Dual Sump Design, Good Idea or Not?

[alarmguy66]

My tank has been up and cycling for almost a month Nitrites are beginning to fall, so soon I will be adding more stuff (YEA!)

Here is what i I am considering doing, what I would like is some feedback on design flaws I may have overlooked. 55 gal, mag 7 (4'head), remora skimmer, CPR overflow, 45 lbs (for now) lr. Feed the overflow into sump #1, which will be an old 10 gal w/slate bottom on opposite side of wall. Drill hole in the slate, insert 1"pvc to height I want water to stand, PVC will go straight down into sump #2 (also 10 gal). Sump 2 will feed back to aquarium via 3/4" pvc. Sump#1 will have dsb and be used to raise macros, pods, and maybe a mangrove or 2, sump 1 will house skimmer, heater and pump. I already have a cabinet to house both sumps.

Bonus question - should my return to the pump be low, mid, or high in the tank?

I seek your wisdom.

 

[reefrunner69]

I would be concerned about the slate bottom tank in SW, is it a stainless steel tank? If I were gonna use this, I would coat the bottom with silicone so the SW could not pick up anything from the slate. Other than that I think it's fine. As for your return...I place them high in the tank and angle them downward.

 

[pm64971]

I would be concerned about drilling a hole in slate. I think it will destroy the piece of slate. Have you tried this before?