump connecting to a bigger horizontal PVC pipe with T fittings? (and loc-line attached to that)

Also, is 25mm PVC the same as 1" PVC? (since 1" = 2.54cm)

I'm trying to make this as simple and cheap as possible with the possibility of adding more pumps to increase flow.

 

[Gerryd]

Hi,

You need to take the maximum pump size you need to run the sump and match the overflow rate and divide that by the number of individual pumps to determine the size of each pump.

Say the flow rate of the CPR is 1000k gal per hour. A mag drive 1200 gph would be a bit larger than needed but not too much. If two pumps are used, you end up with a mag 500-600 or so. 3 pumps is a mag 400 gph, etc.

As long as the pumps don't drain the sump faster than the sump can fill, you will have a pool of water in the sump. Just need ball valves for each pump now, or check valves if used...

I had twin 500 gph pumps on my 180 gal reef ready tank for a long time and it worked well. But, it took more sump space as well.

A single large pump using increased pipe/tube size can easily feed multiple outlets as long as the intake flow matches the required output requirements...

Please advise of your thoughts of the cpr model. I am going with a traditional lifereef overflow box but will try the CPR at a later date.

Hope this helps.

 

[nazrm]

I'm planning to use one 500gph pump as main sump return and a seperate one (rated at 1200l/h or 300gph) for added flow and CO2 diffusion. So total flow would be aprox 3200l/h or 850gph optimally, realistically probably closer to 600gph. The overflow is rated at 1400GPH and is really too big for my aquarium, but I want to be able to use it when/if I ever get a bigger tank. I also thought about getting a single larger pump, but decided against it since it would be really overkill for my current use.

So you recommend getting ball valves? Is this to control flow or does it have any other purpose? And how do you handle the return plumbing on your dual 500gph pumps? Do you also use a needle wheel pump for CO2?

I decided to go for the CPR CS102 after reading some good things about it, and comparing prices. I can get a Tunze overflow here in Norway for $180, but it's rated at 400gph only, and the CPR overflow + shipping costs basically the same from Ebay. CPR one looks to be better quality aswell. Only thing I need to figure out is if I need some kind of adapter between the 1" bulkhead fittings in the overflow to the regular 25mm flexible PVC pipe that's sold here.

Every bit of information helps, especially plumbing related things!

Here's a link to my Google Sketchup of the aquarium/sump - rough draft. I'm not sure how to do the return.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7728764/sumpsetup.skp

And if anyone wonders - yes my aquarium has a fantastic brown rim. Very 1990!

 

[shoggoth43]

If your aquarium isn't already filled, seriously consider having it drilled on the back for an overflow. You will then be able to mount the box over the hole in the back of the tank and will generally be able to flow much more water without any concerns regarding the siphon tube.

This is something I really wish I had done on my larger tanks.

-
S

 

[nazrm]

I would if the aquarium wasn't over 20 years old and already filled. (found it in neighbours attic!)

 

[shoggoth43]

I would if the aquarium wasn't over 20 years old and already filled. (found it in neighbours attic!)

That does tend to complicate things somewhat.

Probably not so much the age of the tank for the glass so much as the condition of the silicone and the being filled part. I've seen tanks drilled while at least half way filled, but I don't know that I'd be brave enough to try that.

-
S