Need input on creating a 180 gal system

[dan2x38]

Instead of Jacking your stand thread thought I'd throw in an idea for your CO2 diffusion. Why not use a Tee from your CO2 loop to line #1 (input) with a check value to prevent back-flow? Would give better dissolution and reduce the chance of CO2 gassing off in the sump before it reaches the tank.

[alexv]

I didn't want to use a powerful pump for the CO2 loop (rather a powerhead or something). I'm not sure if it would be able to compete with the Dart pump... Maybe you are right but I'm not sure if that would work... I'd love to find a 2" reactor that I can actually hook up to my return pipe in-line.

By the way, I thought I would also add a UV sterilizer to the return pipe. So far, I'm looking at one of those:

40W Current USA Gamma UV Sterilizer
40W Aqua UV Sterilizer

They both have 2" slip connectors. Just perfect for my return pipe...

[dan2x38]

If you used a 'Y' instead of 'T' with a check valve right at the junction then it would create suction with the bypass flow pulling the water from the CO2 loop. A small pump or power head would work fine I'd think. Use something like a Pantair Quit-One 1200 they are less than $40. They can be run out of water too.

UV Sterlizer would be a great idea. It would reduce some algaes and all pathogens. They also do an amzing job on wtaer clearity.

[bitterman]

Using a sump on a system that you are trying to keep Co2 in is not always the best, you have done some things to help maintain it so good luck.  The sump also gives additional surface area for the co2 to dissipate. This is one of the draw backs to a sump system and planted tanks. Adding the c02 in the main tank might be more efficient.

Bio-balls are not going to work very well submerged like that, yes they will work, but at a much decreased efficiency, so keep that in mind.

Bruce