interlinking sumps

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Matt181

Gambusia
MFK Member
Mar 16, 2007
461
2
18
Hertford, UK
would it be possible to have two smaller sumps that were attached via being drilled because i have this aquarium and cabinet and would not like to use the middle bit

http://www.juwel-aquarium.de/en/vision.htm?cat=10&mat=9700&cup=71055

so if i had a diy overflow from the tank into the first sump, then the water flowed down through one sump, almost to the bottom of the first sump and through a pipe into the bottom of the new sump? there i would have my skimmer etc but was wondering if i could attach the two sumps or not.

Thanks
Matt
 
I came across a situation where this would've worked. I was going to dril the side panes of two 10 gallons to connect them for a sump, then use bulkheads and a piece of PVC to connect them. If you do it with a union in the middle of the pvc, this would allow you to take it apart if need be. I would use clear PVC if possible, just to see what's in there, just in case.
 
the problem is mine wouldnt be side by side with rigid pvc, i would have to use flexible pond hosing so that the wtaer would be able to go around the corners. i dont really want to put another pump in, i was hoping that the height of the outlet woulkd provide enough flow for the water to then move to the next sump.

Thanks
Matt
 
Same thing. Only difference is that your tanks will be separated. The water height will find a level so only 1 pump will be needed. For instance tank on the left has mech and bio media, then overflows to the right tank that has the return pump in it.

Nice idea,
 
Yes, the water level will equalize. I would just make sure they are at the same height, and that I could take apart the hose somehow. Maybe use bulkhead fittings, with a couple inches of PVC out of each one. Then the hose over the pvc, tightened up with hose clamps.
 
Yeah thats kinda what i was thinking, so the water level would equalise regardles if one hole was higher than the other?

yeah thats what i was thinking with the bulk heads and pvc and then hose clips.

Thanks for the help
Matt
 
yes it will equalize, but you will make the best use of your sumps if you can have the holes on the same level. people make sumps out of rubbermaid bins all the time, you would just need to make sure to get a good seal with a bulkhead if you're going to drill a hole in the side of one.
 
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