View Full Version : Question about plumbing a new sump
bucksfan1976
01/24/2012, 01:21 PM
I am upgrading to a 150 Gallon Show tank.
Im using a 30 gallon sump for the time being. I want to however do what ever I can to make sure I dont overflow if power goes out.
I remember there was a trick you can do with the return going back to the tank, something about drilling a hole can anyone advise me on this.
calbert0
01/24/2012, 01:38 PM
yes, its called a "siphon break" hole. Drill a very small hole just beneath the water line in your return. That way when power goes out and your return starts to back siphon it will start pulling air right when the water passes the hole and break the siphon.
Problem solved.
Humuhumunuku
01/24/2012, 01:50 PM
Remember the siphon break still takes time to break the siphon, so be sure your sump still has room to take whatever water is siphoned back down. Also besure to keep the siphon break clear of obstructions or else it can't do it's job.
bucksfan1976
01/24/2012, 01:50 PM
Thanks I appreciate it.
Another question because I cant find the thread.
Im gonna be using a mag 9 pump. I am thinking there will be about 4 ft of total plumbing from the pump to the tank. Will this pump be sufficient.
Humuhumunuku
01/24/2012, 03:08 PM
I run an Eheim 1262 (900pgh) on a 135 with 4ft of head and it seems to run fine :)
lchaleff
01/24/2012, 03:12 PM
You can also use pvc (clear body) check valves on the return lines. I think they are a better alternative to the siphon holes.
LaOtIn
01/24/2012, 03:27 PM
more than 1 siphon break hole > 1 hole
Snails are great at covering holes at the wrong times :(
Humuhumunuku
01/24/2012, 03:29 PM
Still have to make sure the check valves don't get clogged.
ezerasurfr
01/24/2012, 03:35 PM
Thanks I appreciate it.
Another question because I cant find the thread.
Im gonna be using a mag 9 pump. I am thinking there will be about 4 ft of total plumbing from the pump to the tank. Will this pump be sufficient.
RC has a cool headloss calculator
http://www.reefcentral.com/index.php/head-loss-calculator
check it out! :thumbsup:
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