Info about sumps

Since it is an established saltwater tank, I highly suggest not drilling, for obvious reasons No floods please.

You have essentially 2 routes you can go. Build the sump yourself with some acrylic/glass panels as baffles etc and use an actual aquarium or buy a sump already made from somewhere. LFS's will have SOME in stock, but I wouldn't make your selection solely from them. Ours was a complete setup from Pro Clear Aquatics, and it has performed perfectly so far. The water passes through 2 sponges, one rather porous in the overflow box, then through another that is a large fine one above the biomedia area. Then a last one before it is sent to the skimmer/return pump area. Those things get NASTY, which is a good thing, because it means all of that crap I wash off isn't going into the tank. Just a quick rinse in warm water once a week and they're back in action ready to collect more goo.

Also, a buddy of mine has a sump that is entirely DIY. 10g aquarium with acrylic siliconed in place. His dad was able to cut out the acrylic for free and at custom specs because of the access he has at his work (where ever that is), and the biomedia is good ole 1990's technology. It works great for him.

Here's a pic of his DIY sump to help give you ideas. He bought the HOB overflow for it, however. Everything else is from ACE, Lowes, or Home Depot.

 

I have a CPR OF rated at 600GPH that has a siphon assist powered by an aquaclear-50. You could use an aqualifter instead if you want. My return is a Rio 2100+ which is rated at about 525GpH at 4 feet. You could also run a Mag 7 with the same results. You don't need a ball valve as long as the return flow does not exceed the rating of the OF.

 

I would get a ball valve, you never know what the future holds. Not to mention a cheap and good ins. policy. Luna

 

When I put the return back into the tank, what is the best way to do it? I've seen some people have what looks like a segmented, black nozzle of some sort, what is that? Im assuming i don't want to run the pvc pipe right into the tank, right?

 

By the way, I'm planning on building a DIY sump out of a 20 long and buying an overflow.

 

Well actually, you can just run the pvc back into the tank with an elbow joint at the end for horizontal flow. I have a "flare" nozzle that came with it, and it is the main surface turbulence causing thing. Puts out more flow than one of my powerheads haha.

 

Thats called LocLine, something like this.......




Luna

 

that's it, thanks

 

locline is fine to use and the use of pvc is ok too. Locline is more pricy then pvc. Most conections under tank can be used with pvc or flexable hose. http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/diy-fuge-sump-55215.html here is my diy setup good luck with yours

 

Man's got a point here. Can't argue with insurance;D.

That's what I did. The 20 long is really useful. I silly-coned a piece of acrylic with some eggcrate on top and cordoned off a third of it for my fuge and plumbed accordingly.

This is what I use.



You have a cool project there. You will have fun.