Making a Sump - Aquarium Advice

magyk · 04-19-2003, 05:43 PM

I'm looking to establish a reef tank and possibly make a sump

Is it that easy where you take a 20 gal tank but an overflow and then a powerhead and that's it??

Can someone let me know if that's all you need to do

fishfreek · 04-19-2003, 06:39 PM

Here is an article I wrote on sumps about a year or more ago.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/showqu...q=2&fldAuto=12

IT will help you with the basics of sump design and principle. I also just made a rather long post up on Saltwater General Discussion on the exact same thing almost.

My sump on my 80 gal is a 30 gal aquarium with a few lbs of LR in it for extra filtration. Two 200W heaters are also in the sump.

Jack · 04-30-2003, 10:25 PM

I always kept Rubbermaid containers for sumps. They work great and are very cheap. You can easily create two levels by putting a smaller container (plastic garbage can) inside the larger Rubbermaid container. You'll need more than a small powerhead to pump water back to the main tank. You'll need a decent sized pump.

Salt4Us · 05-01-2003, 12:09 AM

Hey Jack, could you post some pics? We are thinking of going a sump for our 40 long and we'd like to see all possiblities.

Thanks!

Jack · 05-01-2003, 10:38 PM

I can't take any pictures. I've sold the inhabitants of both of my reef tanks. I also sold my 55 gal. I'm left with my 75 gal tank that is going to become FW. I have a sump on the tank, but it is a sump/wet-dry. It is not a Rubbermaid container. I'll look and see if I have some old pictures I can post. I'll also gladly answer any questions.

I had pvc running from the overflow into the sump. I just used 45 and 90 deg elbows to change direction. I cut holes in the side (near the top) of the sump, through which the pvc went through. The overflow emptied into the inner can (the plastic garbage can), then overflowed into the main sump (the Rubbermaid container). The main pump was located inside the Rubbermaid container. I used a HOB skimmer placed on the inner can. It worked great because the water level in the inner can remained constant.

Jack · 05-01-2003, 10:44 PM

Here are two pictures. The first shows the the Rubbermaid container on the right. The second shows the top of the tank and the return. Sorry, but this is all I have that shows the sump/return.

04-19-2003, 05:43 PM	#1
magyk Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 14	Making a Sump I'm looking to establish a reef tank and possibly make a sump Is it that easy where you take a 20 gal tank but an overflow and then a powerhead and that's it?? Can someone let me know if that's all you need to do __________________ 75 Gallon Prizim 2 Eheim 2217

04-19-2003, 06:39 PM	#2
fishfreek Aquarium Advice FINatic Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2002 Location: Virginia Posts: 971 Images: 82	Here is an article I wrote on sumps about a year or more ago. http://www.aquariumadvice.com/showqu...q=2&fldAuto=12 IT will help you with the basics of sump design and principle. I also just made a rather long post up on Saltwater General Discussion on the exact same thing almost. My sump on my 80 gal is a 30 gal aquarium with a few lbs of LR in it for extra filtration. Two 200W heaters are also in the sump. __________________ Remember dont tap the glass, your fish will think you're an idiot -Anonymous mother Check out our articles area. 30+ Aquatic articles for your enjoyment Are you in or around the Shenandoah Valley area? If so click here to join our regional forum. Looking for affordable web hosting? Look no more We have the answer Learn more about Coral Reef Conservation. Free photo hosting

05-01-2003, 12:09 AM	#4
Salt4Us Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Tustin, CA Posts: 808 Images: 23	Hey Jack, could you post some pics? We are thinking of going a sump for our 40 long and we'd like to see all possiblities. Thanks! __________________ Come join the California Regional Forum!!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Tips on making a Homemade Sump??	ken_wied	DIY Projects	3	11-20-2006 12:11 PM
When making your own LR	Marc118	Saltwater Fish Only & FOWLR	6	05-12-2006 12:57 AM
Pro Clear Sump - How to put heater in sump & Questions..	TheChad	Saltwater & Reef - Getting Started	6	04-14-2006 07:39 PM
Making your own LR	usaco	Saltwater & Reef - Getting Started	4	09-12-2005 10:00 PM
Making a Sump for my 29 G	MrsPeel	DIY Projects	4	03-04-2004 11:06 PM

04-30-2003, 10:25 PM	#3
Jack Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Horn Lake, MS Posts: 96	I always kept Rubbermaid containers for sumps. They work great and are very cheap. You can easily create two levels by putting a smaller container (plastic garbage can) inside the larger Rubbermaid container. You'll need more than a small powerhead to pump water back to the main tank. You'll need a decent sized pump.

05-01-2003, 10:38 PM	#5
Jack Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Horn Lake, MS Posts: 96	I can't take any pictures. I've sold the inhabitants of both of my reef tanks. I also sold my 55 gal. I'm left with my 75 gal tank that is going to become FW. I have a sump on the tank, but it is a sump/wet-dry. It is not a Rubbermaid container. I'll look and see if I have some old pictures I can post. I'll also gladly answer any questions. I had pvc running from the overflow into the sump. I just used 45 and 90 deg elbows to change direction. I cut holes in the side (near the top) of the sump, through which the pvc went through. The overflow emptied into the inner can (the plastic garbage can), then overflowed into the main sump (the Rubbermaid container). The main pump was located inside the Rubbermaid container. I used a HOB skimmer placed on the inner can. It worked great because the water level in the inner can remained constant.

05-01-2003, 10:44 PM	#6
Jack Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Horn Lake, MS Posts: 96	Here are two pictures. The first shows the the Rubbermaid container on the right. The second shows the top of the tank and the return. Sorry, but this is all I have that shows the sump/return.