Common sump, how to pump water??

banditpowdercoat · #1 06-10-2008, 12:50 AM

Ok, I am toying with the idea of making a Puffer tank for the wife. If I do this, it would be on the other side of the living room. I would like to have a common sump, because I feel it would really benifit both tanks. present sump is only 10g. Now, how would I transfer water from my present tank, to the new sump across the LR, and back? 2 pumps? if so, how to you match flow? I think it would be way to far for gravity feed. 30' approx, and 2' height change.

fencer · #2 06-10-2008, 03:54 AM

I use 2 pumps that are the one is a mag 5 and the other a mag 12. The mag 12 is used to supply both tanks and the mag 5 is used to aid in return to the sump. I have ball valves regulating the flow to the smaller tank. I think gate valve would be better though.

sphelps · #3 06-10-2008, 04:10 AM

First off, you need an overflow in the tank, you can't use two pumps in the manner I believed you've described. One of the flows must be Dependant on the other.

Also Can a 10 gallon handle both tanks? Sounds a little small, can it handle the back flow?

mark · #4 06-10-2008, 05:01 AM

Both displays with overflows with a single return pump on a manifold feeding both tanks drawning from a single sump.

Sphelps has a good point though about the volume the 10g can handle in the event of a power outage (volume in the return lines, whatever size of sump needs to be considered).

banditpowdercoat · #5 06-10-2008, 06:00 AM

NO, no, I want to up the sump size from the 10G to 60+. I have an overflow in the present tank.

Are you saying run from the overflow, around the livingroom, and dump into the new sump? Present tank is on one side of living room, and would like larger new tank and common sump on the other. Im worried to much friction loss in the 35' of 1" pipe??? Acctyually have 3/4" bulkhead on bottom of present tank, in overflow

mark · #6 06-10-2008, 12:58 PM

Any way does seem like a lot of trouble, what benefits you thinking?

banditpowdercoat · #7 06-11-2008, 12:26 AM

Cause I dont have squat for room under my 45g. a 10g sump is cramped

sphelps · #8 06-11-2008, 12:53 AM

Head Loss Calculator

banditpowdercoat · #9 06-11-2008, 01:30 AM

Hmm Might not be as bad as I thought. Im not concerned about the Pump loss from Sump to tank, but the loss from tank to sump. Doesnt look like it will be that much really.

chevyjaxon · #10 06-11-2008, 05:23 AM

Red flag puffers? 65 gallon? how long do you want to keep these things they will soon outgrow a tank that size its easier to start a whole new setup