best way to set up an easy and really effective sump

lowfi · 12-17-2007, 01:11 AM

Hey everyone,

I think that I will be setting up a 20 long sump for a 40 gallon breeder tank. First off, is that too big? I am planning to drill the 40 gallon tank and insert an overflow box in the tank that will drain down into the sump. Then, I want to filter the overflow with a sock and then the water would hit the skimmer. I am really new to this so bare with me. Then obviously i would pump the water back to the tank. Is there any way to perhaps have a refugium on the same 20 gallon sump, on the other end of the tank??? I would love for you guys to really help me out with designing or giving ideas on a super easy sump system (even perhaps without the refugium if not necessary) that would be really effective. I would need info on pumps, everything from drilling to getting the water back to the tank. WOW that would be awesome. I have an idea how its done but i knowwwww, that you all have great ideas on how this is done, and done properly. Thanks a lot for the help, I really appreciate it and am loving reefsanctuary!.

Cheers,
Sean

cracker · 12-17-2007, 01:20 AM

Your on the right track, A 20 long, if it will fit under the 40 would make a good sump. If You haven't been there ,this is a very good link for sump info.
Melevsreef.com - What is a Sump?

BigAl07 · 12-17-2007, 08:37 AM

Like cracker said you're on the right track. Honestly I don't think it's POSSIBLE to have "Too big of a sump". The more water volume you have the more stable and predictable the whole system will be. Usually you want a minimum of 10% of Display Tank as a sump to be effective. But the more the better. Just remember when you do maintenance and stuff to use the WHOLE system volume not just the Display Tank volume.

Cracker left you an excellent link for DIY ideas. Spend some time looking them over and don't be afraid to look through our http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/diy/ Once you get some understanding of all that's involved post back with some of your ideas and we can "Tweak" them from there.

I commend you on researching ahead of time. Your tank will benefit greatly from the sump/fuge combo. A refugium is one of the TWO items I won't have a tank without any more. Refugium & Automated Tank Controller (Neptune AquaController).

Good luck and Happy Reefing

12-17-2007, 01:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
lowfi Midas Blenny Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 100 View Gallery Karma Komment	best way to set up an easy and really effective sump Hey everyone, I think that I will be setting up a 20 long sump for a 40 gallon breeder tank. First off, is that too big? I am planning to drill the 40 gallon tank and insert an overflow box in the tank that will drain down into the sump. Then, I want to filter the overflow with a sock and then the water would hit the skimmer. I am really new to this so bare with me. Then obviously i would pump the water back to the tank. Is there any way to perhaps have a refugium on the same 20 gallon sump, on the other end of the tank??? I would love for you guys to really help me out with designing or giving ideas on a super easy sump system (even perhaps without the refugium if not necessary) that would be really effective. I would need info on pumps, everything from drilling to getting the water back to the tank. WOW that would be awesome. I have an idea how its done but i knowwwww, that you all have great ideas on how this is done, and done properly. Thanks a lot for the help, I really appreciate it and am loving reefsanctuary!. Cheers, Sean

12-17-2007, 01:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
cracker Acropora Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North East Florida Posts: 1,785 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: best way to set up an easy and really effective sump Your on the right track, A 20 long, if it will fit under the 40 would make a good sump. If You haven't been there ,this is a very good link for sump info. Melevsreef.com - What is a Sump?

12-17-2007, 08:37 AM	#3 (permalink)
BigAl07 Reef Addict (hopeless) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 12,596 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: best way to set up an easy and really effective sump Like cracker said you're on the right track. Honestly I don't think it's POSSIBLE to have "Too big of a sump". The more water volume you have the more stable and predictable the whole system will be. Usually you want a minimum of 10% of Display Tank as a sump to be effective. But the more the better. Just remember when you do maintenance and stuff to use the WHOLE system volume not just the Display Tank volume. Cracker left you an excellent link for DIY ideas. Spend some time looking them over and don't be afraid to look through our http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/diy/ Once you get some understanding of all that's involved post back with some of your ideas and we can "Tweak" them from there. I commend you on researching ahead of time. Your tank will benefit greatly from the sump/fuge combo. A refugium is one of the TWO items I won't have a tank without any more. Refugium & Automated Tank Controller (Neptune AquaController). Good luck and Happy Reefing __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. >((((º> Nitrate (NO3) reduction is directly proportional to percentage of Water Change. Allen's home-made formula...(-NO3=WC%) This means if you change 50% of your total water volume (That's EVERYTHING) you'll get a net reduction of (NO3) somewhere around 50%. Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!! Allen's testimonial . . ."Let Me help you help YOURSELF" (Click Here) Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube Now in STORAGE and Dry-Docked BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef

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