Trying to build a sump...Help (1 Viewer)

[haze_9]

currently I have a 36 gallon bow front reef tank. I aquired a 55 gallon tank, that I want to move it all to and I almost have the stand and conopy built for it. (Keeps friggin raining) lol. Anyway I was given a smaller tank that fits perfectly in the bottom of my stand I am building and I want to turn it into a sump, something like this one I think... http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/f/sump_f.html

I am trying to understand all this but being that I have never used a sump or really never even been really shown one, and I am not a plumber, I am at a loss. I understand the concept, and the baffels and such but I have no idea how to plumb it or make it work or what pump to get ect. Is there anyone out there who would be willing to take a saturday or sunday or whenever who likes DIY stuff and help a girl out...I will do all the work I just need someone telling me what to do. I live on the SW side less than a mile from City Pets. or I can bring the sump tank to you if you can help. I have looked on DIY site after site and I get the concept but not how to actually make it work. Please help.

Dixie

 

[haze_9]

Note that any help is appreciated. I will have pics up tonight of the 55 gal tank, stand, and sump with measurements, for anyone willing to help via web, drawings ect...

 

[crvz]

Is the 55 gallon tank reef ready (drilled somehow)? That makes the sump a much simpler concept, but it can be done in any case.

 

[haze_9]

Not drilled, older tank and it has thick glass... not sure if tempered or not.

 

[MikeBrWade]

As with alot of things in this hobby you will learn by doing. I am actually using a 55 as my sump right now..

Here are some pics in this thread. With a similar design.
http://www.marshreef.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=22503

You should just do some research, read about how the water is directed through the sump. It is pretty simple really, but always do your research BEFORE attempting something.

 

[haze_9]

That is what I am saying... For 2 months now I have been reading and reading and researching tons, looking at tons of pictures and I understand the basics, (1 section skimmer area, followed by 3 baffels 1 inch apart ect ect) It is mainly the plumbing that is my problem more than anything else. and I know nothing about pumps... even as much as I have read it just confuses me. See I have yet to know anyone with a tank that would sit down and show me theirs and talk me through it. so all I have are pics and reading. Everyones opinion is different and contradictory. So see my problem? After 2 months of getting nowhere I decided to plead for help.

 

[sbfuller]

if i wasn't so far from you then i'd help you out. You are more than welcome to come see mine, nothing special really but it works with minimal pumps. i'm a big DIY'er so if you want to bring the stuff over i can help you out as best i can

 

[haze_9]

I sent you a PM

 

[sbfuller]

nice talking to you, see you tonight

 

[haze_9]

Thanks! I can't wait to see all the work you have done!

 

[haze_9]

First let me start by saying sbfuller that is was very nice meeting you and your GF. You were most helpful!! I have everything drawn up now and I know just how I wanna do it.

BUT ... (always a but)

I do have a question for everyone. For a 55 gallon tank with a 33 gallon sump what kind of pump do I need... size or whatever... How do I figure that out?

 

[crvz]

Well drain hole size will limit how much flow you can put through the overflow, so keep that in mind. A few questions, which may help determine the best pump size. How big is the drain hole? Is the pump going to be submersed in the sump or external? Is there a skimmer in the sump, and if so which model (this is more just a curiosity, it doesnt really drive a pump requirement)?

A lot of folks feel that somewhere in the 3-10x total system volume should be the hourly turnover rate through a sump. So at ~90 gallons, you'd want a pump somewhere between 300-900 gallons per hour, probably a good choice would be somewhere in the middle.

I really like the Mag Drive pumps, if it's submerged, and keeping in how much gph you'll loose due to pressure loss, I'd probably recommend the Mag 7 or 9, or a 12 if you want to be a little more aggressive.

Hope this helps, and let us know about the other details!

 

[haze_9]

Well see since I am thinking ahead of time, I have not drilled the tank yet! Yay me!. So I can drill this to how ever this needs to be. But I was thinking of using 1 inch PVC, maybe 1 1/2 inch. Not sure what is better. As for if the pump, I have room for submersible or non. But I like the idea of the submersible one...1 less hole to drill, or leak. lol

 

[dstachio]

With submersible, you have to consider the added heat, but like you said, less chance for leaking though I am sure if the plumbing is done correctly then theres very little chance you will have a leak.

I used a 1" overflow drain with a mag 5 for return. I would suggest you use a mag 7 or higher and you can throttle it back a little to control flow. Also the bigger and better the pump, the less chance you will have to replace it when you upgrade your 55 to a 100+ . Always plan ahead, even if its years in advance.

 

[tas5tas]

Just to help you out.....I'm in the process of finishing the setup of my 55gal display and 29gal sump/refugium. My display is drilled in the back for 2 seperate 1" bulkheads. I have 1" plumbing all the way from the drain to the sump and from the sump back to the display. I have a mag 9.5 for my return pump which has a tee to divert some of the flow back into the skimmer section. Here is a link to where you can find some pictures of my setup.....

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa170/tas5tas/DSCF0320.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa170/tas5tas/DSCF0324.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa170/tas5tas/DSCF0327.jpg

 

[crvz]

1.25" is plenty I think. My 58 gallon Oceanic has 3/4" return, and the 156 Oceanic has two 1" returns. BUT, keep in mind that the hole size for a 1" bulkhead is ~ 1.75" (depending on the make).

I'd go with a submerisble pump, the amount of heat can easily be removed with a small clip on fan (or computer fan). I had a mag 18 on my 58 gallon tank, and I was able to keep the temp under 80 degrees.

 

[haze_9]

Oh that is perfectly what I was seeing in my head... Thank you for those pics!! I think 1 inch PVC and the Mag 9 or so are the way I am going to go... Thank everyone for your help!!!

 

[tas5tas]

If you need any help, just pm me. I'll try to help as much as I can.

 

[haze_9]

Thank You lots for the offer!! I am planning on starting the plumbing tommorrow, or well going by Home depot to try and find a drill bit for the glass and get the PVC, so I am sure I will be on here...lol. One question I do have is...

for this 55 gallon is it better to drill the bottom or the back? As I said before I don't know if its tempered. The pic that the one guy posted has it drilled on the back... the guy that gave me the idea the other night had it drilled on the bottom.

 

[tas5tas]

Drill it on the back. It's a lot safer than guessing if it's tempered on the bottom or not. If it's tempered and you make the tinyest mistakes drilling......GOODBYE TANK. If you know what I mean. Besides, with mine drilled on the back and all of the plumbing, it only sticks out from the tank the depth of a 1" Tee and about 1 1/2" for the bulkhead.