What are the Pros and Cons on having a Wet/Dry Sump?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
kelman

kelman

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Jul 14, 2009
248
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New York, NY
I am taking a consideration whether i should upgrade to a sump based on rumor that a sump will likely to overflow and flood the floor when the submersible pump has mechanical failure that won't return any water back to the tank therefore gravity will continue to do it's job to withdraw water out from the tank like a siphon.
 
It will only drain to the level of the overflow. So, as long as the sump tank is large enough for that amount of water it will be flood proof.
 
Lgw said:
It will only drain to the level of the overflow. So, as long as the sump tank is large enough for that amount of water it will be flood proof.
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+1 The other scenario is a drain being clogged even though unlikely. Which is why I prefer over sized drains.
 
Lgw said:
It will only drain to the level of the overflow. So, as long as the sump tank is large enough for that amount of water it will be flood proof.
Click to expand...

But you need to make sure your return line is either high enough in the tank to stop a siphoning effect if the pump were to turn off or drill a hole in the line near the surface to allow air to break the siphon if your line goes down far into the water. If you don't do this, your overflow will stop draining water into the sump at a certain point, but not your return line.

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There was recent discussion on sump set ups and precautions to take recently. Please search for those because there's lots of guys on MFK that have many different/excellent/easy/cheap fixes and ideas that you could use. I love mfk!

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One con to me is noise.. If you have it in a place where noise would be an issue go with canisters. I had to move my 300 to my office because it was too noisy for living room


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If you put a gate valves on your drain lines, you can close it off until the rate of drainage exactly matches the flow rate the pump returns water to the tank--that makes it totally quiet. Read about it here....http://gmacreef.com/herbie-overflow-reef-tank-plumbing-method-basics/
The pros of a sump -- all accessories in the sump so the display is not cluttered up with them. better oxygenation. more water volume so less spikes of pollutants in the water, dilutes toxins like nitrates. easier to clean than a canister if it's done right. sump can be used like a hospital tank to separate fish. sump can be used to grow plants that use nitrates but fish can't get to them and eat the leaves and roots. facilitates an automatic water changer setup. LESS chance of an overflow than with a canister--think if a hose comes undone on a canister. sump is cheaper than canisters for big tanks. sumps can accomdate more bio-filter media for more bio-load.
cons of a sump -- sumps require more thought and understanding. sumps are usually a DIY project.
 
Do a sump and cannister. That way way one needs maintenance, you can keep the other running. And if you're worried about noise build a "Stockman Standpipe" for your overflow. It really quiets everything down.

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My overflows are not the source of noise. It's the flowing and cascading of the water down through the sump at high flow rates you can definitely hear it more than a canister..


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