Diy Sump Advice

thegunslinger · Aug 18, 2015

Due to the cost difference and space limitations, I was planning to "build" a DIY sump out of a plastic container. I only have a space in my stand that is 16"w x 16"d x 24"h to fit the sump and equipment, and I've already found a container that should work. The layout wouldn't be too much different from what I've seen others using on here, just My DT is only 55 gal, so I don't need much in terms of volume for my sump. My questions are:
1. Does anyone have any experience with doing something like this, and can you offer any advice?
2. For anyone who answers "yes" to #1, what material did you use for baffles?
3. For the general audience, am I barking up the wrong tree? Is there a better (but still economical) way to do this?
Thanks in advance.

redfishbluefish · Aug 18, 2015

Need more info.....what kind of "container" did you find? Does it have rigid sides? If so, I see no reason why you couldn't use acrylic/plastic baffles.

If the sides aren't rigid, I think you will have a problem with the baffles staying put.

thegunslinger · Aug 18, 2015

Rubbermade type container, so rigidish. I don't think that it would bow significantly with ~10 gallons of water in it. When I say "found," I mean I saw something on the walmart website that was roughly the dimensions I was looking for. Still in the early planning stages, don't want to spin my tires too much if some of you with more experience tell me that this is a flawed concept due to some reason that I hadn't thought of.

redfishbluefish · Aug 18, 2015

If this is the Rubbermaid I'm thinking about.....

I could only see this working if you had adhesives that held the baffles solid, keeping the sides from bulging, or using something (fiberglass) to reinforce the sides to make them rigid.

thegunslinger · Aug 31, 2015

Thanks for the reply and advice. Since it sounds like my original idea won't work very well, do you have any suggestions on where to go from here? I.e., can you recommend somewhere that makes custom sumps, or at least a custom tank that I can DIY into a sump?

Wbrian · Sep 2, 2015

Instead of baffles, you can use other containers inside the tub to achieve the area isolation for refugium, skimmer, return, etc...

cu455 · Sep 2, 2015

I have done it many times. My baffles weren't your typical baffles. I used light diffuser and filter pads. The filter pads replaced my filter socks. I will get some pictures. In all honesty you don't even need baffles. I like using plastic because it is very easy to drill and modify. I will get you some pictures later,

tigerdragon · Sep 2, 2015

Why not go to local glass shop and have some glass cut to size and seal it up with silicone build yourself they are not that hard to build or find a 10 or 15 gal tank and add baffles to it would be much safer to me

ReeferBob · Sep 4, 2015

You don't really need baffles in the sump at all. You can have one large open area. It will be just as effective. Just make sure you have a good ATO to keep the water level consistent.

IdahoNano · Sep 5, 2015

There is a company that sells a kit of pre-cut pieces that fit into a standard size tank...but the cost is kinda crazy:

http://oceanboxdesigns.com

thegunslinger · Sep 16, 2015

Thanks for the advice everyone. We decided to go with just the plain ol' container, no baffles or separate compartments. I've got about an inch of sand and some rock (from my DT) in there right now, along with water from my DT, to let it do a little mini-cycle. My LFS is supposed to get my return pump in tomorrow, so if everything checks out, the sump will be operational this weekend. Next step is adding a chaeto sandwich (idea I saw in a thread on here) in lieu of a refugium.

thegunslinger · Sep 16, 2015

tigerdragon said:
Why not go to local glass shop and have some glass cut to size and seal it up with silicone build yourself they are not that hard to build or find a 10 or 15 gal tank and add baffles to it would be much safer to me

Thought about a custom job, but seemed a little pricey. I've never worked with glass, so I didn't want to do it myself. I also considered using a small standard size aquarium, but they didn't have the dimensions I was looking for.

thegunslinger · Sep 16, 2015

cu455 said:
I have done it many times. My baffles weren't your typical baffles. I used light diffuser and filter pads. The filter pads replaced my filter socks. I will get some pictures. In all honesty you don't even need baffles. I like using plastic because it is very easy to drill and modify. I will get you some pictures later,

I'd like to see what you came up with, maybe get some ideas for an "upgrade."

IdahoNano · Sep 17, 2015

Pictures or it never happened lol!

thegunslinger · Sep 18, 2015

IdahoNano said:
Pictures or it never happened lol!

LFS either didn't order my pump, or forgot that they were holding it for me, so I still just have a plastic tub with live rock. Once I actually have a sump, I'll add pics.