Sump Build

[d0ublemur]

I am going to sound like a total noob, but I was trying to figure out what most people do to get water out of the aquarium down to the sump.
I would rather not have to alter the actual display tank. e.g. cutting holes for plumbing. I was thinking of using one pump to take water out and another of equal gph to return the water would this work. I would also like to know what would be a good skimmer for a 30 gallon marine tank preferably one that goes in the sump. I have a ten gallon tank that I would like to use as a sump but I can buy a 20 gallon if that would be better suited to fit all the necessary equipment.
Thanks,
d0ublemur

 

[melosu58]

Moved to General Hardware and equipment discussion. You donr have to cut holes in the tank. You can get a HOB overflow that will go to your sump. Here is a good three part link on sumps.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sumps, Part I by Greg Taylor - Reefkeeping.com

 

[d0ublemur]

So could I use two pumps of equal gph because that would be better

 

[Rscomia]

Here is a link to a diy pvc overflow that I made myself and am currently using http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f20/diy-pvc-overflow-153636.html

 

[d0ublemur]

What kind of hose would run down to the sump just some normal silicone tubing

 

[Rscomia]

I actually plumbed mine with all hard pvc but you can get flexible pvc and IMO I think it would be alot easier to use

 

[d0ublemur]

Also I dont know if you have ever heard of it or if it is common but could I put two pumps of equal gph: one to go to the sump and one to return to display

 

[HUKIT]

Also I dont know if you have ever heard of it or if it is common but could I put two pumps of equal gph: one to go to the sump and one to return to display

What if the return pump in the sump failed?

 

[d0ublemur]

Good point thanks i will use a overflow.

 

[Rscomia]

IMO when set up right a overflow is just as good as a drilled tank

 

[Smitty]

I'm glad you decided not to use the two pumps. Beyond just having one fail, the one in the sump would have to be a larger size because it would have to work harder to get the water UP to the DT.

The HOB overflow is tried and true. Good to go with it!

 

[melosu58]

The line to the sump has to be gravity fed. Then pump the water back to the main. I have two pumps that return the water. When I had my 55 gallon I used the HOB. Any plastic hosing will work. It will work fine.