Broomer...sump question

[iceburger]

I will be setting up my system for my 75 very soon, and i'm not sure what i want to do filtration wise, i have two 40 gallon rubbermaid containers that i think i want one to be the sump and the other to be the refugium, well, i know how to return the water from the sump itself but how do i split up the flow and return water from both the sump and the refugium? i'm a little new to the plumbing aspect of reefkeeping, but i'm a fast learner

 

[broomer5]

I'm guessing your planning to place these 40 gallon containers somewhere else than "under" the tank.
Here's a drawing how it can be done.
There are many ways - this is just one.
You cut holes in the top side wall of the refugium, install bulkhead fittings in these holes, and use PVC pipe/fittings to make a spillway.
A spillway is just a way for the water in the refugium to rise up and fall out and "spill" over back to the sump. Some folks may call this an overflow as well. They're the Orange things in the drawing.

 

[broomer5]

Pic of the two bulkhead fittings "inside" the refugium.
White and black things on the right side

 

[broomer5]

nuther pic

 

[broomer5]

last one

 

[broomer5]

Instructions if you're interested

 

[limak]

What type of lighting are you using over the fuge? Any problems with caulerpa going sexual? I'm impressed by how much algae growth you have which is why I ask.

 

[jarre]

Broomer - What software are you using to do your drawings with?

 

[broomer5]

limak - 72 watts PC lighting
(1) 36 watt daylight ~ (1) 36 watt actinic.
Jarre - just Microsoft Paint program for drawings.

 

[stpabr]

Broomer,
How are you dealing with the possibility of a back siphon through the returns? They look like they are pretty low in the main tank.
Thanks,
Stephen

 

[broomer5]

Stephen
I have 3 flexible arms that go deeper into the tank.
I have 2 close to surface elbows.
One elbow is positined so half of it is under water, the other half is always exposed to air. This elbow ripples the surface water.
The other elbow I capped off with pvc cap - didn't need it.
I also capped off one of the long feed lines that leads down behind the tank. I didn't need it either for feeding water - but left it in place to help support the contraption.
Since all the jets are on the same manifold ( all share same water ) venting one vents the entire manifold.
When I shut off the pump - the one elbow that's half in and half out of water provides for immediate venting. The whole thing drains back to sump - no noticable water level change in the tank.
The other spraybar at the left end of tank - drilled hole just under water level.

 

[stpabr]

Nice design...Hats off to your engineering skills.
If you do not have this "patented" may I incorperate it into my system.
Thx. for the reply,
Stephen

 

[broomer5]

Thanks stpabr !
I didn't show you the other too "flop" designs that ended up in the trashcan LOL ~ so my skills include trial & error and cheap PVC pipe.
I will re-do this spraybar someday - been saying that for 6 months now. Only one feed line is really required, and I want to use smaller diameter piping for more "speed" of water exiting the jets.
You're more than welcome to incorporate something like this in your set-up. I got part of the design idea from a LFS here in town. We all borrow from each other in DIY !
See ya

 

[iceburger]

thanx for the idea, but would it make a difference if the tank is drilled? and i will not be able to use a spray bar???