Plumbing Sump/Return

[kyle]

Getting ready to plumb 120G w/ 35G sump. This was an existing setup that I bought. I've never setup a sump and I'd like to avoid the "been there, done that" mistakes.

Some preliminaries...

120G (4x2x2) with corner overflow. One 1-1/2" drain and one 1" return. These are bulkhead sizes; actual hole sizes are larger. Sump is one of Marc's... 30" x 23" x 18" (L x W x H). Skimmer section is about 12" x 23". I plan to install ASM G4+ w/ gate valve mod. Flow is from skimmer section through bubble baffles into refugium and then into return section. Basically, the skimmer and baffles occupy 1/2 the sump and the refugium and return section each occupy 1/4 of the sump. There is a 1-1/2" bulhead opening in the return section. The return pump is a CustomSeaLife Velocity T3 (800 GPH @ 3' head) which has 3/4" NPT suction and discharge connections.

Questions...

1) I plan to install Durso standpipe. Should it be 1-1/2" or can I reduce it down to 1-1/4". Based on 3-5x turnover target, I really only need to move 600 GPH through the sump.

2) The bottom of the 1-1/2" bulkhead is a slip fitting. Similar question. Should I run 1-1/2" all the way back to skimmer or is 1-1/4 (or smaller) adequate? Is it smart to install any valves and/or unions in this line or is it better to have an as uninterupted as possible line down to the sump? Haven't decided between rigid PVC or spaflex. Recommendations? Cemented connections are preferred to barbed/clamped, right? If I go w/ clamps, okay to use stainless or must they be plastic?

3) Is the drain ino the skimmer section open-ended? How deep in the sump does it lay? How do you support drain if it is suppossed to be, let's say. 6" off the bottom?

4) I plan to add a calcium reactor in the near future. How is it integrated into the sump system?

5) Is it advisable to install strainer in the return section bulkhead?

6) What size line should connect sump to pump intake and what size line should run from pump discharge to 1" return bulhead on tank? Again, should there be any valves in the system to isolate pump? My thought is you could just temporarily replace strainer w/ plug to isolate intake side of pump. But then you have to have way of physically removong pump, ie can't cement PVC lines. I'm guessing you have to use unions, right?

These are my main questions for now. Thanks!

 

[psteeleb]

Kyle,

I'm surprised no one helped you yet, so I'll give you my oppinions

1) keep it 1 1/2"
2) keep it 1 1/2" - keep it uninterupted as posible, I prefer rigid pipe with the larger drain fittings over spaflex. Spaflex sags and has small ridges in it that slow dow flow in horizontal runs. If you only have one drain and it is mostly running vertical it's okay to use. Don't install valving in your drain but make sure it won't drain the whole tank.
3) yes - it needs to be open ended, how deep is optional, some people run it an inch or so from the bottom, some into a filter bag, some a few inches under the water level and add live rock to break up the flow. I would hold of gluing ithe last piece or so, allowing some modifications over time.
4) lots of options on the CR, you can provide a tee in your main return lines with a valve or dedicate a pump. the return from the CR should go back to the sump
5) optional - but from what I've seen most people don't. MAke sure you plan for anti-syphon.
6) minimum size should be no smaller then the pump inlet, keep the suction as direct and short as posible. On the outlet I would run a minimum of 1" all the way to the bulkhead. Alot depends on the pump specs. Add valves and unions so the pump can be removed without draining the tank.

I live in southlake and am setting up a 280 reef, I just moved in so the place is mess but you are welcome to come and take a look at my set up. I have some additional items plumbed in, like the future CR, chiller, phosban reactors, and a main pump bypass with backup in event of failure.

Pete

 

[kyle]

Thanks for the advice Pete...

I'm getting ready to go out of town for a while but would like to hopefully come by and chat sometime soon. I'll send you a PM when my schedule frees up. Thanks!