I want to add a sump

I have a 45 gallon FOWLR and want to add a sump. I have a 10 gallon and 20 gallon high tank available. I can't drill my tank so I will use a overflow box.

My questions:
Should I use the 10 or 20 gallon tank? (I was leaning toward the 20 gallon)
What overflow box? I was looking at the Eshopps PF-800 or PF-1000
What pump? I was looking at the Rio HyperFlow 8HF or 12HF

I have a gift card from Dr. Smith & Fosters, so I was looking to purchase from them unless someone has a better deal or recommends a different brand that they don't carry.

Thanks for your help!

 

I am still not happy with my sump quite yet still doing some adjusting but I don't know how much you are wanting to spend but this is the overflow I have and I love it. It never looses suction b/c it has a pump. Good Luck!

Aquarium Filters: Continuous Siphon Overflow

 

Bigger is always better. The 10 would work decently well, but you may as well use the 20 if you have it.

 

JamieC77, I forgot to mention I did a newbie mistake and only have 3 1/2" clearance behind my tank. I like the overflow box you have but appears to be to big to fit behind my tank

 

An Eshopps pf-300 will slide right into that 3 1/2" space nicely. They are very reliable and affordable overflow boxes. I use two on two seperate tanks and will be buying a 3rd for my mantis tank soon.

I agree with blackraven. The 10g would be fine but since you have the 20H you may as well use it.

 

I would go with the 20. More water volume

 

reefmonkey, how much flow would I need? Would you recommend the Eshopps pf-300, pf-800 (single intake) or the pf-1000 (dual intake) for my size setup?...thanks!

 

You definitely don't need the 1000, I have a Eshopps 800 on my 55 and it works well although you could use the 300 too. Remember the return pump will dictate the amount of flow, so just make sure to get a pump that is less then the maximum overflow capacity.

 

GuitarMan89, what pump do you use with your pf-800? I am looking for a pump that does not use too much electricity, my electric bill is high enough already!...lol