Multiple Tank DIY

Question
I am trying to figure out what is the best way to plumb 2 tanks together. I have a 75 gal and a 30 gal along with a Wet Dry Filter system.

I am about to purchase a in sump protein skimmer and would like to place the skimmer in the 30 gal.I guess my question is: Would it make sense to make use of this 30 gal and if so how can I incorporate it into my system?  

Answer
Hello Ken,

Yes, this is a great use for an older tank.

You can install 'baffles' to create compartments so as to avoid bubbles coming fromthe skimmer back up into the main tank..

and if size permits, you can also create a compartment to be used as a 'refugium'

please check out www.melevsreef.com  and read up on sumps.

The basic concept though is:

you install an 'overflow' box onto the back top edge of your display tank.  It has a U-TUBE that you have to prime to get started, but once started it will stay  primed..  they make some nice once that are 'self priming', so up to you and how much money you want to spend.

This over flow box then drains into your 'sump', where a pump will pump water back up and over the display tank edge and spray out  from a nozzle.

this is filling up the tank, so the water will spill into the 'overflow' box, and down the drain, and REPEAT


Pretty basic.

This will allow you to increase your water volume, hide any equipment, heaters, probes, filter sockes, etc...

You can install protein skimmers, media reactors and chillers and all kinds of good stuff.

Bascilly the installation of the sump will allwo yo uto start expanding and growing a more mature system


good luck, and please let me know what and how you do..



btw:  You can post pictures and keep a running log over on my new forum:

www.thelittleocean.com

It has a live chat box where you can talk with me or anyone else online at the time...

thanks  and hope to see you there




bill