diy sumps (Troylee's DIY Sumps)

Troylee · Dec 18, 2010

I'm actually in the planning stages of new sump for my display... I will take a ton of pictures and do the write up here for you guys it's gonna be something real special that no one has done yet...

secretreefer · Dec 18, 2010

can't wait to see that one bro!

bkoppes · Dec 18, 2010

Wow, very impressive work. BIG THUMBS UP!

Tabasco1 · Dec 19, 2010

Very nice... more than a little envious of your sump skills. When incorporating a refugium into a sump design is it better to go with a more square shape than rectangle? The is what I seem to be seeing in plans.

Love the media trays. Looks like that magic happens in the intake compartment and flows to the main sump under baffles?

Troylee · Dec 19, 2010

Square or rectangle don't matter.... It's more of what fits your needs to be honest... The media trays work great if ya have the room for a long sump so the drawers still open when a skimmers in place... Lately I have been incorporating the media between the baffles for that reason and it works great also...

Tabasco1 · Dec 19, 2010

This might be a silly question Troylee, but is this what you do for a living? Seems like you make an awful lot! In any case, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I want to really think it through and get it right the first time.

Does the media in the media drawers affect rate of flow very much? Is that something that you need to take into consideration that water flowing through will be slowed down so the surface area needs to be pretty good to make sure that you don't over flow your sump with water coming in from the tank?

acrosps · Jan 1, 2011

wow incredible sumps

Troylee · Jan 1, 2011

Nope I build signs for a living.... This is just a hobby for me..

Tabasco1 said:
This might be a silly question Troylee, but is this what you do for a living? Seems like you make an awful lot! In any case, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I want to really think it through and get it right the first time.

Does the media in the media drawers affect rate of flow very much? Is that something that you need to take into consideration that water flowing through will be slowed down so the surface area needs to be pretty good to make sure that you don't over flow your sump with water coming in from the tank?

Troylee · Jan 1, 2011

acrosps said:
wow incredible sumps

Thank you... I haven't had any time to get my new sump going but I will here soon now that the holidays are over...

tangboy · Feb 1, 2011

Wish I had looked at your designs before I redesigned my sump for my 40g rebuild. You have some things that made me think. You do some great acrylic work! Would love to see it in person!

Captain Nemo · Feb 1, 2011

WOW, SOOOOOOOO envious of your skills. I am in like dire need of a new sump.............. the little 10 gal tank i am using is getting old having to fill it every 3 days. Wish i could build a super awesome sump like you troylee!!!

btkrausen · Feb 1, 2011

Nice stuff Troy. I've been wanting to experiment with acrylic lately. I built a mesh top for my rimless with acrylic square bar, and was learning along the way. One thing I quickly found out is that I needed more clamps, haha.

redtop03 · Feb 5, 2011

excellent thread Troy...a sump system is something that everybody should consider DIYing,it'll save you a boat load of money and you can get exactly what you want,

in case you're like me and aren't as familiar with acrylic fabrication,here's pics of my plywood sump,I built from left over material from my plywood tank build

Mr E Wrasse · Feb 6, 2011

Troy we need detailed pics of the fabrication process

from cutting it on the table saw to cleaning up the edges on the router! Cuz i need help!!! I made a top down box the other day and it's functional... no leaks! but there's a lot of bubbles in my joints and i'm not sure if im getting the edges smooth enough. I'm using Weldon-3 in a bottle, would a syringe be better? Love your work man!!

ReefDreams · Feb 6, 2011

Wow Troy your work is amazing bro.

MimicOcto8 · Feb 6, 2011

I dont know what it is with me but I just get confused when it comes to plumbing a tank. I've working landscaping for my farther in law for 2 years and he's told me that he's never seen someone in 30 years pick up plumbing as fast as i do. could you maybe PM a break down of a complex or even semi complex sump so that I can better understand whats going on. I know i'm asking a lot so no biggie if you can't or dont want too.

btw, amazing work! love the drawers

dougers31 · Feb 15, 2011

Great thread! Gives me some (out of the box) ideas on how I can set up my new sump.

Troylee · May 16, 2011

Couple 200gallon sumps to add to the mix haha....these got the works dual 7" socks nice big fuge, probe holders shelves in the baffles to hold carbon or sponges etc....1smile1