DIY Simple sump for a 29 gallon

[AshleyBailey822]

I would love some ideas on how to create a simple, inexpensive sump (I do not want to add another light as of now). I have watched videos but would really like to here from all of you about ideas and thoughts. Questions I have (please don't judge)... Do I still need my HOB filter if I have a sump? Why would a sump be better? How often do you clean your sump? Should this help with my algae problems I have been battling for 2 years now?

I attached a picture of my space under my tank. It is approx. 20" tall, 22" wide and 11" deep. I can remove the shelf if I have to.

 

[eggplantparrot]

a standard 10 gallon tank would work great. cut 1 piece of glass about a 1/8 -1/4" shorter than the inside width of the tank and about 8 inches high and silicone it in the tank, leaving as much room as you want for the return pump chamber.

this would be the easiest option while giving you a constant water height chamber you need for a skimmer.

you will not need to run a HOB with the sump however if you had any bio filter media in there then you may want to throw that in the sump to transfer the bacteria. you also need to either drill a hole in your display tank and mount an overflow, or use a HOB overflow which are not as favoured here for failure possibilities. i recommend the Eshopps Eclipse series overflow boxes, they have everything you need to install an overflow, including the actual diamond hole saw and guide.

the point of a sump is to increase water volume, gives you more room for mechanical filtration if desired, allow undisturbed area for microfauna, area for possible new equipment in the future such as reactors, and hiding equipment such as heaters. it makes waterchanges easier too

 

[eggplantparrot]

this is my setup, 10 gallon tank under a 14G display. 1 baffle and plenty of room for equipment