Finally going with a sump - Need help making decision

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DeMarcusR

[Okay guys, I have decided to finally break down and get a sump for my 40 hex after I move next weekend. The only problem, I'm not very familiar with the plumming or mechanics so I'll need a lot of help. I have not sized my stand yet so I dont know if I'll be going with a 10-20g aquarium underneath the tank or if I'll be going with a 10-20g plastic bin. My main problem is plumming. I really do not want to drill my tank just yet (because Im planning on buying a RR tank if this project works out well) I also have no idea what kind of pumps or tubing to use. I've considered those small Rio pumps or something similar, but again; I'm no expert so I need you guys help. Do I use plastic tubing or PVC.
My overall goal for the sump is to add more overall volume to my system, have somewhere to serve as a "sick bay" or a place to add the extra toys like skimmer, uv, chiller/heater or anything else that my pocket allows me to buy

Any Ideas, suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.
(or if anyone knows where I can get a preassembled kit I might go that route)]
 
[Just finished my 1st sump and would recommend that you steer clear of preassembled ones and DIY....it will allow for you to design a system that will best maximize the room available in your stand, satisfy your systems needs and probably save a little money in the end. Plus the the DIY satisfaction and knowledge you will gain as you complete it are well worth the time.

Be sure to check out Mark's site on sumps!

If you are wanting to avoid drillling your tank that you will need to pick up an external overflow. I would recommend the U-tube model for better reliance. If you keep your eyes on the selling forum they are frequently available at very reasonable prices.

As for PVC or flexible tubing.........when i was planning my sump I was planning on doing it all with PVC. However, a previous post by anothe member mentioned the "flexibility" to change your plans as you progress when you use flexible tubing, and that turned out to be very sound advice.'

Hope this helps you get started.]
 
[I actually did check out Marc's site after the post. I think his "first sump" would probably be something similar to what I'd be looking to do with this tank. I'll do more extravigant things when I decide to get a larger tank. I have limited resources so, custom fabricating is a little out of the way for me, I live in an apartment so tools are a little scarce.
Perhaps Marc has some suggestions.. :bow:]
 
[I agree with John. Little money and it works.

What skimmer are you using and will you change?

I would suggest a Mag 7 for the return. Whatever you do do not get a Rio. They have a tendency to break and wipe out your tank!]
 
[John and Keith are on the mark.

I used a 20 Gallon with 3 glass baffles, each piece was cut and polished for around $8 at the local glass shop. I simply siliconed them in to divide the sump into the dimensions that meet my needs. If you follow the information regarding how much water to place in the sump on Mark's site you should be able to eliminat the chance for flooding.

I purchased a Mag 7 on-line ($50) for the return and couldn't be happier with the flow. Even with 5 feet of head loss, there was more than enough to divert some to my refugium section to keep things circulating in there.]
 
[Regarding sumps and plumbing, I always recommend this page. It is a lot of reading, but you'll know your stuff when you are done. Be sure to read the three articles included at the end from Reefkeeping Online.

http://www.melevsreef.com/what_sump.html]
 
@kwl1763 wrote:
[I agree with John. Little money and it works. What skimmer are you using and will you change? I would suggest a Mag 7 for the return. Whatever you do do not get a Rio. They have a tendency to break and wipe out your tank!] said:
[Right now I'm using the cheap skilter, I'll be in the market for another skimmer after I get everything situated with this project. (trying to take baby steps :) ) Thanks for the heads up on the Rio, I have one of their powerhead/pumps in the tank now.]
Click to expand...
 
@ahi wrote:
[John and Keith are on the mark. I used a 20 Gallon with 3 glass baffles said:
[With a 20g, will I have enough room left over for a small quarantine or should I just purchase another tank for this?]
Click to expand...
 
[q tank needs to be totally seperate Buy another 20G and a cheap heater and HOB filter. You should be able to have a good q tank for under $50.

A remora would work great for that size and is HOB so you could hang it on the drain section of the sump. I would make the drain section very small then (maybe 6", but you will need the baffles on that side to be full height then have the middle return section (~10" long with the baffle at 9" high) and the rest (~8") a full height fuge.

You need to keep the water lower in the return section because when you turn the pump off water will flow back into the sump for a couple seconds until the siphon is broken and you have to be able to handle that in the sump without flodding.]
 
[A separate quarantine tank would be ideal, but if budget and space are limited you could set up your refugium to be used as a quarantine when needed. I partioned off 6 gallons of my 20gallon sump for arefugium and have it set up so I can take it off line from my show tank/sump, drop a powerhead in and use it as a quarantine.]
 
[If I decided to use a plastic bin, would a baffle/bubble trap be recommended? I'm exploring all my options even though I'm leaning towards one of the more expensive systems mark sells.]
 
[If you go with plastic, make sure you find smooth bottomed containers. Containers with molded feet tend to rupture, as all the pressure is on those specific spots.

You can put various sized containers within one another, each overflowing into the larger one until it reaches the outer (return) zone and then can be pumped upward virtually bubble free.]
 
[SOS

Finally purchased a larger tank today. Guy included plumbing also, which is a good thing, I think. The only problem is- its all in 1000000 pieces. After 4 hours, I haven't figured anyting out. (I'm not a jigsaw expert :) )
Is there anyone in the HEB area that could possibly assist?

Dee 817.307.1045]
 
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