Todd's DIY Sump and Overflow, etc...

First picture is my Rubbermaid 50 gallon sump. $18

The third picture is the sump initially squeezed under the stand.

Second is it operating under my tank. (This was my first overflow, inferior to my new one)

The fourth is of my POS skimmer, a HOB model, currently in the sump.
I ordered the SC150 from Ebay, $100 shipped! Be here soon.

The fifth is of my completed DIY overflow 2.0
The intank overflow is the larger pipe, it's 4 inch ID- works much the same as a overflow wall in a reef ready tank.

The overflow itself is 1and a 1/2 inch ID thruout.
It is self priming, won't loose it's siphon.
Some bubbles do get sucked thru though, so for added peace of mind,
I added an air lock valve- hooked up to an Aqualifter pump- to make sure it stays primed on top.

My return is a Marineland 5500, whick puts out ~ 900+GPH at a 4 ft head.
The overflow handles it fine, and keeps the scum off the surface by constatly pulling the top 1/4inch off the top.

It's been tunning without a hitch now for about a week.

The intake in painted black and isn't even noticeable near the corner, with reef rocks staked up on it.

Thanks to all that I borrowed ideas from to make my system.
Cost very little, and works great, with high flow and no worry.

I have a 125 FWLR, soft corals

 

looking good..........you got to love diy and saving money

 

I looked at your twin 55 build thread- very nice work!

 

very nice, its amazing the money we can save in this hobby by using our brains.

 

looks good. but a warning, my buddy used a rubbermaid container as a sump for about a month an then it got a small crack in the corner and it leaked. just be careful and make sure its not bending/warping at all.

 

thanks,

Mine is mostly supported by my stand, it barely fits in there.

I keep an eye on it.

If this one goes down, I've got a perfect unused area just below the tank area in my basement that I've got possible plans for.

 

I had the idea of a plastic tub sump. I googled it, and found a nery long thread about Rubbermaid sumps. Most of them where the plastic 'stock tanks' though, larger, etc.

I used all the positive/working designs I could get off the net, and built my own.

 

NOw upgraded the DIY alot.

It can be seen near the end of my short DT video in my sig., if you're interested in something like that.