How to build a sump ? (1 Viewer)

[davidsugarland]

Hello DIY experts out there ...
I am sure you get tired of anwering the same question over and over but there are 900 pages here and no search engine for each Forum, so please be patient !
I have a 29G glass aquarium, 30"L x 18" D x 12" W ...is it a good size for a sump?
If so, then I would need all the instructions you could provide! How to design a sump, where to buy materials, how to put it together ?!
I already have a pump QuietOne 4000 . The aqurium will seat nicely in the cabinet but will leave very little space for the skimmer. The main tank is 65 G.
Thank you in advance.

 

[RocketSurgeon]

in most cases, sump size = the largest you can fit.

try this site:

http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/j/sump_model_j.html

 

[trb]

Welcome to MARSH! I talked to you on the other website I think.

Main thing to remeber is to make the skimmer section big enough for your skimmer if it is in the sump. You will need to know the water height it runs best at and either make your skimmer baffles that height or a bit higher, and then use a stand under the skimmer. You should have the bubble trap baffles between the skimmer and the return section. IMO the best design has the drain from the display and the skimmer in one section, the return pump and evaporation area (where the water level drops) in the middle and if you want a refugium, have that on the other side behind a single baffle. The refugium is fed by a "T" off the drain or off the return line. Depending on the height of your stand and the skimmer you have, a 29 might be a bit high to easily get into it for cleaning. A 20 long might be better if height is a premium. Figure you might take everything out for cleaning a few times a year, and clean the skimmer every month or sooner, so you don't want it to be a real pain to get to.

As for the baffles, glass would be best, held in place with silicone. But you can use acrylic, just realize it may come apart sooner. There are all kinds of tips on building a good sump.

Melev's site has some great designs. Just look through the sump section for ideas and ask any questions you may have.

And also, plan on coming to the Fall Frag Swap since it is in your area. You can talk to a lot of us and get some ideas and pointers there.

 

[Llama]

Look in your post in the new to the hobby section. I just posted a picture of my sump with the split design that TRB mentioned above. It has worked very well for me.

Regarding the 29G:
In my opinion this tank would be perfect for your sump. TRB is right about the height, however you may want that added height depending on the skimmer you run. Also you need to remember that when the power goes out them sump will need to hold extra water from the display due to back siphon.

Get you glass baffles cut for you, get some good silicone to mount them, plan well for the skimmer you plan to use.

Ask lots of questions!!!! Ask before you act and you will save time and money.

Side note:
The quiet1 4000 is WAY too large for your system. I run a quiet 1 2200 or even a 1200!! from time to time on my 90 gallon tank.

 

[trb]

Side note:
The quiet1 4000 is WAY too large for your system. I run a quiet 1 2200 or even a 1200!! from time to time on my 90 gallon tank.

What you talking about?!?! That's what I have on my tank, same size as his. But I used the reducer fitting they provide and a 1/2" ID flex line up to the return, then I have a split "Y" dual Locline outlet in the tank. If you got it cheap, maybe just put a "T" on it and a ball valve to feed a refugium. That's in the works on mine. I might even plumb in my phosban reactor to it.

 

[Llama]

What is the flow rate on those 4000?

I plan to run two reactors "Y'd" off from the 2200 I have. If I were just running a pump to be the return only it would be the 1200.

HOWEVER, I am all about having a quiet system that burns as little energy as possible. I also try to have low flow going through my sump. 100GPH on the fuge side, and probably 200GPH on the skimmer side is what I am currently running.

Different strokes for different folks I suppose.

 

[RocketSurgeon]

Different strokes for different folks I suppose.

Because that's the way you roll? or what?

 

[Llama]

Different strokes for different folks I suppose.

Because that's the way you roll? or what?

"LOW AND SLOW, THAT IS MY TEMPO!!!!!" hehehehehee

Name that song!!!!!

 

[trb]

1017gph. More power! R-R-R! (I think like Tim Taylor! LOL!)

At my head height, it flows like 600 gph, but I'm sure the narrower hose and dual outlet slows it down a bit more. I had a 1" line on it for a while, and it did flow a lot more. With the smaller line, it is quieter, but now my durso drain flushes a bit at times! #$%^ Now I need to work on that.

 

[Llama]

DAAAAAAAAAANG!!!!! On a 65???

That is some serious power!!!! How do you keep micro bubbles down?

 

[trb]

I don't have a problem at all. My main ~65 display drains into a 29 gal sump, where most of the bubbles pop, then that one drains into my second 29 gal lower display. The Quietone is in the front tank returning the water to the main display. No bubbles from the return.

I know, wierd, but I have about 110 gal in a 36"x24" footprint with the three tanks combined.

 

[Llama]

Sounds like a really cool setup! Pics!!!!!

 

[RocketSurgeon]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=17753305&posted=1#post17753305

Uncleof6 has quite a few pointers throughout this thread.