Plumbing UGJ's from Sump Questions

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johnp

johnp

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 30, 2006
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Iowa
Would it work to power my UGJ's from my sump pump?

Just wanted to not have to clutter the tank with powerheads. And if i plumb through the bottom of the tank, the return line wont even be visible.

This will be for my DIY 340g next summer (96x36x24). Will have 8-10 jets.

Any ideas on size of pump? Maybe i should use 2 pumps?

Would it make a difference if the return went up and over lip of tank instead of through bottom?

Thanks!
 
I thought of doing the same thing with a 250 that I will be plumbing in the future. The only problem is that during a power failure, all of the water will drain into the sump...and then onto the floor. Others have mentioned check valves but they have their flaws. In time the seals degrade (it would be nice if things lasted forever). As long as leakage within the check valve is kept below the gallonage of the sump during an eight hour work day, there won't be a problem. If the power goes out when you leave for work and the check valve leaks for the whole day, when you come home it can ruin what is left of your day (let alone your fish's).

It is best to run a pipe to the surface and back down again. Adding a small hole at the top just under the water line will prevent a syphon from forming. The height of the hole will prevent the sump from flooding.
 
thanks guys, yeah i was planning on running two in the sump - do they check valves really not work that well? well i'll take it from you guys, your the experts! guess i'll have to run over the top - or probly through a bulkhead near the top.thanks again.
 
sitporn;647685; said:
the 1st reply

How about my plan? Would it work?
Click to expand...


Hmmm... that loooks like an undergravel filter setup? I'm trying to do undergravel jets..
 
I would do a closed loop for UGJ. Build a structure out of PVC (don't glue it) and attach a big powerhead with a sponge prefilter. You can use two powerheads if you want, but it may be cheaper to use one big one and safe money for security with your sump/filter pump. You can turn this over 8-10 times per hour, no problem. If you are worried about too much flow, make sure your overflow and return are large so water flows slower.

Brandon
 
cbfreder;647783; said:
I would do a closed loop for UGJ. Build a structure out of PVC (don't glue it) and attach a big powerhead with a sponge prefilter. You can use two powerheads if you want, but it may be cheaper to use one big one and safe money for security with your sump/filter pump. You can turn this over 8-10 times per hour, no problem. If you are worried about too much flow, make sure your overflow and return are large so water flows slower.

Brandon
Click to expand...

How bout using 2 inch PVC through bulkheads on the back wall?
 
johnp;647972; said:
How bout using 2 inch PVC through bulkheads on the back wall?
Click to expand...

Keep your UGJ entirely inside the tank. The only thing that should leave is the cord to the powerhead, your filter overflow, and return.

Branodn
 
i was thinking about running a HUGE pump plummed to over 8-10 different ugj's which would be my return from my sump. so it'll get the water from my sump to the tank, but at the same time it'll be going through the ugj's and i'd be running a bare bottom tank. would this be okay and does anyone have any suggestions on how to set it up?
 
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