Sump design/size calculation

[captexas]

Alright, I'm still playing around with the design for a sump for my 240g tank. I'm limited in it's size due to it being in the stand, no more behind the couch! lol. In looking at the drainage of the main tank during a power outage of the return pump, I am estimating needing extra drainage space in the sump to hold 20g of water. This is based off of a 2 inch drop in the display tank. My problem is that if i go with the Sea Swirls as the returns from the sump, their nozzles sit a bit lower than the overflows and if power goes out, they will back siphon water. This could add another 20g of water for a total of 40g of drainage space needed in the sump. I am looking at a sump being 48in. long by 16in. wide by 20in. tall, holding 66.5g of water. If I go with the 40g of run-off, this only leaves me with a 25g sump for a 240g tank! Any ideas?

Guess this just doesn't seem like very much considering a I have a 75g sump/fuge combo on my current 75g tank :)

[Ed]

Could you install a check valve in the line to the sea swirls to prevent a back siphon?

[captexas]

I can, just a matter of if the check valves work. I've only ever used one and it never works.

[captexas]

Come on people, where's my input when I need it? :) lol. I know there are a lot of people with big tanks out there, just wondering what you guys have done if anything. I haven't seen too many sumps for big tanks so I'm wondering if you account for the drainage or just let things happen? Do check-valves really work?

[::pete::]

Couldnt you use more than 1 and plumb them together? Or build it before June and we will get it in.

[captexas]

Pete - lol, after deciding to remove the tank and do this additional work with your help, I figured I would build a big one and fit it in at that time. That's the only way I can get a 48in. long sump in there. As is, I can only put a 33in. long one in. I'm just nervous about going bigger and leaving room for the skimmer, return pump, closed loop pump, and all the associated plumbing. Plus I'll need a pump for the fuge. If only I had a house with a basement! lol

[NaCl_H2O]

48x16x20 seems very small under a 240g, guess you are making rom for other stuff under the stand? I would recommend all the sump space you can get under the tank, put the skimmer in the sump, and a fuge (if planing that) on top of the sump. Or better yet, find a closet close by, or room on the other side of the wall ;) for support equipment. I don't think ~20g of active sump capacity will cut it for a 240g.

Every inch possible under my systems is sump, with fuge, skimmer, etc. in other locations, but I took up a lot of space in our home to do that. You are absolutely correct to plan on drainage capacity in the sump, and don't "hope" a check valve will work when you need it!

[::pete::]

It all fit around my setup ... well minus a few gadgets you have, but you have room!

[captexas]

Hmmm . . .since I'm single I really don't use that kitchen much . . .just run a few pipes through the wall and I'm set! Just got to move the microwave and fridge! lol :P

That monster Euroreef 12-2RC skimmer kills me on floor space. I have to give it almost 28inches of space.

[::pete::]

What about the shelves ... :skeezy

[captexas]

LOL, I am now figuring I'll have to put my calcium reactor up on the first shelf, not sure what else can go on them. Just have to figure out how to make everything fit in the space I have.

[Henry]

I have a 180 with a 55gal sump. and a 20gal fuge that sits behind and above the tank. Skimmer is in the sump.

[eric]

Can you plumb something with the seaswirls that doesn't sit that low in the main tank. Some nozzle small enough it doesn't interfere with the swirl performance, but just large enough to break a siphon?

[captexas]

Ok, I'm thinking of redoing the stand a bit and turning the two middle 2x4 supports sideways. This will give me an extra 2 inches of width under the stand to play with. Now to figure out how to cram everything in there and plumb it. :wacko

[z28pwr]

CAP, I had to use checkvalves on my tank and so far they are still working we will see. I used the ones that www.marinedepot.com sells.

[matt]

Chris;

Maybe you've thought of this, but can you put the sea swirls on a closed loop and have your return sit higher? You could also drill siphon breaks in the sea swirls; if you just bought them you might need a drink first. Another option is to mount the sea swirls higher.