new set up

[funkngroovy]

hi,
I am setting up a new system. I have an established 20 Gal with a canister filter. I want to go down to a 10 Gal cube as a display only and run the 20 Gal as the sump/refugium.
Does anyone know if I can use the canister as the pump.
eg. the display tank overflows into the sump and the canister pulls water out of the sump and up into the display.
I think it will work if the canister is between the 2 tanks.
look forward to your responses.

 

[Ritsuko N]

I cant quiet visualize what your explaining but I can hardley think of a way in which a canister filter would be servicable as a return pump I think your time and headaches ahead to just get a over flow box and a pump and go to it.

And while its my opinion only...I would keep the 20 gallon tank as the display and use a 10 gallon tank as the sump. Just some food for thought...

 

[TimSchmidt]

If I have my minds eye ok it should work, do you happen to know the GPH on the output with the head pressure you would have? Just my two cents but if you do this I would drill the tank twice if not three times. Once or twice for overflow and one bulkhead for the return. (just cleaner looking to me than the standard U return line. I too agree that a standard return pump may be better unless you kept that canister squeaky clean.

 

[funkngroovy]

Thanks for the comments, the canister is 1200 litres per hour. I am aiming to have this cube as clean as posible so everything will be plumbed in from the bottom. The main reason I want to use my canister is that it is working extremely well and is full of micro life.

 

[TimSchmidt]

Well I would love to see some pictures when you get it going. I am curious how you plan to have the water leave the display and have the sump return it at the same rate if everything is going to be plumbed from the bottom.

 

[funkngroovy]

Well I have changed my mind at the end of this, I have just ordered a 20x20x18 with an overflow in the back centre. 1 inlet and 2 outlet. I will be using my existing tank as a sump but will use a sump pump. What size do you think I will need?
I am going to set up a 10 Gal using the established canister and set that up for my parents.

 

[TimSchmidt]

Depends on if you want the return to help with flow and how much current you want. Just make sure your pump does not move more water than your overflow can handle. About 3-5 times the display tank is a good starting point.