36 bow front needs a sump

giopimentel · 08-07-2005, 10:44 PM

Im looking to make a sump for my 36 bow front. But i was wondering what the minimum size i should do.. And also I was looking for sumps for dummies, in other words step by step instuctions on how to make one with either a tank or all plexi.

Thanks Giovanni

kb.bear · 08-08-2005, 05:58 AM

I would say 10 gal is the min but more sump means less chance of overflow

Birdlady · 08-08-2005, 07:11 AM

I would put the largest you could fit under there. I made mine from an AGA tank under my 58 gallon. Put baffles in myself and viola! It stays about 2/3's full. I would also go with a tall tank, if possible, it will accept more overflow from your tank....not that you need it full, but if you have a power failure, everything in your tank will backsiphon to a set level....if you have a larger tank, it is better.

HERE is my thread from start to finish of my sump...it is working rather well. The only thing I would change, is to make the retrun pump section a bit larger as I have two return pumps in there

Birdlady · 08-08-2005, 07:12 AM

The water level in your sump will be determined by the highest baffle edge where water overflows...

Have fun!!!

kb.bear · 08-08-2005, 03:23 PM

Personally I like short sumps with more room 30 long over 30 tall holds same water easy to get into

kb.bear · 08-08-2005, 03:26 PM

A basic sump needs only a skimmer and a return pump
You could baffles later

Covey · 08-09-2005, 01:36 PM

Sump for Dummies:
Big as possible.
1. Buy Rubbermaid tub from Wal-mart.
2. Buy Smaller Rubbermaid tub for fuge.
3. Put 2 into 1. Make sure small tub sits flat.
4. Add 4" of reef sand to small tub and Macro add a light for Algae.
5. Add Return pumps, skimmers and such to remaining room in big tub.
6. Add saltwater to sump.
7. Put the incoming water pipe in the small tub.
8. Turn return on and off briefily for like 15min. to mix new SW with old SW.
(So you don't shock your tank).

It is what I did. Works like a charm. Zero assembly and like $20 of stuff from Walmart and your done.

Covey · 08-09-2005, 01:40 PM

The only tricky part is that you may need to add a small piece of live rock to the sump where the incoming water runs in. So the water flow does not stir the sand but after the Calerpia grows in you don't need it.

kb.bear · 08-09-2005, 03:47 PM

Best cheap sump idea I ve heard

Jay · 08-10-2005, 06:25 AM

Covey....aka.......Mcguyver.........here he comes with roll of duck tape in hand.
Couldnt help it..hehe...that is the coolest idea for a sump. I would call it the 10 second sump. Just like the things on the late night info-mercials. 10 second abs.

J