New Reefer Tank/Sump Pluming questions

pshopcars107 · 02/23/2021, 01:00 PM

Hey everyone, New to the site!

this is my first time having a Reef Ready tank with a sump, I just want to make sure I have this all figured out before I'm fully committed to the build.
pluming both overflows for a Herbie Style, then bringing my return up the back or side, wherever I see makes sense. any pointers or tips would be amazing!
Thanks in advanced.

thegrun · 02/23/2021, 08:49 PM

Looks good except the check valve. Check valves will eventually fail open and if you are relying on it to prevent a flood because your sump will overfill when the power goes out, you are playing Russian roulette. Better to drill a small hole on your return nozzle just below the running water line so that it sucks in air and breaks the siphon when the return pump is turned off.

Vinny Kreyling · 02/24/2021, 09:39 AM

I have Sea Swirls on my returns, an option you might consider.
I see no protein skimmer mentioned, an auto top off placed in the return section.
The returns no more than 2 inches underwater.

pshopcars107 · 02/24/2021, 10:59 AM

Thanks a lot guys, I’m gonna go ahead and forget about the check valve. I’ll do the siphon method and also add a valve to the return line for maintenance and what not.

I didn’t focus on too much detail for stuff in the sump, just wanted to get my plumbing dialed in first. Skimmer is gonna be going in once I decide on one to buy.

Thanks a lot for the replies! Just waiting on the fittings before I can start.

02/23/2021, 01:00 PM	#1
pshopcars107 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Posts: 2	New Reefer Tank/Sump Pluming questions Hey everyone, New to the site! this is my first time having a Reef Ready tank with a sump, I just want to make sure I have this all figured out before I'm fully committed to the build. pluming both overflows for a Herbie Style, then bringing my return up the back or side, wherever I see makes sense. any pointers or tips would be amazing! Thanks in advanced.

02/24/2021, 09:39 AM	#3
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	I have Sea Swirls on my returns, an option you might consider. I see no protein skimmer mentioned, an auto top off placed in the return section. The returns no more than 2 inches underwater. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

02/23/2021, 08:49 PM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Looks good except the check valve. Check valves will eventually fail open and if you are relying on it to prevent a flood because your sump will overfill when the power goes out, you are playing Russian roulette. Better to drill a small hole on your return nozzle just below the running water line so that it sucks in air and breaks the siphon when the return pump is turned off.

02/24/2021, 10:59 AM	#4
pshopcars107 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Posts: 2	Thanks a lot guys, I’m gonna go ahead and forget about the check valve. I’ll do the siphon method and also add a valve to the return line for maintenance and what not. I didn’t focus on too much detail for stuff in the sump, just wanted to get my plumbing dialed in first. Skimmer is gonna be going in once I decide on one to buy. Thanks a lot for the replies! Just waiting on the fittings before I can start.