Ran into a problem

[Reef Swimmer]

Here is my problem. The tank I bought has a 2in drain leading down into the sump. The sump has two 1in lines both with cut off valves. The pipe coming off the back of the tank just sits on the edge of the sump. I'm wanting to use the lines that came with the sump but I don't know how to run it from a 2in drain down to 2 1in drains and still use the bulkhead and piping going through the glass.

[jrsatx20]

pics would help a bunch. do you need both 1in lines. or use a wye and reducers to 1 in to use both lines

[CoryDude]

I would almost suggest keeping the 2 inch drain line as is and use one of the 1 inch lines to move water from the sump back into the tank. The other 1 inch line could be used to feed an external skimmer, reactor, or chiller that would loop back into the sump.

[ramsey]

I would almost suggest keeping the 2 inch drain line as is and use one of the 1 inch lines to move water from the sump back into the tank. The other 1 inch line could be used to feed an external skimmer, reactor, or chiller that would loop back into the sump.

+1 or you could use the additional 1" return as a backup drain and set up an herbie overflow.

[Reef Swimmer]

The only problem with the 2in drain is the the pipe going down the back is only a pressure fit and not a screw on. I also don't like it just sitting on the edge of the sump. The sump I got is a mega flow 4. I want to use the lines so I don't have to worry about them slipping off and flooding my floor.

[ramsey]

The only problem with the 2in drain is the the pipe going down the back is only a pressure fit and not a screw on. I also don't like it just sitting on the edge of the sump. The sump I got is a mega flow 4. I want to use the lines so I don't have to worry about them slipping off and flooding my floor.

You could always set up a T on the drain or use a reducer and hard plumb it. I used the flexible PVC for my drain and never had a leak. However, when setting up my 185g this time, I plan to hard plumb it just for the piece of mind. I think this is what you're asking, the drain line from the tank is too big for the sump? I'm personally paranoid so I'd have (at least) two ways from water to overflow back into the sump. Pictures would likely help though.

[jcnkt_ellis]

Pressure fit can be glued in place with pipe cement and if it is properly glued together it should not wiggle enough to come off the edge of the sump. Pictures and/or a diagram of what you want to do would help a lot.

[Reef Swimmer]

Yeah it won't let me up load the pics.

[ramsey]

Yeah it won't let me up load the pics.

Upload them to imgur.com then post the links.

[Reef Swimmer]

Another thing....do I need to have a carbon filter or can just use a skimmer and a refugium.

[Reef Swimmer]

Sump is a megaflow 4 w/o bio balls

[jcnkt_ellis]

You don't need a carbon filter like a hang on back model for freshwater tanks or a canister model. Some people like to use the occasional bag of carbon to help polish the water, but the bag is usually placed in a high flow area of the sump and its never relied on to "clean" the water in lieu of the skimmer, etc...

[Reef Swimmer]

Ah good I was starting to think oh great more **** to buy and I don't even have water in the tank yet.

[ramsey]

You don't need a carbon filter like a hang on back model for freshwater tanks or a canister model. Some people like to use the occasional bag of carbon to help polish the water, but the bag is usually placed in a high flow area of the sump and its never relied on to "clean" the water in lieu of the skimmer, etc...

+1 you don't really need it especially if you have a lit refugium with macro algae. I liked to run it from time to time to polish the water but it's a nice to have and not a need. Also, if you have a sump, a reactor is better to run carbon in but using it passively (in a bag) does some good.