sump design / pump

[bksmith]

I need some help planning out the sump for a tank I've been planning for a while. I bought a 92G Oceanic RR corner tank and an All Glass stand and 54G tank to put underneath as a sump. I have bought and plan on putting a 6 in. DSB in the sump with 100 lbs. of base rock (CaribSea Reef Rock).

The trick is, there is very little room for anything other than the sump in the cabinet, let alone room to work if I have to do any major overhauls, so please let me know if I am overlooking some detail. Due to the lack of space and my desire for a quiet system, I figured I would use a submersible pump for the return (haven't researched which pump exactly yet).

I was kinda planning on installing the submersible about 6 inches above the sand at the front end of the sump , maybe on some kind of stand, so that (1) if I had to I could get to it relatively easily and (2) I didn't really think I should put it right on the sand.

This sounds real simplistic, that is why I'm worried I've got something wrong. Plumbing is really not my thing so I'd appreciate some help.

I'm getting excited, I'll be ready to go as soon as I get this pump thing worked out!

[bksmith]

Could someone help me out with a pump for my sump?

In much simpler terms, my question is can I use a submersible pump in a sump with a DSB or will the sand screw it up?

Another question, does anyone have any comments/recommendations on using a ViaAqua pump or suggest a better submersible pump to use?

Thanks

[OrionGirl]

You should be able to configure the pump so it draws it's water in from the side or top using a few bits of PVC and an elbow or two. The big concern will be making sure that the sump always has enough water in it--if it gets too low, you end up pushing air, and the bubbles can be ugly in the main tank, and the pump could burn out if it runs dry for long.

Don't skimp on the pump (not saying you were, not familiar with the viva-aqua brand). It's a pain if thye have to be replaced, so getting the best you can will save you a headache later.

[bksmith]

Thanks. I don't plan to skimp on a pump, I just haven't heard any recommendations on a good submersible pump.

I want the best, anyone got a recommendation for a submersible that can push around 750 - 1000 gph?

Thanks in advance.

[BrianH]

Try the mag. drive 7 - 9.5 series pumps.

Brian

[bksmith]

Great, the 9.5 seems like the one.

So no one sees a problem with sand getting in the pump?

On a related note, my LFS told me having a DSB in the tank and in the Sump was not only overkill, but actually detrimental. I promptly ignored that bit o' advice.