Does this filtration sound about right?

[broken]

the reason two sumps is not a good idea is if the pump in in one of the sumps go out,the water level of the main tank will drop to the level of the overflow on the disabled sump- and since both overflows need to be at the same height, I believe you would end up starving the good pump- or something like that

OK, that makes sense. i will start looking for something bigger then.

 

[nes999]

fx5s are notorisly known for problems yes they are cheap but ive never once heard good things about them except the fact they are cheap

 

[cchhcc]

If you run two pumps they need to be connected by a large diameter pipe.

Before you decide what GPH rating on your return pump(s) you need to find out how much water your drains can feed them. You must be able to drain more than you can pump back in or you'll starve your pumps. For instance, a 1" drain diameter can only drain about 600 gph.

 

[broken]

If you run two pumps they need to be connected by a large diameter pipe.

Before you decide what GPH rating on your return pump(s) you need to find out how much water your drains can feed them. You must be able to drain more than you can pump back in or you'll starve your pumps. For instance, a 1" drain diameter can only drain about 600 gph.

what about 2'' pipe? and there is three drains.

 

[broken]

what about 2'' pipe? and there is three drains.

nevermind, i found it 2400

 

[dawnmarie]

I'm certainly no expert on sumps but I do like the idea of redundant systems. Is there no way "broken" couldn't link his two sumps together ? If one return was set slightly lower in the tank than the other then only one return would stop if one pump quits.
The remaining pump would keep both sumps moving. Don't you sump guys normally leave enough storage in the sump empty as a reserve in case a pump quits ? What am I missing ?

 

[jsodwi]

The only way I would use two sumps is if they were plumbed together with a large pipe But I don't think 100 gallons would have enough space in it if the power went out

 

[JakeH]

I think the conversation here proves the point... Dual sumps will simply be more complicated & will present some unique challenges. I'd love to see it, but make sure you really want a BIG project. Do a ton of research before you start.

 

[broken]

I think the conversation here proves the point... Dual sumps will simply be more complicated & will present some unique challenges. I'd love to see it, but make sure you really want a BIG project. Do a ton of research before you start.

Yeah, i dont have any experience with sumps and just didnt realize the potential problems so if yall say its a bad idea i'll just scratch it and get a bigger tank or container.

 

[HrHagel]

2 FX5's and a couple of sponges could easily filter 640g, unless you are thinking of stocking it MADLY. Otherwise, scratch the sump idea, since you would have to go out and buy yourself a 125-160g tank, which aren't cheap.

Less is often better.

However, if you are one of the DIY nuts, who simply likes the project of things, go ahead, go crazy