Sump adjustment questions...and more!!!

Howdy all!!

I went out and bought a fairly new..(5 mos. ) old reef ready150g aquarium, Eshopp sump, Oak stand with low profile canopy, LED lights and assorted other accessory things that I don't need. I had to drive 200 miles today to find it...but I did.

Here are my observations.....

1. It has an Eshopp sump. Designed for 125-150 gallon. It also has a Rio + 3100 submersible pump.rated UP TO 900 gph. ( I know it will be less..depending on piping and distance to discharge.)

My questions are these.

1. the pipe above in the box is adjustable. It has a hole in it..which I assume is there to break siphon in case of a power outage. Where should that hole that is drilled into that pipe be adjusted to? Level with the holes in the box covering the pipes?

2. To set the "ON: line...should I fill the main tank up to the top..and the sump as well...turn the pump on...then mark where the water level goes to? If the little hole in the pipe above in the overflow box is set high...wouldnt that prevent the water draining back into the sump?

3. The fittings going into the bottom of the tank...how tight should they be? Wrench tight? Finger tight?

4. Is my Rio +3100 at 900gph enough to filter a 150 gallon tank? I was always under the impression, that I should have a 2nd one running as well. OR...should I install a 2nd pump outside the sump that in plumbed into the return line with a ball **** valve turned in the off position in the event that the main pump fails me?

5. If I used 2 pumps at one time, do I run the risk of returning more water than is being drained..since the drain is gravity fed? How many GPH does a drain give off with gravity? You would think that 900gph would suck the sump dry.

6. The sump came with a big bag of used Bio Balls. Would you use them..or buy new ones? They have white calcium or salt like film on them. I boiled a pot of them with some water and vinegar..but it didnt seem to effect the color. Should I just go out and buy a big ol' bag..or are they safe to use?

7. Does a sump with Bio Balls take longer to cycle than a tank with a canister filter? I need to get some Tetra Safe Start to jump start it.

8. I want to put a heater in the sump...but I only have 11" on one wall...and 12" on the other. A larger wattage heater is too long to put in there unless it was on a severe angle..which would get in the way of the pump. I live in Florida...the room temp is usually around 76-78 degrees. When I put the a/c lower at night..it may go to 74 degrees. Do I really need a large heater? I was thinking of going with two 75w Eheim Jager heaters that are only 10.6" long. The 100w ones are too long. Do you think that I;d have a problem with two low wattage heaters? In the winter..we get to a freezing 68 degrees in the hoise if I don't put the heat on. I know you northerners are shaking your heads.

This is fall in Florida. It is quite evident in our native trees. Just look at the winter damage in the fronds!! TERRIBLE!!!



Your replies would be most appreciated. Once I get time..two tanks go down and one goes up in its place. My africans will be happier...and so will @LeoDiaz

 

Is this a drilled tank or hob overflow. Congrats on tank btw

 

Is this a drilled tank or hob overflow. Congrats on tank btw

Reef ready...drilled!

 

Pictures of the actual sump, overflow will help. Yes the pump is to weak you think is sounds strong but after head hight the gph can go down to 400-500gph. I would just get 1 stonger pump to replace it. How big are the drains on the overflows? I would replace the bioballs and no cycling should take the same time. What fittings the PVC or the bulkheads?

 

1. If the hole in the pipe is the output to main tank it should be rivht below min tank water level so if siphon starts it breaks. If it to high it will spray water above actual water level.
2.that's how I did mine waterlevel wise. Yes it should but not to high,
3.I tightened mine by hand and then quarter turn with wrench I also silconed mine for safe measures but if it has gaskets you should be fine.
4.its on the low side but Itll do on average you want 5 to 10 times tank gal. Secondary pump is nice to have but having plumbed in to sump adds another leak point.
5.I wouldnt run two at a time but that's my opinion.
6.if you can't get the residue off I would replace them to be on safe side.
7.you can use media from previous filters along with new media to help with the cycle.
8. For heat Id see what the temp is once tank is set up and see if that is where you want it. It mostly depends on you fish and their tollerance levels.

These are my opinons and how I have done things if I were you id wait to see other peoples opinions as well its all how you go about it but I also made my sump so its similar but dif. My experience with wet dry is not much but I hope this helps and is not misleading. Good luck and post pics. I also just set up my 150 workin on the build thread its up here along with others on sump questions they might help as well lets see pics btw.

 

1. If the hole in the pipe is the output to main tank it should be rivht below min tank water level so if siphon starts it breaks. If it to high it will spray water above actual water level.
2.that's how I did mine waterlevel wise. Yes it should but not to high,
3.I tightened mine by hand and then quarter turn with wrench I also silconed mine for safe measures but if it has gaskets you should be fine.
4.its on the low side but Itll do on average you want 5 to 10 times tank gal. Secondary pump is nice to have but having plumbed in to sump adds another leak point.
5.I wouldnt run two at a time but that's my opinion.
6.if you can't get the residue off I would replace them to be on safe side.
7.you can use media from previous filters along with new media to help with the cycle.
8. For heat Id see what the temp is once tank is set up and see if that is where you want it. It mostly depends on you fish and their tollerance levels.

These are my opinons and how I have done things if I were you id wait to see other peoples opinions as well its all how you go about it but I also made my sump so its similar but dif. My experience with wet dry is not much but I hope this helps and is not misleading. Good luck and post pics. I also just set up my 150 workin on the build thread its up here along with others on sump questions they might help as well lets see pics btw.

It seems as if the previous owner did JUST enough to get by. The overflow on the sump is a bit small..the pump is a little too weak for the whole set up.

I was thinking about getting a bigger sump and them purchasing two SiccI Syncra 3.0 pumps..and have one for each return. They each pump out 714 gph...which would be better than what I have. The sump I have as I said is a Eshopps 150..which is only rated at 125-150 gallons and holds 16-17 gallons in overflow. Here is the link and photo to view and comment on.

Is this sump OK to use and just upgrade my pumps? I could put two SiccI Syncras in the overflow..and plumb one to each return. Would that be reasonable or a good thought process...or am I missing something?

Would you use just one sump pump...and if so..what gph would you strive for? I could buy one big one and tee it off to both returns...but I THOUGHT that having two would be more efficient. Using a 714GPH pump to each return. Let me know. I'm new to sumps and drilled tanks...so I don't want any floods or accidents happening. Also..the SiccI Syncra has adjustable flow...if that matters.

Therefore...I try to "edumacate" myself!!

 

It seems as if the previous owner did JUST enough to get by. The overflow on the sump is a bit small..the pump is a little too weak for the whole set up.

I was thinking about getting a bigger sump and them purchasing two SiccI Syncra 3.0 pumps..and have one for each return. They each pump out 714 gph...which would be better than what I have. The sump I have as I said is a Eshopps 150..which is only rated at 125-150 gallons and holds 16-17 gallons in overflow. Here is the link and photo to view and comment on.



Is this sump OK to use and just upgrade my pumps? I could put two SiccI Syncras in the overflow..and plumb one to each return. Would that be reasonable or a good thought process...or am I missing something?

Would you use just one sump pump...and if so..what gph would you strive for? I could buy one big one and tee it off to both returns...but I THOUGHT that having two would be more efficient. Using a 714GPH pump to each return. Let me know. I'm new to sumps and drilled tanks...so I don't want any floods or accidents happening. Also..the SiccI Syncra has adjustable flow...if that matters.

Therefore...I try to "edumacate" myself!!

A larger sump would be nice I have a 30 gallon take under my 150 I'm fairly new to sumps but when I tried to get info from here it was hard at first so I figured id tell you what I know. One pump would be ideal but I have seen them with two. I not familiar with the siccI thing so can't help you there. Can you post pics of tank and holes drilled?

 

The concept of two pumps is two fold. Obviously..in the event of failure of one pump..you have a 2nd one available. The rule of thumb is to have 5-10 times the tank capacity in the way of gph. Therefore...a 150 gallon tank x 5 = 750gph..up to 150 x 10= 1500gph. The cool thing about using two...is that I can take a hose from one pump directly to the one output line..and the other pump would directly hook up to the 2nd output line. The Sicci's are adjustable flow. Therefore...if I get two of the SiccI Synchra 3.0s that generate 714 gph...I should have PLENTY of flow. Actually..more than I need. This is not a reef tank..so I don't need all the current.

If I use one BIG pump..then there is no backup..and I have to plumb a T into the setup..which will reduce flow a bit. Plus the distance from the pump to the discharge will be at a smidge over 4 feet. If I get 12-1300 gph out of the two discharges..where it is rated for 1428 gph..that will be MORE than enough. I will probably dial them down a bit. Dont wanna create a whirlpool bath in the tank. I could actually go to the Sicca 2.0's..but I'd rather have overkill and dial it down than to buy two undersize pumps and be forced to run them at maximum.

The sump doesn't hold as much water as I would like it too...BUT..it will suffice. I just have to make sure that I check the sump every day or every other day for evaporation. Since it is smaller...it will fluctuate more than a larger sump.

I have been studying this ALL darn night! In between watching Blacklist, Chicago PD and SVU on the DVR. My favorite shows!!

 

We'll 2 pumps can work but u will get around1000gph or less more likely Less with the sicce pump u want. The sump would be nice if was bigger I had a 120 gallon running with 40 gallon breeder sump. Idk how a small sump like that will handle the overflow water coming down during a power outage. Also don't forget to put check valves on the pumps output.

 

I bought a larger sump today with two SiccI 3.0 Synchra pumps. Each one gets 714 gph. No T's or anything restricting the flow. That would be close to max wide open. Two pumps are better than just one. That's a known fact to most with sumps. I could have gotten one McNasty Big Ol' pump that shoots out 17-1800 gph...but why? The general rule is 5 to 10 times the tank size. I am right on the money..if it all works. Keep in mind..if I got one pump that did 17-1800gph...by the time I add the fittings...my GPH drops anyway. If it goes out...I'm in trouble..with no back up. PLUS..less chance of leaks and issues. The pumps run all out..and they last longer. The cool thing about Sicci..is that they are variable.

Also..as long as I don't put the return nozzle too low below the water surface...I shouldnt have a problem with back siphoning. There is a high failure rate on check valves..but it may be something to look into later.

 

There nothing restricting the flow but there still the head height which lowers the flow. I alway like having the most gph possible.

 

Well...I filled the main tank up and let it sit for a few hours. No leaks.

Emptied tank!

Modified the stand to fit the larger sump as the old stand wasn't gonna let it in!!!!!

When I put sump in..the drain hoses would not allow a nice drawer that the stand had in front...so I removed drawer and will make it a false front instead. Drawers are highly overrated.

Painted background on back of tank. Semi-Gloss black. Waiting for 3rd coat to dry

filled overflows to see how they held up. Check!

Emptied overflows and am now filling up tank and sump for a test run. It takes a while to fill up that little boogar!

I pray that nothing splits open and starts spraying water everywhere!

I will report back in a couple hours. Assuming that the ambulance hasn't taken me away due to a stroke!

 

Well...I filled the main tank up and let it sit for a few hours. No leaks.
Filled it up again and ran the pumps and played endlessly with the drain pipe adjustment. Figured out that it was sucking air. Went to the Depot and picked up PVC to build a new one.

Emptied tank!

Modified the stand to fit the larger sump as the old stand wasn't gonna let it in!!!!!

When I put sump in..the drain hoses would not allow a nice drawer that the stand had in front...so I removed drawer and will make it a false front instead. Drawers are highly overrated. Used a little imagination and again..at the Depot..bought some PVC fittings to make it work! I like drawers now.

Painted background on back of tank. Semi-Gloss black. Waiting for 3rd coat to dry
8 coats later....and endless inspections...finally is completely black. 3 coats my patootie!

filled overflows to see how they held up. Check!
After furthur inspection, water level dropped. Tightened up bulkhead...draining eliminated

Emptied overflows and am now filling up tank and sump for a test run. It takes a while to fill up that little boogar!

SUCCESS!!!!

I pray that nothing splits open and starts spraying water everywhere!
God answered my prayers

I will report back in a couple hours. Assuming that the ambulance hasn't taken me away due to a stroke!
I made it through the night without any major catastrophes!!



I also know now..that when I turn the pumps off...I still have a good 4 or 5 inches to spare in my sump..unless the overflows empty. Then it would be to the top. I'm good to go there!! I also bought a really nice mat that is very spongy with little thin nubby spines on it to use as a dampener for the vibration of the pumps. That should quiet it down a great deal.

Tomorrow,,,I head on down to the Quarry to search for rock that appeals to me. I also have about 500 pounds in bags that I have from my last excursion to the quarry... in the garage..and I didnt use ANY of it in my tanks. I have to find a home for that stuff. I know one thing. I ain't picking out white rock anymore!!!

I also have 250 pounds of pool filter sand to clean and sift through. That ought to be a blast.

THEN...I move the old tank...replace with new...set it up with (rocks...sand...plants)...remove fish and filtration from old tank and put on and in new one...and I will then have a new home for my guys!

 

Hi,
See post #23

It may help you set the sump levels etc.

 

What I do wonder..is if the Bio Media and big nastysponge filter that I have set up in my old tank...will do much to help the cycle of the new one..since it is a sump and not a canister...plus 3x the size!!

 

What I do wonder..is if the Bio Media and big nastysponge filter that I have set up in my old tank...will do much to help the cycle of the new one..since it is a sump and not a canister...plus 3x the size!!

Hi, any existing filter media from a cycled tank will help to seed the new tank.

 

Well...I filled the main tank up and let it sit for a few hours. No leaks.
Filled it up again and ran the pumps and played endlessly with the drain pipe adjustment. Figured out that it was sucking air. Went to the Depot and picked up PVC to build a new one.

Emptied tank!

Modified the stand to fit the larger sump as the old stand wasn't gonna let it in!!!!!

When I put sump in..the drain hoses would not allow a nice drawer that the stand had in front...so I removed drawer and will make it a false front instead. Drawers are highly overrated. Used a little imagination and again..at the Depot..bought some PVC fittings to make it work! I like drawers now.

Painted background on back of tank. Semi-Gloss black. Waiting for 3rd coat to dry
8 coats later....and endless inspections...finally is completely black. 3 coats my patootie!

filled overflows to see how they held up. Check!
After furthur inspection, water level dropped. Tightened up bulkhead...draining eliminated

Emptied overflows and am now filling up tank and sump for a test run. It takes a while to fill up that little boogar!

SUCCESS!!!!

I pray that nothing splits open and starts spraying water everywhere!
God answered my prayers

I will report back in a couple hours. Assuming that the ambulance hasn't taken me away due to a stroke!
I made it through the night without any major catastrophes!!



I also know now..that when I turn the pumps off...I still have a good 4 or 5 inches to spare in my sump..unless the overflows empty. Then it would be to the top. I'm good to go there!! I also bought a really nice mat that is very spongy with little thin nubby spines on it to use as a dampener for the vibration of the pumps. That should quiet it down a great deal.

Tomorrow,,,I head on down to the Quarry to search for rock that appeals to me. I also have about 500 pounds in bags that I have from my last excursion to the quarry... in the garage..and I didnt use ANY of it in my tanks. I have to find a home for that stuff. I know one thing. I ain't picking out white rock anymore!!!

I also have 250 pounds of pool filter sand to clean and sift through. That ought to be a blast.

THEN...I move the old tank...replace with new...set it up with (rocks...sand...plants)...remove fish and filtration from old tank and put on and in new one...and I will then have a new home for my guys!

Sounds like you have everything set! Way to go!

 

Sounds like you have everything set! Way to go!

I appreciate the link!! I watched enough you Tube Videos to finally figure it out!! There was only ONE that I could find that actually explained it! I must not have seen your post for the link. One of my return pipes has an adjustable Durso pipe that seems to have a bad seal in it and is sucking air. I went to Home Depot and got all the piping and fittings to put a simpler one together. Hopefully that quiets it down some. All I hear is a flushing noise which is the tank sucking air and the overflow level on the one side to fluctuate quite a bit.

Never having a sump before presented new fears to me of a flooding situation. Now that I'm STARTING to get the jist of this method of filtration...I kind of like it. I'll know more each and every day. I'm starting to feel more comfortable.

Buying a pre-owned tank scared me a bit..especially a 150g. When I first filled it up..and saw no leaks...I was thrilled. When I actually bought the sump and new pumps..and fired them up to set the "ON" level...I was nervous as I could be BUT..it did exactly what it was supposed to do. I let it run all night while I was fast asleep...and when I woke up this morning...I peeked around the corner to the back office/room and looked at the floor...and there was NO WATER on the floor. Always a good sign!

 

What I do wonder..is if the Bio Media and big nastysponge filter that I have set up in my old tank...will do much to help the cycle of the new one..since it is a sump and not a canister...plus 3x the size!!

As long as you are not adding a lot more fish, putting the bio from your canister in the sump will give you an instant cycle. Just remember to have the fish in the tank when you do this. The bacteria need ammonia to survive.

 

When I put sump in..the drain hoses would not allow a nice drawer that the stand had in front...so I removed drawer and will make it a false front instead. Drawers are highly overrated. Used a little imagination and again..at the Depot..bought some PVC fittings to make it work! I like drawers now.


Forget what I said!! I hate drawers!! Bumped my head on the corner of a cross brace 4 times. Bleeding profusely !! Learned three new cuss words. 25 holes on those drawer brackets. You think I can find the RIGHT one?
NNooooooooo!!! Finally got it in. Lost one screw in the sump...somewhere!! I guess I'll find it when it sucks into my brand new pump and I hear it coming to a screeching halt!

THIS is what happens when you work on a project and you are exhausted!! I have never called myself so many expletives.

 

I feel your pain I would def try to find that screw. When your relaxed and. Cleearheaded.vyour almost there hang in there