FW Sump Questions, please help!!

[CA_BroncoFan]

I have searched the DIY sections and i was wondering if there are any step by step threads on how to complete a freshwater sump. Ive tried youtube and all they really do is show you the video of the completed project, some go into a little more detail as far as the hardware but i would like to know things like what bio balls (or other things) to use, what pumps to use, etc.. There is a really good thread on fishless cycling and i was hoping for something along those lines. Anything would be great. Thanks

 

[CA_BroncoFan]

Thoughts on this setup???

YouTube - DIY Freshwater Sump

 

[mfdrookie516]

well... here is a link to the one i plan to build for my 150g... http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b126/bitteraspects/7.jpg
and here is the overflow... http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b126/bitteraspects/overflow.gif

the pump will depend on the size of the tank and the amount of water that the overflow will handle. If you dont match it accordingly, you'll either pump too much water back up, emptying the sump, or you'll pump too little water back up, which wouldnt be horrible, but wouldnt be ideal. Most people with fw wet/dry setups will use pot scrubbers instead of bioballs just because they are alot cheaper and work just as well, if not better.

 

[CA_BroncoFan]

Ok, so I've got a 40 gal tank that I'd like to sump with a 10 gal so what would be a decent pump to get water back into the tank? Also are you using a siphon intake?

What's the biggest difference from doing the overflow you have pictured or using an overflow box.