300 gallon tank with multiple sumps

[mfp454]

If I want to increase flow and add a second sump and pump to my 300 gallon tank, do I need to connect both sumps together in order to keep both sumps and pumps stable in terms of water level ?

 

[Toby_H]

Yes...

Because if one pump fails... the overflows of both sumps will take in water... but only one sump will feed water back up... therefore the sump with the failed pump can overflow...

 

[General]

connecting the sumps would be a very easy way to keep the sump water levels the same

 

[Fishman0]

as nutcase said it will be easier to plumb both together. it will be less of a headache in the long run. even if you were to run a small 1-1.5" line it will be enough for the equilibrium of both sumps in the event of one pump failing

 

[General]

well if the sumps are connected the pump that fails will not pump water but the other will work. since the 2 sumps are connects the water levels in both with be at the same level, with the pump that works will keep the water level low enough so there will not be any overflow. the system should be set up in such a way that if the power went out the water will not overflow anyways, or in the unlikely even that both pumps fail.

 

[Burko]

Yes, the two should be joined as one.

 

[Noto]

A second issue is that the overflow leading to each sump may not exactly match the pump. So, if the two sumps are not connected, one might overflow and the other run dry when both pumps are working properly. Just another reason to connect the two.

 

[mfp454]

Thanks to all, one sump was built for internal pump, one for external , I was trying to avoid conencting but I see I really have no choice.
thanks