I want to build a sump...

[LetItReef]

taggin' along

 

[Angelo Fatica]

The only problem is that I am limited with space under my stand. (LxWxH) 36'' x 12'' x 28'' So that's why I'm wondering if there is enough room for plumbing and stuff. I was wondering if I could do all of this with just a 10 or 20 gallon while being cheap and prevent overflowing from happening. I already have a 10 gallon and I know a long 20 gallon would fit as well, just wondering if they are safe to use

 

[ilovereefing <3]

I am currently using what I call a "ghetto fabulous" sump, which is basically a large plastic tub. My actual sump sprung a leak in one of the seams, and the stand that I have will not allow for me to get the fancy-schmancy sump I want into the doors. I don't feel comfortable cutting holes in my stand, and I sure as hell am not going to break down my tank unless I absolutely have to, so ghetto fab it is! I have an external skimmer, so no need for any baffles or anything (I am not even sure what the purpose of the baffles are anyway). My overflow brings water from the tank that flows into a filter sock in the sump. Then back up via the return pump. I have a magnetic probe holder attached to hold all of my probes, and an acrylic thing to hold my tubing for the ATO and dosing pumps. When the power goes out, water drains into the sump until it can't drain anymore, and the sump holds all of it with space left to go. Power comes back on, and everything starts up like nothing ever happened. Nice and neat. Works like a charm!

 

[beaslbob]

I am currently using what I call a "ghetto fabulous" sump, which is basically a large plastic tub. My actual sump sprung a leak in one of the seams, and the stand that I have will not allow for me to get the fancy-schmancy sump I want into the doors. I don't feel comfortable cutting holes in my stand, and I sure as hell am not going to break down my tank unless I absolutely have to, so ghetto fab it is! I have an external skimmer, so no need for any baffles or anything (I am not even sure what the purpose of the baffles are anyway). My overflow brings water from the tank that flows into a filter sock in the sump. Then back up via the return pump. I have a magnetic probe holder attached to hold all of my probes, and an acrylic thing to hold my tubing for the ATO and dosing pumps. When the power goes out, water drains into the sump until it can't drain anymore, and the sump holds all of it with space left to go. Power comes back on, and everything starts up like nothing ever happened. Nice and neat. Works like a charm!

watch out for when the overflow/drain fails.

 

[beaslbob]

The only problem is that I am limited with space under my stand. (LxWxH) 36'' x 12'' x 28'' So that's why I'm wondering if there is enough room for plumbing and stuff. I was wondering if I could do all of this with just a 10 or 20 gallon while being cheap and prevent overflowing from happening. I already have a 10 gallon and I know a long 20 gallon would fit as well, just wondering if they are safe to use

one thing I did was put the long dimension for and aft in the stand so the "back end" sticks out. then I could run the drain as a straight shot to the larger refugium part of the system. With the small sump part in the stand compartment beside the refugium.
my .02

 

[ilovereefing <3]

watch out for when the overflow/drain fails.

Sorry for the stupid question...but how would the drain fail? My tank has only been up and running for 8 months, and it hasn't failed yet, but I'd like to be prepared just in case. TIA.

 

[billy mitchell]

my 90 gal I had an eco system...hang on back...miracle mud ...pain in the butt...the u or flow pipe would occasionally get an airlock in it ...slow down flow and cause drama...return pump would run dry
how I overcome the problem is I drilled a 1/4" hole in the top of the u pipe and fitted air line hose and then attached to protein skimmer which would suck any air in the tube ...after that no drama's

 

[Angelo Fatica]

could i see this ghetto sump?

 

[adestafi]

I'm setting up a ghetto sump in a $4 Home Depot bucket...using a TOMs HOB overflow... Make sure you test all your lines outside before going live

 

[kapnkush608]

I wouldnt put valves on you overflow. If it gets clogged your pump will overflow your tank wide open pipe and as little amount of angles as possible.

 

[Harold Green]

Angelo the aquariums used as a sump are just as safe as the custom acrylic sumps and safer than storage tubs. They allow you the option of putting baffles where you want them and at a height that works with your equipment. In the sump skimmers usually require a certain level of water and you can get it close to needed with the proper baffle height, because the water in the return pump chamber will vary in height as the tank loses water. A larger sump will also give you more room for water running down from the tank during a power outage.

 

[dbdisok]

I would rather not, that makes me nervous thinking about it haha

I ran a HOB overflow for a couple of years. My lift pump failed the siphon slowed enough the level in my DT went up to the rim.

I have an acrylic DT so drilling and adding an interior overflow was very easy.

I don't think I would use aHOB overflow again.

 

[Harold Green]

Using a hob overflow it should be set so you only get as much siphon down as the sump will hold. You should have a siphon break on the return line so it won't siphon the tank down into the sump.