goisles1
Aquarium Advice Freak
Nick,
Just do a search in the DIY section for SUMP. You'll find loads of threads. Also checkout the Melvsreef site.. lots of info on Sumps:
Melevsreef.com | Acrylic Sumps & Refugiums
If you can, go with a 20G sump or you'll probably end up upgrading down the line (like I did). You want to make it as big as possible. As long as you can fit it under your stand of course.
I started with a 10G sump with my HOB skimmer, some LR Rubble overflow in, and my return pump. I recently upgraded to a 20G(long). Now, I've got approx 30% of the tank for the overflow, return pump, and heater. In the remaining 70% I made my refugium (10lbs of sand, LR rubble, clump of Cheato Algae and my HOB skimmer). Because I use the HOB Skimmer, I get virtually no micro bubbles, so I did not need to add a bubble-trap. I just took the 20L down to my local glass shop and had 1 sheet of glass cut to divide the tank. I split my return line and slowly add water to my refugium area and it overflows back into the 30% section.
Works for me!
EDIT - Oh yeah.. Check out the ESHOPPS overflows if your not gonna drill. I bought this one and it's working great. As Ziggy mentioned, he's been using them for YEARS with no issues
https://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/237622/product.web
Just do a search in the DIY section for SUMP. You'll find loads of threads. Also checkout the Melvsreef site.. lots of info on Sumps:
Melevsreef.com | Acrylic Sumps & Refugiums
If you can, go with a 20G sump or you'll probably end up upgrading down the line (like I did). You want to make it as big as possible. As long as you can fit it under your stand of course.
I started with a 10G sump with my HOB skimmer, some LR Rubble overflow in, and my return pump. I recently upgraded to a 20G(long). Now, I've got approx 30% of the tank for the overflow, return pump, and heater. In the remaining 70% I made my refugium (10lbs of sand, LR rubble, clump of Cheato Algae and my HOB skimmer). Because I use the HOB Skimmer, I get virtually no micro bubbles, so I did not need to add a bubble-trap. I just took the 20L down to my local glass shop and had 1 sheet of glass cut to divide the tank. I split my return line and slowly add water to my refugium area and it overflows back into the 30% section.
Works for me!
EDIT - Oh yeah.. Check out the ESHOPPS overflows if your not gonna drill. I bought this one and it's working great. As Ziggy mentioned, he's been using them for YEARS with no issues
https://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/237622/product.web