One sump or two is the question

[Paulbearer]

As some know by my sig, i'm building a 180 gallon tank stand and hood as we speak and should be done this weekend with them. My tank has two overflow holes in it already on the top back side on each side. I was going to put a 55 gallon underneath and run both to it, but I have to still find a 55 on CL and that is a PITA. Now, i'm thinking that I already have a standard 25-30 gallon sump and I also have a 29 Gallon tank....just to make two seperate sumps underneath with them and run one line into each. I'm also going to run two AC110's on the back and plan on getting the 304b SunSun canister to put underneath.

So, what is everyone's thoughts on this? Just want to get a little input before I go out and get some plumbing to get it started. I'm leaning towards the 2 sumps/canister ideal....but let me know

THanks

 

[leather]

You have to tie them together, so drilling the 29 would be a must. Also with a 1 inch overflow you will need at least a 1 1/2 inch crossover between the two to stabilize.

 

[jsodwi]

You have to tie them together, so drilling the 29 would be a must. Also with a 1 inch overflow you will need at least a 1 1/2 inch crossover between the two to stabilize.

You have to hook the 2 of them together. Just look for a 40 breeder or 55g . You will be happier

 

[Paulbearer]

Can't I just run one overflow to one sump with a return pump and the other overlow to the other sump with another return pump (which i have 2 mag 12's already)....

 

[rhodes_96]

If your inlet and outlet are positioned high enough. a single 30 gallon will suffice in wet/dry configuration.

 

[motoro magic]

Can't I just run one overflow to one sump with a return pump and the other overlow to the other sump with another return pump (which i have 2 mag 12's already)....

Yes you can but would be far easier to run 1 large sump, bigger the better imo, and less holes to drill,plumbing to buy,pumps to run ect. Its all down to personal choice and how much budget you have.

 

[Paulbearer]

Yes you can but would be far easier to run 1 large sump, bigger the better imo, and less holes to drill,plumbing to buy,pumps to run ect. Its all down to personal choice and how much budget you have.

That is what I was trying to get at, since I already have the 2 sumps, 2 pumps...I thought it would be easier to just do 2 of them with different set ups for one more mechanical and the other more bio. That is why I love this board is to get others ideals and opinions.

 

[motoro magic]

That is what I was trying to get at, since I already have the 2 sumps, 2 pumps...I thought it would be easier to just do 2 of them with different set ups for one more mechanical and the other more bio. That is why I love this board is to get others ideals and opinions.

I run a 8x4x3 with a 8 foot sump and have it filled with jap matting in 2 chambers al***rog in 6 chambers and a large void at the end for return pumps and coral gravel baskets. My heaters are in the first chamber with pre filter socks from the over flow. With this setup i have a completely stable tank, if you had 2 seperate sumps running 1 system and something happens with your nitrates for instance how would you know which sump was causing the problem? thats why i only run 1 sump.

 

[brich999]

check into diff options, shouldnt be tough finding something in the 50g range that holds water, i got my 100g im using for a sump for 50 bucks, ya it looks like junk but it holds water. def do one though

 

[leather]

That is what I was trying to get at, since I already have the 2 sumps, 2 pumps...I thought it would be easier to just do 2 of them with different set ups for one more mechanical and the other more bio. That is why I love this board is to get others ideals and opinions.

You can't do this because you can't balance the overflows that good. Even if you had it right today tomorrow one overflow could take all the water, run one pump out and flood the other. Thats why you need the crossover.