Two Sumps?

[oyam123]

If I get this new tank, I am thinking of running two 20gal sumps.
Sump 1 will have the TUNZE 9010 a return pump, and heat.
Sump 2 will have a return pump and 1/2 will be a refugium.
Will this work?
I will have each overflow feed each sump.
My stand has a support wall I can not cut, that why this idea.

[oyam123]

HT from DBL Post:
Other people know better than me ........

What about power loss flooding? Can you make it to be sure the water volume evens out so you don't flood a tank if a return shuts off?

[oyam123]

The tank should not overflow as it will have two independent built in overflows.

[thegrimreefer]

I wouldn't do it unless you can at least cut a hole through that support wall large enough for a 1 1/2" or 2" connecting pipe, so that the two sumps equalize their water levels.

Think for a moment... If you don't connect them together, what happens if ONE of the return pumps stops working... Either the defunct pump's sump overflows, or the working pump's sump runs dry... Probably both... Unacceptable.

[oyam123]

YES! I see your point.
I think I can and should connect them.
If I can do this it would be the best of all options.
More water volume, two pumps and flexibility.

[David Grigor]

Yep you have to plumb the two sumps together because it's impossible that both returns run exactly the same gph yet the overflow ( providing tank is perfectly level ) will be equal. So one sump will likely overflow because water is going in faster than going out.

[Goldpony75]

another issue i see might happen is how to keep the water level in the skimmer sump stable. unless you plan on putting a baffle in the sumps for that and micro bubbles.

[Beng]

I run two 29 gallon sumps sidexside on my new setup. I'm only using 1 pump though
and I did drill a hole on the back of each sump and connect both sumps by 1 1/2 PVC so
there's zero chance of one of them over-flowing while the other is empty.

Beng