DIY SUMP

[ReefZ1lla84]

Just curious to see what DIY sumps are out their and how creative people get when building their own. I built mine with a 20 gal long and silicones in glass baffals nothing to fancy but works great for my tank.

 

[Reef-junky]

Two sumps

Main 20gal long
2nd 10gal tall

 

[redfishbluefish]

I've built a number of sumps....first two are 75 gallon with glass baffles:

And this one is a 5o gallon with acrylic baffles:

And here's that last one in use:

 

[Tom Giddens]

I've built a number of sumps....first two are 75 gallon with glass baffles:

And this one is a 5o gallon with acrylic baffles:

And here's that last one in use:

I am looking at the last one that you are using. I don't see a return pump? can you explain the PVC gadget in the back right corner?

 

[redfishbluefish]

I am looking at the last one that you are using. I don't see a return pump? can you explain the PVC gadget in the back right corner?

The return pump is in the center section, just behind the biopellet reactor.


I have two drains coming into the sump, both in the opposing back corners. The one on the left goes into a seven inch filter sock. The one on the right, that "PVC gadget, " is my attempt at a Rube Goldberg bubble trap. You can see a drawing of this bubble trap HERE. What I left out of the description and drawing is that the reducing coupling has multiple holes drilled in it to allow air to escape, and the bottom of the three inch pipe is sealed with a test cap. And here's the amazing part, it works!

EDIT TO ADD:
I just went to the link I provided above and see that later in that post I did include mentioning the holes and the rest cap....which made it work.

 

[MaccaPopEye]

Here is one of the sumps I have built. IMO painting the bottom, back and sides of the glass in white paint is cheap, easy, makes the sump look great and really helps when doing maintenance. It really reflects light when you are working in the sump and shows where all the detritus is well too.

The black section is an ATO reservoir built into the sump (black to help prevent algae growth).

 

[Tom Giddens]

So the 1st baffle on the left side goes all the way to the bottom? Then threw the filter sock and under the 2nd baffle?

 

[hybridazn]

 

[Tom Giddens]

That is a real nice set up except way to expensive for my wallet lol If the power goes out any extra water from the display fills into the last 2 compartments? Do you have a check valve on the return?

 

[hybridazn]

That is a real nice set up except way to expensive for my wallet lol If the power goes out any extra water from the display fills into the last 2 compartments? Do you have a check valve on the return?

It's a standard 40b with a baffle kit. I made the acrylic green via headlight tint. I have my return set up so there is very minimal bsco drain when the pump is off.

 

[Tom Giddens]

It's a standard 40b with a baffle kit. I made the acrylic green via headlight tint. I have my return set up so there is very minimal bsco drain when the pump is off.

So you don't have a check valve in the return?

 

[lapin]

I have done the 55g into sump with glass baffles. Works fine. This time I did something different .
Simple sump

 

[Tom Giddens]

I have done the 55g into sump with glass baffles. Works fine. This time I did something different .
Simple sump

Which compartment is for the skimmer?

 

[lapin]

Which compartment is for the skimmer?

The middle, Its an external and has its own external feed pump. Hince the bulkhead. Skimmer dumps back into one of the socks. And yes I use socks before the skimmer and after. The middle section has some rock in baskets with cryptic sponges for filtration. No light. Im old and getting down under a tank to do work is for them young wipper snappers.

 

[Reef-junky]

That is a real nice set up except way to expensive for my wallet lol If the power goes out any extra water from the display fills into the last 2 compartments? Do you have a check valve on the return?

You know you can paint PVC

 

[MaccaPopEye]

So the 1st baffle on the left side goes all the way to the bottom? Then threw the filter sock and under the 2nd baffle?

Yes the first chamber is just a chamber for the drain pipes to siphon into, it has the added benefit of having large particles settle in it so i can easily siphon them out later.

Water flows over the first baffle and into the filter socks, it then goes under the second baffle. You want to try and have water constantly flowing over then under. If you can avoid it dont have 2 baffles in a row where water flows over.

I also use a reverse check valve system to break the return pump siphon (search "reverse check valve melevs reef" if you want to know more about it)

 

[billwill]

You know you can paint PVC

Do they sell the UofO paint in a kit at Home Depot?[emoji16]. You can just spray the pieces prior to assembly? I did not know that. I might be starting a new project today!

 

[Reef-junky]

Do they sell the UofO paint in a kit at Home Depot?[emoji16]. You can just spray the pieces prior to assembly? I did not know that. I might be starting a new project today!

Assemble first because PVC glue will eat through the paint.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=a9_sc_...lon+fusion+for+plastic&ie=UTF8&qid=1548645102

 

[Bigboned]

now when someone says sump, this is what i imagine

 

[cracker]

hey Nick, iv'e almost always use a tank & put in my own baffles. Just like you. It's all ya need !
I did recently buy a fancy acrylic sump but it's a basic 3 section as well.