Filtration ideas

[regalt]

Well im not to sure of what to do the tank has two overflows, I thought of running two separate filters like a 50-75 gallon tub/tank on each side but say one pump takes a dump it will probably just over flow on that side spilling over. Another thing I thought of was to take one out cover it and seal it good and just use one side. Also maybe have it exit the one side go threw the filter and back up the other side make the other side the return. Im not sure what to do any ideas could help Thanks.

 

[Rockydog]

That's an unusual setup. Must have been custom made, but you can still utilize both overflows and returns. It would be a disadvantage not to. Just run 2 overflows to the sump situated in the center under the tank and one return off the sump pump. If your returns are 3/4" then run 1 1/2 off the pump (Mag 18 would be a good pump) to a T and split to 3/4 to each return.

 

[regalt]

That's an unusual setup. Must have been custom made, but you can still utilize both overflows and returns. It would be a disadvantage not to. Just run 2 overflows to the sump situated in the center under the tank and one return off the sump pump. If your returns are 3/4" then run 1 1/2 off the pump (Mag 18 would be a good pump) to a T and split to 3/4 to each return.

what size sump would work so that if the pump goes out or the power it wont over flow and spill.

 

[Rockydog]

My system appears to be the same as yours only my overflow chambers are on the back. From what I can see it appears to be a mega flow system with 1" overflows and 3/4" returns.

You set up your sump to handle the problem of power outages. For instance where the water comes into my sump it is 18" deep

and overflows into my bio ball chamber

and exits into my sump return area that I maintain at 7 to 9"

When the power goes out there is only 3 to 4 inches of water added to sump. It can't possibly overflow with this type of system. When the power comes back on it just restarts and away you go.

I use a Mag 18 pump. It has a 3/4" outlet that I have opened up to 1" (manufacturer suggests 1 1/2") and goes to a T that splits to 2 x 3/4" returns.

A 1" overflow will siphon approx 600 gph (1200 gph total) so you need a pump that will return a little less than what overflows. A Mag 18 at 4' head does that nicely, is very quiet and cost effective consuming approx 145 W.

 

[regalt]

Thanks for the info. I was wondering could i have two separate chambers one on each side with filter media and have them flow to the middle were the pump will be and from the pump t into the returns.
I guess something like this.

 

[Rockydog]

That would work perfectly and actually do a better job because you can effectively have twice the filtration as I have. Allow yourself approx 3 " of space at the top of each chamber for mechanical filtration then your bio system. Also be sure that each dividing wall holding your filter material is approx 1 1/2 less than the surrounding outside walls. If it ever plugs up it will overflow into the sump return area. Probably never happen but better to have a fail safe in place.

 

[regalt]

That would work perfectly and actually do a better job because you can effectively have twice the filtration as I have. Allow yourself approx 3 " of space at the top of each chamber for mechanical filtration then your bio system. Also be sure that each dividing wall holding your filter material is approx 1 1/2 less than the surrounding outside walls. If it ever plugs up it will overflow into the sump return area. Probably never happen but better to have a fail safe in place.

well thanks for the help.