40 gallon diy with sump

[tracereefer]

i’m upgrading from my evo to a 40 long with a 10 g sump. i have a lot of questions, as a lot of the specifics just can’t really be found online.

1. total water volume 50 gallons, will a 1000 gph return be strong enough?

2. where do you get the glass/ acrylic to make the chambers in a diy sump?

3. how do i know exactly where to drill the tank, and where can i get it done professionally? (LFS already said they don’t drill tanks)

4. is it possible to make my own overflow box? do i even really need need one? or can i just cover the hole with egg crate

ill have more questions as they come to me haha

 

[Hermie]

1. assuming the head height is normal, yep
2. eBay as far as I know, but there are other sources that I cannot recall. (I made mine from breaking apart a 10gal tank and cutting the glass and will never do that again)
3. --
4. you can just use some cheap pvc parts to make an overflow "box" if you drill the tank, it's easy and cheap

I know others will be able to chime in with more help, just wanted to give a start towards the answers you seek

 

[George Lopez]

1. Look at the pump curve for your height but yes 1000gph pump is usually enough for a 5 to 6 turnover rate per hour.

2. Ebay sells the kits and homedepot the silicone (some people will scream that you need glass because silicone doesn't stick to acrylic... tell that to my sumps) or make your own from home depot acrylic if you have the tools to work it.

3. most places will not guarantee not breaking the glass even glass shops which is why most people do it themselves.

4. Overflow boxes can be bought, made or not used if you don't mind a couple of pipes and elbows at the top of the tank. If you're going to drill at least do a Herbie style with an emergency drain.

 

[MaiReef]

1. 1000 is way overkill imo. You could use a 500gph where it is about 400 gph at 4 ft. and I think that is still a bit much if you go AC. For DC, Jebao DC-3000 is more than enough. I use a DC-6000 on my 100 gallon at 40%.

2. Any glass shop will have 3/16 glass. measure the inside and get it cut a 1/16-1/8 short.

3. Check youtube a bunch of videos. Go slow, use flowing water, stay straight, go slow, use the weight of the drill only or less, go slow

4. Get an overflow box. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eclipse-m-overflow-box-800-gph-eshopps.html
Even though this says 800 gph, you will only get maybe 80% of that and again imo you want to run 400 gph or less. 10x is crazy flow. 60mm diamond hole saw.

5. BONUS. Get a 20 gallon long. Keep the baffles lower to account for power failure. Put a ball valve on the return jic and for maintenence. Drill a smaller hole/s for return. Maybe using a 3/4 shcedule 40 bulk head. 40 mm diamond hole saw. You will thank me later. I would use schedule 80 if possible.

Drill bit & Bulkhead Compatibility

• 12mm Glass Drill bit works with our RO Float Valves.
• 30mm Glass Drill bit works with our 1/2" ABS Bulkheads.
• 35mm Glass Drill bit works with our 3/4" ABS Bulkheads.
• 42mm Glass Drill bit works with our 3/4" heavy duty SCH 80 Bulkheads.
• 45mm Glass Drill bit works with our 1" ABS Bulkheads.
• 48mm Glass Drill bit works with our 1" heavy duty SCH 80 Bulkheads.
• 53 mm Glass Drill bit works with our 1.25" ABS Bulkheads
• 60mm Glass Drill bit works with our 1.25" heavy duty SCH 80, and 1.5" ABS Bulkheads.
• 65mm Glass Drill bit works with our 1.5" heavy duty SCH 80 Bulkheads.
• 75mm Glass Drill bit works with our 2" ABS Bulkheads.
• 85mm Glass Drill bit works with our 2" Heavy Duty SCH 80 Bulkheads.

 

[October Sky]

I have the same 40/20 starting to finally be set up for testing.

1. I have a Varios 2, which is probably the lower limit (around 550 with head loss at my use).
2. I used a glass shop to cut my baffles, and they did perfect work. It was really cheap, like $15 for all the baffles.
3. I bought a modularmarine overflow, which came with a guide, which made it simple. I used a cordless drill and just let the weight of the drill do the cutting (and I watched 3 or 4 videos on YouTube to learn how, it's really simple).
4. It is possible, you just have to figure it all out. I love the design of my modular marine, but to run 1" plumbing I really had to modify the fittings to actually fit in the box. It will not fit 2 double-elbows to do a bean animal style overflow as the parts are commonly purchased. I really had to modify the fittings.