Intimidated by Sumps - Need Advice/Insight

[jamescrews]

Hello, so I currently have a 7g nano and that tank is my re-entry to the hobby as I stopped about 5 years ago. I have always had small enough tanks to where they just require HOB filtration/nutrient export. I want to venture out and get into larger aquariums that have sumps and fully customizable filtration systems but I am just intimidated by the (from plain view) complexity of them. If anyone has any tips/insight on how to properly set up a sump, or even drill a tank for a sump that would be super helpful. Thank you in advance

 

[lpsouth1978]

Sumps don't need to be very complicated. I recommend getting the largest sump you can comfortably fit. It can be something as simple as a smaller aquarium, or a sophisticated pre-made sump. I typically use an aquarium for a sump. Add a couple baffles (get glass cut to fit at a local glass shop) and sump done. The biggest thing to me is that you have a section that has a constant water height to make a skimmer as efficient as possible. Beyond that, set it up as you wish.

 

[New&no clue]

I was really intimidated to get a sump as well, now that I have it I love it. Just start with the basics of what you need. I would start with a biological filtration, a mechanical filtration, and a return pump. Get as large as can fit or you can afford. If you are handy make your own, if not you could buy a used one or pre-made on BRS or MarineDepot. Once you get conformtable you can add on more. This is why you want big so you have space for anything new.

 

[dohc97]

Hello, so I currently have a 7g nano and that tank is my re-entry to the hobby as I stopped about 5 years ago. I have always had small enough tanks to where they just require HOB filtration/nutrient export. I want to venture out and get into larger aquariums that have sumps and fully customizable filtration systems but I am just intimidated by the (from plain view) complexity of them. If anyone has any tips/insight on how to properly set up a sump, or even drill a tank for a sump that would be super helpful. Thank you in advance

What size tank are you thinking of going with? you are doing the right thing by asking questions. Plan out the tank, ask lots of questions and then get going. Depending on what you are buying you might be able to get the tank pre-drilled. If you are in any way slightly handy I promise you can plumb a sump.
My new setup went like this:

Figured out size of tank I could afford and get approved by wife.

Needed to contain all equipment in stand, came up with a simple setup, sump, skimmer, electronics, ato.

Ordered tank and stand pre-drilled with included overflow boxes.

Ordered bulkheads and plumbing

Ordered skimmer, return pump

Tank arrived, figured out biggest sump I could use was a 30", bought sump

Plumbed tank in garage, water tested
Moved tank into house and bought light.

Now stocking.


Take everything one step at a time, think of ways to make maintenance easier and what will work for your goals. I have run reefs that only had circulation and I have done complicated ones, it is your hobby, enjoy the journey and the destination