Wet/Dry and sump layout. Squidd or others!

[masala4080]

Here is a layout im thinking about setting up. Everything is basiclly labled in the pic. (the red box is protien skimmer) besides a few things witch are...
Tank is 90 with built in overflow (rated 600 gph)
The CAP2200 is rated 800 GPH.
I am not sure about what size of pump to get to put in the wet dry, or even if the whole idea would work. If there is any comments or concerns you have about the set up please leave your feedback. Thanks for all your help. PLEASE!

 

[squidd]

Two pump systems never, ever,ever work...you will never get the two pumps "matched" in flow..
Either the W/D or the sump will run dry an burn up or worse the W/D or sump won't keep up an one of the two will flood...
Should be a "gravity" drain (bulkhead) between W/D and sump , and only one pump to tank>>overflow to W/D >>>and gravity drain to sump>>>

 

[masala4080]

So you think if I raise the wet dry and drill a whole in it, connecting the it to the sump that it should work? How big should the whole / tubing be for this? Is there any other accessories or adapters I need?

 

[dmc888]

How bout drilling and making an outake on the 15g.
Raise it and have it spill into the wetdry.
Just have a small ph feeding it.
I'm almost done with mine.
Just need an adapter for my hose line.

 

[tony detroit]

How about just putting a large U shaped hose between the 2 tanks and sucking the air out of it. The syphon will keep both waterlevels constant provided it is low enough below the water surface to not break syphon. I've done that before.
Note: drilling is much better than the way I just mentioned

 

[masala4080]

DMC, how would that work, also do you have a picture / diagram to help me along, I kinda get what you are saying, but not fully. Where would I put the PH? and would this be enough flow into my wet dry? also, isnt this kinda a no-no, along the lines with what squidd said?
Squidd, please help out man!!! You have never failed me before, and I know you wont this time!

 

[masala4080]

Squidd, were you talking something a little like this?
How big should the Bulkhead be, just 1"? Also, will the BH screw up the water flow in any way? And lastlly does everything look like it will work? Any comments?
Heres a pic.

 

[squidd]

Yep that looks like it...
I'd go with something like a 1 1/2" or even 2" bulkhead on the "passthrough" just to be on the safe side...you'll probably be getting 600 gph or so through the overflow to W/D and on a horizontal drain the 1" might be a little small..

 

[masala4080]

how do you suppose I make it bigger, and how big are you thinking? Do they have adapters like that pr PVC pipe?
And also I am moving in about 2 years, if I have to use PVC glue to prevent leakage in the pipes, how do you suppose I remove it when I dissasemble?

 

[squidd]

I think 1 1/2" will be better than 1" and yes you can get bulkheads that "accept" PVC pipe...
Just glue in the "extention" piece to the bulkhead and then the elbow and down tube can be "slip fit" on....even if they do leak, it'll drip into the sump chamber...
Then if/when you move, you can unscrew the bulkhead (outer ring) over the "extention tube" and remove the whole assembly from the W/D for moving..

 

[masala4080]

im not sure i get what your saying, do you have a picture? You know me, need my pics. and diagrams!. Also, do you think it will be benifitial at all 2 put some macroalgea in the wet/dry or even sump?
Also, how do I drill the W/D w/o having it crack?

 

[dmc888]

Just posted my setup with pics. check it out.

 

[acrylic51]

Why not join the 2 with bulkheads???

 

[masala4080]

thats pretty much what im doing.

 

[squidd]

You actually have a couple options here...
First one would be as you pictured, with the W/D raised on blocks and a single bulkhead through the side...
Drilling acrylic is "relatively" easy use a hole cutting saw and go slow so as not to crack the side...
A 1 1/2" bulkhead will need a 2 3/8" dia hole...and should be set so the "desired" waterlevel is centered in the hole...
Another option would be to drill both the acrylic W/D AND the glass sump tank...with two bulkheads (one in each tank) and a pipe connecting the two...
Drilling glass is a bit more tricky and best left to a professional...You should be able to find a glass "specialty" shop in your area that could drill both the glass and acrylic tanks for you...

 

[squidd]

Depending on how "fancy" you want to get..
You could divide out a section of the sump tank for a fuge...
Just put a couple "baffles" befor the skimmer area and use the middle section to grow macros and pods...

 

[masala4080]

that seems like a big hight for the water to fall. Is there any way to avoid using the baffles? perhaps buying like a big plastic goldfish bowl and setting it in the tank, drill some wholes in it, and put in the macroalgea?I am trying to find something a little more space saving then dealing with baffles.

 

[squidd]

Actually, if you can find a rubbermaid tub that will fit the space "exactly" and take up less room than a couple baffles..go for it...
After looking the drawing over I see you will need an "additional" baffle to maintain water level over skimmer pump..
If it changes due to "evap" drops it will throw your skimmer settings off..
Evaporation losses/level changes WILL show up in the return pump chamber..

 

[masala4080]

ok. Everything looks good. I just need to know how to connect the bulkhead to PVC to be removable. Still not quite sure how it is supposed to be.

 

[squidd]

Kinda like this...