connecting 2 sumps?

[bridun22ajl]

Would I run into any problems if I was was to use 2 ten gallons as a sump on a 90 gallon and connect them using bulkheads? What size hole would i need to drill? 1" or 1.25?

[biger]

I used 1" bulkheads and connected the 2 with a true union valve so I can isolate one if I need for maintenance. I suppose it would depend on the pump/pumps you use. I have 2 eheim 1262's.

[DMBillies]

2 x 10 gallon sumps on a 90 is pretty small. I would think that would seriously limit your skimmer options (unless using an out-of-sump skimmer).

That said, you can do it, and I would always recommend larger plumping as long as it doesn't significantly increase the price or your ability to execute the build (and I don't think it would in your case). That extra 1/4" of pipe diameter could help you out a lot if anything ever got plugged up in the hole (snails, cheato, etc).

[lark]

I'm doing exactly this to deal with a center brace.

I decided to go with two separate holes, each 1 1/4", so that I don't have to worry about flow or unequal water levels in each of the two sumps.

[zeblisik]

drilling 10g tanks is tricky at best, and the glass easily cracks afterwards.... since its so thin.

its reallly just like setting up inline tanks, like in the fishstore.
the other thing that could be tricky is if they are both level, well, its not really tricky but you have more options if one is higher than the other.

[bridun22ajl]

why would making one higher be better?

i was worried that drilling the ten gallons would be tough since the glass is so thin.....

[Akronviper]

Drilling nots the problem its bumping them once connected. Just a little bump will break the glass at the bulkheads on ten gals. Two 20 gals would be a better choice

[bridun22ajl]

the reason for using 2 ten gallons is because of center brace. and 2 20 gallons would be longer then 48" so that wouldnt work too well...

[lark]

I'm with you. Exact same position. I also have to contend with a couple of nasty hinges on my cabinet. Ultimatley, I went custom to deal with my center brace. I'm going to connect by 1.25" bulkheads two 20x15x18 tanks. It gives me a total volume of about 40 gallons and an operational volume of maybe 22 or so. Not too bad for a 90. Took me a long long time to figure out what I wanted to do. At the end of the day, I just did not want to cut out the side of my stand or try to remove the center brace.