DIY weekend sump project!

Discussion in 'Refugium' started by Danhodl, Oct 31, 2009.

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  1. Danhodl

    Danhodl Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2009
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    102
    Location:
    Nacogdoches, Tx
    It was time to make a sump for the 100gal tank, and we had a spare 29gal tank. We did some research and went with a design similar to Model E on melevsreef.com because the tank dimensions are similar, and it's a simple plan for our DIY project. Our sump dimensions are 30.25 x 12.5 x 18.5 and plan is:

    Skimmer 10 x 11.75 x 12
    Refugium 10 x 11.75 x 12
    Return 6 x 11.75 x 10

    I ordered the Coralife Super Skimmer 220 (and can't wait to get it in the mail :biggrinbo !)

    Also, we made an overflow box, and modeled it after the Ehopps 800gph box. We bought .22 acrylic at Home Depot and bent it with a propane torch! I'm really happy with our results!

    Now, we are taking about what to put in the refugium, and would like some recommendations! (please?!) Some one is giving us some cheato, but other than that we were thinking live rock live sand combo? Miracle Mud? Bioballs?
    Do I still need carbon filtration?

    We started this project at 8:00 last night, and this is what we have finished by 5:00 this morning: :beer:

    - Amanda and Dan
     

    Attached Files:

    Danhodl, Oct 31, 2009
    Danhodl, Oct 31, 2009
    #1
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  2. Pens-Fan-Addict

    Pens-Fan-Addict Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Nice job!
     
    Pens-Fan-Addict, Oct 31, 2009
    Pens-Fan-Addict, Oct 31, 2009
    #2
  3. Danhodl

    Danhodl Flamingo Tongue

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    Nacogdoches, Tx
    Thanks! It's been a really fun project!
     
    Danhodl, Oct 31, 2009
    Danhodl, Oct 31, 2009
    #3
  4. yamaharider73

    yamaharider73 Kole Tang

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    great looking build. Ive got deep sand bed, small pieces of LR and macro algae in mine. I still run carbon in my sump after the fuge.
     
    yamaharider73, Oct 31, 2009
    yamaharider73, Oct 31, 2009
    #4
  5. the fisherman

    the fisherman Vlamingii Tang

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    new jersey
    nice build you have there danhodl
     
    the fisherman, Oct 31, 2009
    the fisherman, Oct 31, 2009
    #5
  6. Danhodl

    Danhodl Flamingo Tongue

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    Nacogdoches, Tx
    Well I tested it out last night and it seems the overflow isnt working correctly, it would fill up drain, fill up, i had to push it down to keep it from breaking the siphon, even then it wasn't a constant flow like it should be

    I think this is because the collection box was too flimsy, it bobs up and down changing the water line in the main tank. Any advice?

    I actually didnt intend to build and overflow box I just ended up with extra acryllic from the sump, looks like ill be getting more of it for the collection cup since a tupperware was causing problems. Does anyone think this will solve my overflow problem? I have two 525gph pumps for the return working in parallel behind a ball valve that seems to be working great.

    -Dan
     
    Danhodl, Nov 1, 2009
    Danhodl, Nov 1, 2009
    #6

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  7. omgiv

    omgiv Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Great job and very clean looking!!!!
     
    omgiv, Nov 1, 2009
    omgiv, Nov 1, 2009
    #7