Sump tank design

[peacemaker]

Hi... I'm planning to have a mini upgrade of my current 1.5 Ft IOS tank to a 1.5 Ft cube with external overflow and a sump tank. Due to limited space underneath my work desk (office tank), the max I could go is a 1.5 Ft cube sump tank. Pls take a look at the following design (sorry for the lousy illustration... its roughly done up by MS Word ), and feel free to give your comments. As this will be my first tank with a sump, pls kindly advice on the little things to take note on this build.

[peacemaker]

I need advice on the following stuff:

1. How big an overflow do I need? I was planning a 6" width. I'm not too sure on the depth of the overflow compartment though.

2. Dourso pipes: just an arc, or those that allow air to pass through on top? Diameter? Would one pipe be sufficient, or do I need 2?

3. What is the water level in the sump that I should take note of if the pump stops? I can't afford to have an overflowed sump in the office...

4. I read somewhere about drilling a hole to break siphon. Where is that location?

5. I've seen valves used along the pipe lines. Are those necessary?

6. How should I choose the right return pump for my tank? Size is an issue, and definitely in-sump, so I was thinking about Ehiem Compact 5000. Any other opinions?

7. Anyone could advice on the number of baffles for the sump? I've read somewhere that it reduces micro bubbles from re-entering the tank (from the skimmer), but where's the right location to add them?

These are some questions that I could think of at this moment, and I'll add more if I have them. Thanks in advance!

[Solo77]

bro, me also cracking my head on the sump. Your questions are valid and i try to provide what i gathered so far and hopefully exp. bros and sises here can add or correct my input.

1. Overflow size is also determined by the drain hole diameter. a small overflow size can be achieved if you have a big drain hole. Vice versa. In general, the bigger the drain hole, the more choice is available for you to choose your return pump.

2. my limited understanding of DS pipe is to allow you to adjust your drain flow. Quantity should match your drain pipe. for your intended size, think 1 should be enough.

3. You should also consider the sump tank height and the max. water level to prevent splashing and overflow when everything stops. You must compute the volume of water that will flow down to your sump when your return pump stops. Depending on your return pump, it should be 1 to 2 inches above the min. water level of your tank when the return pump stops. Then you will have to compute your sump size to hold the volume of water that will be coming down and also water level to cover your pumps if it is internal.

4. the hole should be at the return valve to your main tank. usually at the arc.

5. Those valves are meant to stop water flow and assist in maintenance, etc. You can also consider check valves in your design.

6. For your return pump, the higher means more water change which is good. However, if too powerful, your sump tank must be big enough handle the exchange. Think for your setup, maybe below 5000, can consider 2000 to 3000 plus/minus will be good.

7. Your buffer zone should be after the skimming zone. However, ppl will use sponge or refugium to reduce the micro bubble problem. there are quite a number of innovative ways to reduce it...like the putting sponge at the return valve of the skimmer, etc.

You should also consider the size of your return sector in your sump. However, this is tied to your design. If you are going for open concept, this is not necessary. Your equipment list must be ready, including future upgrade, and type, in or out sump should be considered. As your sump is small, adding lots of compartment might tie yourself up for future arrangement.

Just my 2 cents worth of opinion and open to correction from bros here. Me also having headache in sump design..the more to do research, the more things you want to add....hence at time simple setup is the concept to adopt.......lol....lastly, have you consider using acrylic sump vs glass sump....haha....do share your research and it will definitely assist me in my setting up of a new sump.

[peacemaker]

7. I think the refugium and skimmer compartment can be swapped as such that water flows through for skimming first before fuge.

I was considering 50 - 50 on the sump tank. Glass for the overall and acrylic for the internal compartments. Then this would be a DIY sump tank. Sounds like fun but a lot of hard work... not sure the effort plus cost is worth it compared to getting it custom made.

I've attached photos of Bro nuclear fibre's sump tank (hope you don't mind) for some visual reference.

[Solo77]

bro, you must consider your sump size. Bro Nuclear's sump is big. Maybe you can consider having bigger sump or attached a refugium to your sump. ....

[peacemaker]

Haha... its just a reference. I'm not planning to have something exactly like that. Like what you've mentioned, he placed a sponge in-between baffles to reduce micro bubbles. I thought it is a very neat and well designed sump as an example to learn from.

[tunicate]

Hi bro peacemaker,

I feel that there's a higher chance of flooding for tank+sump design when something goes wrong. Unlike an IOS tank, all the water are contained within. (Off course unless the tank cracks!! touch wood.) There're a lot more complexity in design when you try to counter the risk of say. . . . office power outage (cleaning auntie may unknowingly plug in a faulty vacuum cleaner causing a power trip at 7am! ) , or something in your tank detached itself & start to choke your overflow pipe.

Worst case scenario, you need to assess the worst possible damage to your office & figure out the estimated cost. What would your boss say? (Unless you're the boss )

If the company have plans to cut head count cost in the coming year, you don't want to give your boss a reason to nominate you.

I've a small tank in the office too, & I've decided to play it simple with a HOB filter ###### skimmer. That way, I sleep better at night.

Wishing U a happy new year

[peacemaker]

Thanks for your insight! On the contrary, my IOS tank flooded a couple of times due to choked filter wool. My tank produces a lot of "slime", and I need to change the filter wool twice a week. I still haven't found the root cause, and I was hoping having a sump tank would help a little. Besides, all the equipment and wires are all on top of my work desk at the moment, which is very unsightly, so keeping all these underneath makes a neater workstation. There are pros and cons to keeping a reef tank in the office...

[peacemaker]

Any other advice from anyone?