Plumbing two tanks together...

[Mr Cob]

So...my bright mind has been thinking of how to plumb two tanks together without using external pumps. I like tubing.

So...I just had a lightbulb go off in my head !

There it is....simple....have each tank drain to the other's sump....

Is this just that simple or am I missing something here?

Granted both these tanks may have different flow rates so I will have to get pumps to accomodate for the two sized tanks. One is a 220g and the other is an 85g. BUT...actually, I think they will drain about the same rate because they both have (1", I think) dual drain holes.

So basically what we have here is... a crazy eight flow pattern or the shape of "infinity".

[Gseclipse02]

drill holes on the top/middle of the sumps in case one out flows the other it will than just drain into the other ( hope that makes sence

[Regric25]

Thats a good idea! I know Joelb has 2 tanks plumbed together with a 125 gallon sump. You might shoot him a message and see how he did it.
Are the drains going to be the same size for both tanks?

Also remember that the drain can be HUGE but it will only drain as fast as the pump pumps it. So if the drains are the same size then make sure the pumps are the same pumps. Also consider flood space in the sumps. If the 220g pumps fail and whats left drains into the smaller sump (under smaller tank) make sure that smaller sump wont flood (also the overflows might be larger than the 85g). if you consider these things you should be good to go.

Maybe you can have 1 large sump like a 125g with both tanks draining into it and an internal pump for each tank for each return... No flooding issues and you have 1 less sump to maintain. Heat issues wont be any different than the infinity idea because its still all the same water.

[Kristy]

drill holes on the top/middle of the sumps in case one out flows the other it will than just drain into the other ( hope that makes sence

+1 on JT's advice. It makes me nervous to think of you having to match those return pumps perfectly. Too much left to chance!

[allan]

I have both of my tanks emptying into one single sump.... I got a big sump though. I had thought about doing two sumps, but without calibrating the returns and overflows, not withstanding the accumulation of algae and its effect on water flow....

JT's suggestion seems on target providing that equalizer tube doesn't clog or get obstructed. But then again, this hobby is plagued with what-ifs?

I would just go the route of a single large sump to handle both tanks. Water volume isn't going to be an issue tacking on a 220 gallon tank.

But, and I say only IF, if your wife throws you out you are more than welcome to come live with me if you promise to bring the tanks with you. ;)

[Mr Cob]

one single sump......duh....!

Thanks everyone!

[allan]

Rob,

If you're ever out so far from your home and suddenly find yourself and/or family in my neighborhood you would be more than welcome to visit.

I know you're seldom out this far, but I would love to show you my single sump set up, and if you want I can hook you up with a cyano frag, hurry though before I wipe it out completely ;)

[Regric25]

Dibbs on a cyano frag!!!!! I have been looking for one of these for a long time. I love the deep merlot red color they are.

[allan]

Ah brother I have that oh so royal red, and the elusive bright green too