seeking help in the Puyallup area!

[Shane and John]

..I just got my new sump..return pump,New Octipus skimmer and all the necessary things to get running...I think i have it set up right,but am just not confident in my plumbing job.....I would hate to start it up and flood out my house..this is the first sump i have ever attempted and am a little nervous...Maybe someone would help out a newbee reefer and verify i did it correctly....I would make it worth their while.. Thanks in advance...Shane

 

[britany_shelton]

well I cant exactly come out there but if you can post some pics I may be able to give you some advice.

 

[Shane and John]

Ok..let me work on a few pics

 

[jesshimom]

There are a lot of reefers in Puyallup you need to connect with. Some of our nicest members live there.

They are probably at the club meeting in Poulsbo right now but am sure they will get to you when they return home.

 

[Shane and John]

...Wow...well i have been working very hard to get some pics to show...Hopefully i will get it right soon...thanks..

 

[returnofsid]

you mean while I'm working here in Puyallup, I could be attending meeting and meeting new members??? Dang, wish I'd have known about it earlier. I'll have to start watching for those things.

 

[Shane and John]

here are a few pics...overflowbox to the sump...skimmer set up in the sump.and a pic of the plumbing from the sump to the returm pump and back to the main tank...does this look right?

 

[chadmace]

I would put a hose clamp on that return tube.

 

[Shane and John]

Pic of the overflow didnt upload...sorry

 

[mfinn]

I would put a hose clamp on that return tube.

Oh yeah

 

[mfinn]

Is the tank all ready set up with saltwater?

 

[Shane and John]

Ok...so my return goes up to a T..then splits to two returns in the tank...all have the barbed connections with the hose that fits over it...should they all be clamped then?

 

[Shane and John]

Yes...it has been up and running for 3 yrs...we went from fish only to having softies and a few annenomies...it has been run by a canister filter with a HOB skimmer...i have left the canister filter hooked up...i will run both the sump and canister for a few months while the sump cycles.....does that seem like the right thing to do?

 

[mfinn]

The sump doesn't need to cycle. It only adds volume to your system, unless you have a bunch of new uncycled rock in it.
Some people like to use a canister filter to run carbon or other filter media. I don't use one myself.
ALL hose ends need a clamp.

 

[mfinn]

Are you planning on using part of the sump for a refugium?

I'd just add water to the sump, without the new skimmer, or anything else, prime the overflow, and turn on the pump, watching for leaks. Have towels near by and be ready to shut off the pump, the monment you see a leak. Even a tiny leak, they only get worse.

 

[Shane and John]

Thanks finn...i am gonna give it a shot tomorrow..After i get myself about 5 hose clamps... Hopefully there will be no leaks..the Pump is what i am concerned about...thats where there is the most connections..i used Pipe dope on all of the pipes,Hopefully it is enough!!!

 

[Shane and John]

well..i thought about throwin in some macro at the end by the return,i am not sure how it will work out though..

 

[mfinn]

Pipe dope,,, not sure on that one. I use teflon tape on all threaded fittings.
I know it will seal the water in, just not sure about the chemicals in the product and reef life.

 

[mfinn]

well..i thought about throwin in some macro at the end by the return,i am not sure how it will work out though..

Most people set up a sump into 3 chambers. One for the skimmer, one for a refugium and one for the return pump or return pump draw.
If you have any of the macro near any pumps or suction areas it will go through the pump and clog it.

 

[Eickhorn]

Shane & John

I can't help you with this, but i live in Parkland.