View Full Version : any thoughts on sharing a sump between two tanks?
laurabolyard
03-05-2006, 11:11 AM
I have a 55 gal, soon to be reef tank. We have had our hearts set on seahorses from the beginning. Now thinking that it is not a good idea for the big tank if we want to keep much else. I was thinking about setting up a 10 gal next to it and sharing the sump between them.
Crown Royal
03-05-2006, 5:22 PM
Never tried this myself, but it's a novel idea.
Plumbing could be complex and you'll have to deal with head pressure issues if you tee your overflows and/or returns, but it's probably do-able from a logistical point of view.
In any event, any diseases or parasites from your big tank will very likely make their way over to your delicate ponies in a shared sump setup.
laurabolyard
03-05-2006, 10:49 PM
i wondered about the parasite/disease thing too. For a 10 gal w/ponies, it hardly seems worth the trouble. Live rocck and a canister would probable do the job nicely. I do like the idea though, may try it someday!!
jjirsa78
03-05-2006, 11:58 PM
I'd be a bit concerned about the height of a 10G for seahorses - they really need quite a bit of vertical space. You may want to find someone who has had success with them and ask...
OrionGirl
03-06-2006, 10:37 AM
I ran 2 65's and a 500 plumbed through the same sump for a few years. It works, but plumbing is trikcy, since you have to run longer lines at odd angles, which can result in slower water movement. And, as mentioned, any parasites/diseases will hit all tanks plumbed together. It can work, but IMO, in the long run, isn't worth it.