Converting to sump

[TuNA]

Hi guys, I need some advise on this idea.

Currently I have 2 4x1.5x1.5 tanks sitting on a 3 tier rack.
The bottom rack is housing my canisters.
I was wondering if I could convert the tanks to sharing one sump ?
As I find 2 canisters per tank is kind of messy, having a sump will be able to house more media and easier for maintenance.

Basically connect two intake pipes from my tank, down-flow to the sump.
At the end compartment of the sump, two returning pumps to each individual tank. Higher power pump for the higher tank.

Any comments ? Please feedback if this idea can work.

[ziw3i]

IMO i think its quite dangerous..

usually for sump tanks.. the tanks opening for water flowing into the sump is rather low..
base on your current tank, u will insert a pipe/tube as inlet.. from the top of the tank.
if the inlet water stop flowing down to the sump, ur tank will be flooded and overflow

and if 2 tanks are sharing the same sump..
if 1 tank got prob.. i think the water in the sump will not have sufficient water to provide the 2nd tank as well..
it will drain the water until the inlet level..

thats my thoughts.. not sure if you can picture it with my lousy explaination

[gixxer]

If just by using 2 pipes, it is not possible to balance the flow from the sump back to the tank.
I will suggest drilling holes to install over flow pipes or you can install overflow box.
Heres a example of a diy one or you could purchase ready made ones.
I remember i saw C328 selling it.

Hopes it helps

[TuNA]

Originally Posted by gixxer

If just by using 2 pipes, it is not possible to balance the flow from the sump back to the tank.
I will suggest drilling holes to install over flow pipes or you can install overflow box.
Heres a example of a diy one or you could purchase ready made ones.
I remember i saw C328 selling it.

Hopes it helps

I have asked around and no tank makers are willing to modify ready made tanks. Can't even do an add-on of IOS, yet alone drilling.
My tank is full bracing with holes drilled for canister pipes. So I am unable to use the overflow boxes.

[TuNA]

Originally Posted by ziw3i

IMO i think its quite dangerous..

usually for sump tanks.. the tanks opening for water flowing into the sump is rather low..
base on your current tank, u will insert a pipe/tube as inlet.. from the top of the tank.
if the inlet water stop flowing down to the sump, ur tank will be flooded and overflow

and if 2 tanks are sharing the same sump..
if 1 tank got prob.. i think the water in the sump will not have sufficient water to provide the 2nd tank as well..
it will drain the water until the inlet level..

thats my thoughts.. not sure if you can picture it with my lousy explaination

I get what you mean bro.
But my idea is from a canister. Using gravity to draw water from the pipes and a power head to pump the water out.

How about if I have 2 separate sump tanks ? 2 feet each ? Will it still have the same problems ?

[ziw3i]

Originally Posted by TuNA

I get what you mean bro.
But my idea is from a canister. Using gravity to draw water from the pipes and a power head to pump the water out.

How about if I have 2 separate sump tanks ? 2 feet each ? Will it still have the same problems ?

hmmm ya I know
but canister volume is limited and quite small compared
to a sump
canister if inlet no water, until certain point it will stop
sump volume more so if inlet no working
the pump will still output water to tank until not enuff water
not sure if the tank will overflow

and if other way, output pump spoil
inlet continues.. tank will be suck until low level
sump overflow...

better to make a standard tank with sump
instead of DIY and worry everyday
just my thoughts

[TuNA]

Noted on that.
Will just stick to the canisters instead.

[ziw3i]

Originally Posted by TuNA

Noted on that.
Will just stick to the canisters instead.

maybe its time for an upgrade ?
2 4ft with sump !

[TuNA]

Can't do that now.
No approval yet, gotta wait till I move house next year.

[issacyeo]

Originally Posted by TuNA

Can't do that now.
No approval yet, gotta wait till I move house next year.

feb 4 is the new lunar year