Sumps

gandolf · 09-16-2006, 05:36 PM

Do you really need a sump for SW. I am going to be running 2 Aqua Clear 1 at ea end . Will this take care of what I want to do. Have a 90 Gal.

ahill3780 · 09-16-2006, 07:49 PM

The short answer is, No, you don't need to have a sump for a SW tank.

As far as the current is concerned, the AC's will provide movement of the water but likely not enough to effect the volume you are dealing with. A powerhead or two will help out great if you decide you need more. Powerheads come in handy in a lot of situations IME and I would suggest keeping a couple onhand just in case a need arises.

A closed loop would be a better option, but you could always look into that down the road if it becomes necessary.

gandolf · 09-16-2006, 08:29 PM

could you tell me what a close loop is or show a picture of one thx

ahill3780 · 09-17-2006, 02:11 AM

Basically a closed loop is a water pump that pulls water out of the tank and pumps it right back in again. These systems usually utilize a pump that can turn over the entire volume of the tank 10+ times an hour. The term closed loop refers to the fact that no water can escape the system anywhere except into the tank. This is because the only openings for the water is the inlet into the system and the outlet back into the tank. In the event of a power outage the water simply stops flowing, it does not siphon one way or the other.

I do not yet have a picture of this type of system. But I plan to implement one on my tank when I finally upgrade it to a full reef tank so I will be able to provide pictures then I hope.

gandolf · 09-17-2006, 06:11 PM

Now back on the sumps. I have a all-Glass sump model 4 sump with 2 1 inch inlets,, Also have an overflow box w/2 1 inch outlets have an Iwaki pumpi used this on my plant tank now should i use it on my 90 gal SW. Here is a picture os the sump i have .Or should i stay with my 2 Aqua Clears filters THX this tank is not setup yet
All-Glass Aquarium - Quality Fish Tanks, Hoods, Lights, Stands and Accessories

ahill3780 · 09-17-2006, 07:46 PM

What is the GPH rate of your Iwaki, or what model is it?

Before you use it on your SW make sure you open up the impeller housing and give the exposed surfaces and components a good wash down with some tap water.

I like to take a 5 gallon bucket filled 3/4 of the way up with water and put it outside with the pump in it. Plug it in to an exptension cord and let it blow the water out along with anything else that you couldn't get to when cleaning. But then, I'm a little excessive at times.

Back to the subject though, as long as the pump can move water back into the tank fast enough to keep up with the overflow then the pump will work fine. If it fills too fast and starts to overflow the tank then go with a smaller pump.

gandolf · 09-17-2006, 08:04 PM

The model # is MD70ALT

ahill3780 · 09-17-2006, 10:57 PM

The closest I can find is the Iwaki MD70RLT Japanese model pump. If this is the same pump then it is a 1500 GPH pump which can pump slightly over 31 ft. high.

This may be a little much but you never know until you try. Make sure that you can quickly cut the power if it begins to outpace your overflow. Plug it in to an extension cord when you first test it.

If the water remains level with both the pump and the overflow going for more than 5 minutes then it should be ok. Keep a close eye on it for the next two hours, and then look in on it periodically after that to make sure everything is ok.