Hello bros walk me thru my sump pls... (again)

[HiGhTiMeZ]

Again, i want to say i know nothing about sumps... i didnt want to deal with them so i prefered canisters and hobs, however, i landed a nice deal on a used tank with a sump in it. I dont know if im doing the right setup in this sump for optimum effectiveness.. ill try my best to explain it on the pic... pls take it slowly on me... im such a NOOB!! :cry:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a217/HiGhTiMeZ4GoD/sumpsetupcopy.jpg

btw in the back of compartment "C" is another compartment where my pump is.

[JustLooking]

I will try to help,

Need a pic with better light,cant see very well.

Is the pump in the c compartment?

[Miguel]

Comp C is where the water is pumped back up into the tank, so you do not connect the tube that comes from above to that pipe in C.. That pipe in C is making me nervous....

I don't understand this sump, I' m sorry my friend! Where is Dr.Joe???

[JustLooking]

I don't understand this sump, I' m sorry my friend! Where is Dr.Joe???

Im with you,it looks alittle strange.

[JustLooking]

Looks like the water level in the sump is set to be rather high for a bio ball setup.

[Mem]

And dont forget the holes to break the siphon if the power goes out so you dont put 200 gallons into a 20 gallon sump!

[JustLooking]

I really wish you could post some better pics,
I know we can get this thing worked out.

[ercnan]

Bio balls tend to work better with water flowing over them than submerged.
This almost looks more like a true sump than a wet/dry.
Does the divider betwen C and D go all the way to the top, or only within an inch or so?
Looks like C may be a "silencer/bubble diffuser" compartment.

[fishdance]

From the photo that you posted it looks like your pump is a powerhead sitting in compartment C. It should connect to the free pipe B to return water back to the tank so you may need some silicon tube to connect to PVC pipe (and a powerhead if there isnt one - cant see from photo). The overflow A is from your tank and is going to dump water into the drip tray once water starts circulating. Just make sure this is secure and cant fall out of the drip tray.

When the powerhead is on, the water level will drop exposing most of the biomedia. Make sure the powerhead remains submerged though. I wouldnt worry about adding in any more media unless you have a specific purpose.

I think I have answered all your questions? Post up more if still unsure and others will be able to help.

[ercnan]

From the photo that you posted it looks like your pump is a powerhead sitting in compartment C. It should connect to the free pipe B to return water back to the tank so you may need some silicon tube to connect to PVC pipe (and a powerhead if there isnt one - cant see from photo). The overflow A is from your tank and is going to dump water into the drip tray once water starts circulating. Just make sure this is secure and cant fall out of the drip tray.

When the powerhead is on, the water level will drop exposing most of the biomedia. Make sure the powerhead remains submerged though. I wouldnt worry about adding in any more media unless you have a specific purpose.

I think I have answered all your questions? Post up more if still unsure and others will be able to help.
I think the pipe in the pic. is a drain. Looks awfully big to be be a supply to me. I think the PVC "B" is where the drain connects. Mine has the same design and it helps cut down on splashing noise.
What cunfuses me is the pump location. Mine is in the big compartment.

[ercnan]

The water level should be at a point where when the pump shuts off, it can hold what continues to drain without overflowing. Put siphon break air holes or a check valve in the supply line if it is lower in the tank than the overflow to prevent back siphon through the supply.
My balls are completely out of water when running, but do get partially covered when the pump gets cut off.

[fishdance]

I think the pipe in the pic. is a drain. Looks awfully big to be be a supply to me. I think the PVC "B" is where the drain connects. Mine has the same design and it helps cut down on splashing noise.
What cunfuses me is the pump location. Mine is in the big compartment.

Could well be. Its hard to see but if so, there is no return to the tank...

Offtopic: Your pump is in the big compartment? Doesnt this take up media space and make it hard to clean/check? Why dont you move it? Or do you use chamber C for heaters and other gear so there is not enough room?

[ercnan]

Could well be. Its hard to see but if so, there is no return to the tank...

Offtopic: Your pump is in the big compartment? Doesnt this take up media space and make it hard to clean/check? Why dont you move it? Or do you use chamber C for heaters and other gear so there is not enough room?
My chamber C is sealed except for holes in the top for drains and a heater.
.............. maybe a pic would be better in a new thread to keep from hijacking this from hightimez.
And maybe he just does not have a return connected yet.
Tube A is labled as from overflow so it must be a drain.

[duke33]

I dunno my friend.

[ercnan]

Not to hijack but here's mine. Sorry for the crappy paint.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z9/ercnan/Tanks/PDR_0161b.jpg

[ercnan]

I dunno my friend.
Great avatar. Had one of my daughter in my 125 but can't find it.:) :)

[ercnan]

The water level should be at a point where when the pump shuts off, it can hold what continues to drain without overflowing. Put siphon break air holes or a check valve in the supply line if it is lower in the tank than the overflow to prevent back siphon through the supply.
My balls are completely out of water when running, but do get partially covered when the pump gets cut off.
Sorry, just noticed the wording, oops :footinmou :footinmou :hitting: :screwy:

[Miguel]

Magnificent wording, on the contrary...Would you want them in water when running ?? LOL

[ercnan]

:ROFL: :ROFL: :jaw-dropp

[-Asianguy-]

wow i better remember this thread. it may come in handy for me.

[HiGhTiMeZ]

crap! i knew i need a better pic and a top view pic. thanks 4 trying to help tho guys.

let me make it clear.. this sump is UP N RUNNING.
the pump is outside the sump.

in the back of the compartment "C" is another compartment with a tube connecting to my pump.

so the black pvc pipe cant be my return line. i think u guys are right, its the silencer thingie?

i will take a quick shot from the top... brb

[dprasan]

What kind of flow rate should a w/d have?