Connecting 2 sumps to 1 tank - please help

[jumpingjack]

Hi all.

So context - I currently have a Lifereef Overflow supplying 1 sump which has a Jebao 3500 submersible pump in final chamber returning water to tank.

I have been given a 2nd sump which I would like to plumb to same tank if possible. Given space limitations and design of my cabinet, I am unable to just purchase a larger single sump. I am also unable to drill the glass of the sump tank and connect it via bulkhead.

So my question is - could I place the 2nd sump in the cabinet, and have the return pump from the first sump, delivering water into the first chamber of the 2nd sump? Instead of back into the tank? And then I plan on having a 2nd Jebao 3500 submersible pump in final chamber of the 2nd sump, delivering water back to the tank. The Jebao pump allows for 0-100 flow optimization.

Is this at all possible? Or is there no other way to achieve this other than with a bulkhead connecting the 2 sumps?

The other option is that I could have the Lifereef Overflow with a split pipe delivering water into the 1st chamber of both sumps. Then have both sumps returning water to the tank separately. Again - let me know if this simply wont work.

Or if anyone can think of an alternative. Much appreciated.

 

[tlindsey]

Hi all.

So context - I currently have a Lifereef Overflow supplying 1 sump which has a Jebao 3500 submersible pump in final chamber returning water to tank.

I have been given a 2nd sump which I would like to plumb to same tank if possible. Given space limitations and design of my cabinet, I am unable to just purchase a larger single sump. I am also unable to drill the glass of the sump tank and connect it via bulkhead.

So my question is - could I place the 2nd sump in the cabinet, and have the return pump from the first sump, delivering water into the first chamber of the 2nd sump? Instead of back into the tank? And then I plan on having a 2nd Jebao 3500 submersible pump in final chamber of the 2nd sump, delivering water back to the tank. The Jebao pump allows for 0-100 flow optimization.

Is this at all possible? Or is there no other way to achieve this other than with a bulkhead connecting the 2 sumps?

The other option is that I could have the Lifereef Overflow with a split pipe delivering water into the 1st chamber of both sumps. Then have both sumps returning water to the tank separately. Again - let me know if this simply wont work.

Or if anyone can think of an alternative. Much appreciated.

wednesday13
duanes
jjohnwm

 

[jumpingjack]

My initial thoughts are that the 1st method would be too difficult to balance flow between sumps if the 2nd sump is dependent on flow from first.

So I guess I am leaning towards the 2nd option with the overflow feeding into both sumps. With separate returns from each sump. Is feasible? Both would be fluidized K1.

Not sure how fluid dynamics would work whereby 1 of the 2 sumps would potentially be fed more water?

 

[wednesday13]

Most definitely split the main drain and feed the 1st chamber of both sumps. Run a pump in each sump for returns. Might have to add ball valves to ur returns and drains to dial both in as even as possible.

 

[jumpingjack]

Most definitely split the main drain and feed the 1st chamber of both sumps. Run a pump in each sump for returns. Might have to add ball valves to ur returns and drains to dial both in as even as possible.

Would both sumps flow equally? Would it be too difficult to match the flow of the return to ensure 1 sump does not overflow?

 

[wednesday13]

Would both sumps flow equally? Would it be too difficult to match the flow of the return to ensure 1 sump does not overflow?

Ive done it years ago with 2 drains and equal power pumps. The water levels would fluctuate but i never had an overflow.

I have a tank with 2 sumps and 2 returns running now but its a bit different. Tank has 4 drains. There split 3 to 1 but the sumps are also connected and theres a drain for autodrip so no use showing u pics of that lol…

Drilling glass isnt hard or expensive if ud like to make it more full proof. Can drill an emergency drain in each sump or connect them. Id imagine u may be able to run a U shaped pipe/siphon to each of the pump sections to keep them level similiar to a tank bridge. Its really easier to just drill the glass tho IMO…

 

[jumpingjack]

Thanks for the help. I will have a think about it. MUch appreciated mate.

 

[duanes]

I have run multiple sumps into one another another, before I learned to drill tanks.
It sall about the use of gravity.
In my case, it has been with using over flow units
to tranfer water from one tank into planted sumps, that then overflow into biomedia, mechanical media, and equipment sumps,
I have not needed 2 pumps.
gravity pulls water from the maim tank, into a planted sump set slightly below the main tank, which in turn overlows into a lower placed sump,
and use the pump placed in the lower sump, to send water back to the main tank.
In my case the lower placed sumps were usually 50 gal tanks for equipment such as filter socks, the pump,, bio media and heaters etc.


Using only 1 pump in the lowest sump, eliminates trying to match flow rates, that can easily be altered by a blockage of gunk, that could easily spill the lots of water content on the floor.
That said, drilling tanks is easy, and eliminates the problems caused by losing siphon, (always a threat), in over the top overflow units.
Although I used them for years, I found them too stressful, and was always worrying about siphon loss.

I realize the space concerns, and trying to cram everything into a single cabinet.
Matching pump flow rates can be very tricky, and there are too many unforseen variablesb to contend with for me.
All it takes is a snail, and some gunk, or add a few plant parts, which can be a disaster in the making.


Above a 100+ gal tank, overflowing by gravity (using an overflow box) into a planted sump, were it then flows again by graviy into a sump in a cabinet below the tank.

Once I learned too drill, it made life so much easier, and less stressful. Since then, I have drilled at last a dozen tsnks, from 20 gal to 180s.



I find the larger the tank, the easier it is to drill
One caveat, tanks must not have tempered glass. I will never buy another with tempered glass, I wasn't sure on the 50 gal below.

 

[Flaring Afro]

I definitely wouldn't go with 2 pumps. If one fails, that sump will overflow and could do a lot of damage.

 

[danotaylor]

duanes i have to commend you in how absolutely chill your reaction was when that temper 50gal fractured. Kudos man of peace. Lol