new tank questions-sump

[melsmom]

Hi everyone!
I got lucky and found a 90 gallon tank and am going from 55. I think I know the basics of changing most everything over...but my real question is this tank is plummed for a sump. okay so I've heard it mentioned a lot, and I'm not using it on the 55. I dont even know why you would use one so I need that information. along with how to set it up etc. any info would be truely appreciated. also is this something that i'm going to have issues with as far as flooding my house etc...? as I've seen people having those problems too not saying with a sump but just in general.
Thanks so much

 

[delemi]

Hi everyone!
I got lucky and found a 90 gallon tank and am going from 55. I think I know the basics of changing most everything over...but my real question is this tank is plummed for a sump. okay so I've heard it mentioned a lot, and I'm not using it on the 55. I dont even know why you would use one so I need that information. along with how to set it up etc. any info would be truely appreciated. also is this something that i'm going to have issues with as far as flooding my house etc...? as I've seen people having those problems too not saying with a sump but just in general.
Thanks so much

Adding a sump has quite a few reasons/benefits depending on who you ask:
1. It allows you to increase your total system water volume, increasing stability
2. It allows you to move away from canister filtration which can be difficult and timely to maintain
3. It allows for your detritus (aka fish poop) and other nitrates to collect in an easy to access place where you can clean it - assuming you use some sort of filtration in your sump (i.e. macro algaes, filter socks & pads, deep sand beds, etc)
4. It allows for increased flow in your system as your return pumps are usually higher volume than a normal powerhead

Our DIY thread has tons of examples of sample sumps people have built, and check the member display forum for pics of what other reefers are using.

As for flooding - yes it can be an issue if you allow your water level to get too high in your sump. You need to be sure you have a syphon break somewhere in your downpipe and you need to test your system by simulating power outages to make sure that the extra water space in your sump will handle the overflow until your syphon breaks

 

[vinny2261]

Try filling your tank untill it starts to overflow back down the drain tube to the sump. This will be how low your tank will be if the system has a power loss. Now fill the sump up to where it should be below the rim. Now if you turn on the pump and let the system run for a few minutes. You should make a reference line on the sump for "topping off" the tank. This area will be on the pump or return side of the sump. This area will show your evaporation and not in the main tank. Once your salinity is correct you can keep the tank topped off to you reference line to keep the salinity correct. You should try and test eveything for leaks and functionability before you transfer over the old tank. Maybe setup and test where a leak won hurt...Vince