DIY sump for 75 gallon tank

[ndz98]

Petco just started there dollar per gallon sale so I figured now is the time to snag one for a DIY sump. I was thinking of getting a 20 gallon long tank as the sump. As of right now I want to put my skimmer and heater in the sump and have room for a refugium and also have some extra room for some other things I might add on down the road. Do you think a sump that size would be too small?

 

[lion king]

That's a good size for a 75, most of the manufactured sumps for 100g are like a 20g volume. It's all about what you want to put in it and how you lay it out.

 

[Jisko]

I personally use a 20g long for my sump on a 29g display... I wish I had more room.. but thats because I love everything to look nice and not all clustered

 

[r.gannon66]

Just made a 20 gallon sump with refugium for my 75 gallon display. Only been running for a few days but seems to be working great. I have a eshopps 800 overflow box and a sicce syncra 3.0 return pump for the setup.

 

[ndz98]

Just made a 20 gallon sump with refugium for my 75 gallon display. Only been running for a few days but seems to be working great. I have a eshopps 800 overflow box and a sicce syncra 3.0 return pump for the setup.

Got any pics?

 

[ndz98]

That's a good size for a 75, most of the manufactured sumps for 100g are like a 20g volume. It's all about what you want to put in it and how you lay it out.

Well I figure realistically I'll be using 15 gallons instead of the full 20 unless I plan on filling it to the brim lol. I'd like to have enough room for any possible back flow from the DT Just in case.

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

I built mine out of a 40 long. I'm running the same size display. its only six inches longer than the 20 long, but if i could do it again, i would either get myself a smaller return pump and skimmer, or use a 40b or something with more floor space. my refugium only came out to be about 10 x 12. i'm sure its plenty big for the system but i always like over sizing things. that being said i have about 8 inches of wasted height in the sump when i hit the feed button on my return pump (equivalent to power going out), in fact the water only goes up roughly 2 inches past the top of my return section when I do.

My guess is if you're using a reasonable skimmer (not my behemoth reef octopus 200int) ans your return pump isn't too large, you would probably be fine with the 20 long. I'm planning on building a sump out of a 20 long for my 40b build.

 

[lion king]

Well I figure realistically I'll be using 15 gallons instead of the full 20 unless I plan on filling it to the brim lol. I'd like to have enough room for any possible back flow from the DT Just in case.

That's right your water level will probably be about at the 1/2 way mark. Figure in how much your tank drains and bring your water level in your sump to handle the entire volume, but as high as you can to get more water volume especially for your refugium. I built this one out of a 55.

 

[anew2thereef]

Hey y’all... I recently bought a 75 gallon tank.. and I have a spare 10 gallon gallon sitting in the garage.. and I’ve been reading 15 gallon is probably the best size for smaller the sump. But do you guys think I can get away with using the 10 gallon for the 75 gallon tank?

Equipment going in the is bare minimum...

Reef octopus essence 130 as per skimmer (unless you guys think something is better) also return is gonna be jebao 7000... no fuge

Thanks

 

[Dave Garrett]

I just bought a 40 gallon breeder at the $1 a gal sale... Bought the Triton sump kit with 3 filter socks off ebay... Its still sitting outside while the silicone cures... I drilled it for an external return pump... I think this is a great size to have a decent sized refugium..The extra width of the 40 gallon was what made me decide on it... My skimmer can sit sideways in this one instead of crosswise...I feel this is going to be a major upgrade from my current sump