Sump question...

Orthopod · Jan 17, 2013

I have to admit I'm a little scared of using a sump in my apartment. I just bought a used 144 semicircle tank. It's predrilled and has piping attached in the overflows. The overflows have openings below the top which worries me about finding 144 gallons on my floor if a bulkhead or pipe leaks.

How do you ensure that the bulkhead and pipping is safe?

Thanks for your input.

DIDYSIS · Jan 17, 2013

The overflows are probably setup to have stand pipes built in them, that will keep a higher water level. Don't worry it can be a little confusing at first but you will either grow to love or hate them. For most they like them allot. Pm me with any questions you might have but look up durso stand pipes and sump configurations. Also my advice look at the filter sock thread. And as long as the gaskets are good on the bulk heads they will seal really well, if they didn't we would all be screwed.

Sent from my DROIDX using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

duanes · Jan 17, 2013

If the seals "don't" leak, the best way to insure a dry floor, is a daily cleaning of the effluent piping to the sump with a long brush. You don't include pipe dimensions, but anything under 1.5-2 inches is easily plugged with plant debris, snails and/or anything imaginable.

Oughtsix · Jan 17, 2013

Lesson 1: The gasket always goes on the bulkhead flange side of the glass (acrylic) not the retention nut side of the glass!!!!

It doesn't matter if the bulkhead flange is on the inside of the tank or the outside of the tank. The gasket always goes on the flange. If you put the gasket on the retaining nut side of the glass water will slowly leak through the threads!

I did extensive "research" (and mopping) for a month before I figured this out. Haven't had a problem since I figured it out!

tomomothy · Jan 17, 2013

Oughtsix said:
Lesson 1: The gasket always goes on the bulkhead flange side of the glass (acrylic) not the retention nut side of the glass!!!!

It doesn't matter if the bulkhead flange is on the inside of the tank or the outside of the tank. The gasket always goes on the flange. If you put the gasket on the retaining nut side of the glass water will slowly leak through the threads!

I did extensive "research" (and mopping) for a month before I figured this out. Haven't had a problem since I figured it out!

I did less than extensive research, but more than extensive mopping as well, and can vouch for the gasket going on the flange side.

johnnytaboo · Jan 17, 2013

Hey Orthopod,
I think we both recently aquired the same tank: 144 Oceanic 1/2 circle?

Is yours drilled with dual-overflows? I measured the 4 holes in my tank and they all seem to be 1-3/4" in diameter - which means we have to use 1" bulkheads for the drain and return lines.

I've been researching this like MAD for the past month. I got the tank for a steal, but everything else has cost me quite a bit. If you have any questions definitely post here. I may not know much about sumps (relatively speaking) - but I know plenty about the tank you have. How much fun was it to move into your apartment by the way? I think I ruined 2 friendships getting this think into my basement.

- John

Orthopod · Jan 18, 2013

Thanks for the responses.

As for the 144, it sounds like the same tank. I moved it with 1 other person - hardest tank I've moved. Probably have a large hernia because of it, lol. Dinged a couple walls as well. Had to rent a uhaul van to get it.

The tank is drilled with dual over flows. I have to take a look at what "stand" pipes are apparently - thanks

johnnytaboo · Jan 19, 2013

I almost have all the pieces collected for my setup. I'm missing a couple reducer fittings for the return lines, but other than that, I can definitely help you out with finding some pieces.

Another thing I ALMOST did was cut out the overflows, silicone a piece of glass over the holes, and run a couple FX5's like I do on my other big tanks. I thought about it for a while, but I decided to try something different and go with the sump this time. I just really like the idea that here won't be any wires or heaters in the tank. This aquarium seems like it designed to be a show piece.

Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

johnnytaboo · Jan 25, 2013

Not meaning to hijack your thread, but i finally got my tank up and running. I plan in just having water in it for a month or so. There still seems to be a lot of residual salt that I couldn't remove by scraping alone. Anyways, I'm posting up some pics. Let me know what you think!

*load warning!!*

Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app