About to get a sump

[CoryEaster23]

I’m picking up a sump this weekend for my 20 gallon aquarium what size pump would I need for it I’m trying to get bits and pieces till I can get the sump. And also would I need to get an overflow box or could I work something else out

 

[Ron Reefman]

I assume your 20g isn't drilled? Then you'll need a HOB overflow box. Set up properly they can work very well, set up poorly they can be a major pain. An overflow box with 2 drain holes can be a big advantage as well. One hole drains full time and the other, with a slightly taller pipe inside won't drain at all unless the first one gets clogged. Then the unsued drain saves the day!

How big a pump you needs depends on how much water you will drain into the sump per hour. A small DC pump with multiple speeds can be a big help here. Alternatively, a gate valve on the return line to the tank can help control flow.

 

[CoryEaster23]

I assume your 20g isn't drilled? Then you'll need a HOB overflow box. Set up properly they can work very well, set up poorly they can be a major pain. An overflow box with 2 drain holes can be a big advantage as well. One hole drains full time and the other, with a slightly taller pipe inside won't drain at all unless the first one gets clogged. Then the unsued drain saves the day!

How big a pump you needs depends on how much water you will drain into the sump per hour. A small DC pump with multiple speeds can be a big help here. Alternatively, a gate valve on the return line to the tank can help control flow.

No mines not drilled sadly lol my buddy is running an overflow box and it’s doing pretty good so I figured I’d need one too any ideas on what size cuz I know I don’t need one too big for a 20 gallon tank. And any brands of pumps in mind to look into?

 

[Ron Reefman]

CRP makes good overflows and I've used them before I started making my own tanks. Get an aqua lifter pump (they're cheap) to suck the air out of the 'U' tube or the top on the water intake where air gets trapped and will eventually break the siphon.

Look at Reef Breeders assortment of DC pumps by Coral Box or Jebao. You can probably do it with the smallest one they sell. Besides, they are a sponsor here, so they have a forum which makes them easy to talk to.

 

[CoryEaster23]

CRP makes good overflows and I've used them before I started making my own tanks. Get an aqua lifter pump (they're cheap) to suck the air out of the 'U' tube or the top on the water intake where air gets trapped and will eventually break the siphon.

Look at Reef Breeders assortment of DC pumps by Coral Box or Jebao. You can probably do it with the smallest one they sell. Besides, they are a sponsor here, so they have a forum which makes them easy to talk to.

Thanks that’s a huge help haha

 

[Ron Reefman]

If you need help with the set up, just ask. I used overflow boxes on drilled tanks at one point. I wanted an emergence drain in the tank. But the tank was big, full and well stocked. But it only had two holes. I used one for the return from the sump and the other as an emergency drain. I used an overflow box as the main drain. Now I build my own tanks and drill lots of holes. Take a look at the 90g build thread linked in my signature below.