Hey R2R, So im getting ready to plumb my custom 187 gallon reef tank and want to set things up simple, right and efficient the first time around. I currently have two vortech pumps (one M2 and one L2) that I plan to use for this setup. I also want to plumb in a UV (in a closed loop) from the start to avoid trying to have to plumb it in later (I have a 90 watt icecap UV sterilizer that is kind of long). Im running a shadow overflow from the tank into a synergy reef sk-60 sump. The sump and plumbing are all located in a room behind the tank that my wife and kids have dubbed my fish room (that's hidden by a murphy door so you cant tell the room is even there). This room also houses my mixing station, QT tanks, and any equipment I might need for the tank. Here is a picture of the back of the tank and sump for reference when looking over the 3 options I have put together so far. Sorry for the long intro, I just wanted to provide as much info on the setup as I can to help direct the feedback.
The sump will be raised about 10 inches once the stand im building for it is done. It will have casters on the stand so i can disconnect things and move it if needed for cleaning, maintenance, or even in emergencies like leaks. The UV is also in the picture so you can see how long it is.
Now onto the actual plumbing options. First Option was my first iteration of the plumbing setup:
Option 1, without the bypass and upgraded some ball valves to gate valves to better control flow to equipment which was some feedback I got from ask BRS facebook group:
Option 2, was with the UV on one dedicated return pump with manifold on a separate return pump:
Option 3, was to have both return pumps plumb into one line that goes to both returns and powers both UV and manifold. This setup would also make it so all equipment would continue to run if I had a pump failure. My concern with this option was I have two different sized return pumps (an M2 and L2) and not sure if this will work or if it would cause the two pumps to fight each other and cause any issues when they meet. I have heard different things about doing two return pumps for redundancy but not sure the best setup for this. And I already having these two good return pumps at different sizes, I didnt want to have to purchase another one to match sizes if I can avoid it.
Thanks taking the time to read over these plumbing options and helping me make the best decision possible for this new setup. If you have some other options that might work out better please share.
Im just super anxious to get the plumbing done so I can fill this tank up and start cycling it. It was sitting in my garage since July while I was finishing my basement and fish room to put it in place. Now that its here in place I need to figure out all the plumbing so it can be filled up. Thanks again everyone!
The sump will be raised about 10 inches once the stand im building for it is done. It will have casters on the stand so i can disconnect things and move it if needed for cleaning, maintenance, or even in emergencies like leaks. The UV is also in the picture so you can see how long it is.
Now onto the actual plumbing options. First Option was my first iteration of the plumbing setup:
Option 1, without the bypass and upgraded some ball valves to gate valves to better control flow to equipment which was some feedback I got from ask BRS facebook group:
Option 2, was with the UV on one dedicated return pump with manifold on a separate return pump:
Option 3, was to have both return pumps plumb into one line that goes to both returns and powers both UV and manifold. This setup would also make it so all equipment would continue to run if I had a pump failure. My concern with this option was I have two different sized return pumps (an M2 and L2) and not sure if this will work or if it would cause the two pumps to fight each other and cause any issues when they meet. I have heard different things about doing two return pumps for redundancy but not sure the best setup for this. And I already having these two good return pumps at different sizes, I didnt want to have to purchase another one to match sizes if I can avoid it.
Thanks taking the time to read over these plumbing options and helping me make the best decision possible for this new setup. If you have some other options that might work out better please share.
Im just super anxious to get the plumbing done so I can fill this tank up and start cycling it. It was sitting in my garage since July while I was finishing my basement and fish room to put it in place. Now that its here in place I need to figure out all the plumbing so it can be filled up. Thanks again everyone!
