Looking to buy a sump

[Chiefmaster30]

Looking to buy a sump big enough for my 90 gallon dt. And possibly a return pump.

 

[CodyRVA]

I'm still amazed by how many sumps trigger systems sell. I made my sump myself out of an old 30G tank, siliconed in some dividers and done. I would rather save the money and spend it on something else like my lights, skimmer, etc. I use a Jebao DC return pump, inexpensive and so far reliable, but most folks spring for more expensive options.

 

[Chiefmaster30]

How do you no what size to make the dividers and where to lovate them

 

[CodyRVA]

How do you no what size to make the dividers and where to lovate them

Study other sump designs. I looked at many manufacturers and how they build their sumps. Then I determined what size skimmer i wanted, if I wanted filter socks, if i wanted a fuge, what return pump I was going to use and it's dimensions to leave enough space for it in the return chamber. I drew it out first, determined that a 30G tank would suffice, then I cut pieces of cardboard as my dividers and moved them around, shifted them here and there until I had the proper arrangement to accommodate all of my equipment. Got the dividers cut and siliconed them in place.

 

[MaiReef]

How do you no what size to make the dividers and where to lovate them

Measure the equipment you want and work from there.

Personally,
I put a 9" baffle in first in a section that would hold a sock and the protein skimmer I wanted. Then a 9" baffle lifted an inch, then another on the bottom. All about 1" apart. This keeps the bubbles from going through my refugium in which I have one 6" baffle about 5" from the previous 9" baffle 1" off the bottom. This section is filled with LR rubble. Then I have one more 6" baffle 5" from that one on the bottom with egg crate above that so that my macro algae, which is in that section, does not go into the last section with my return pump. I also have my ATO where my return pump is so that it fills a little bit at a time and doesn't let my pump run dry. My ATO dumps into the rubble section which has run through my kalk stirrrer. This works pretty well for me.

 

[ndz98]

I'm still amazed by how many sumps trigger systems sell. I made my sump myself out of an old 30G tank, siliconed in some dividers and done. I would rather save the money and spend it on something else like my lights, skimmer, etc. I use a Jebao DC return pump, inexpensive and so far reliable, but most folks spring for more expensive options.

Well you have to compare the price of buying all the acrylic yourself, cutting pieces to the right size, and gluing together acrylic to acrylic is not as easy as glass. And chances are, it will be hard to find the cool acrylic colors like trigger systems has. Then you honestly have to think, do you really want to spend the time (or have the time) getting all the materials together and setting it up or would you rather just buy it. I personally would just buy one. I don't think they are too ridiculously priced. You could even buy a used one. I see people sell them on here occasionally.

 

[MaiReef]

Using a 40 breeder is ideal if it fits in the stand and with all the baffles cut at a local glass store and silicone it can be under $100. The same size in pre-made acrylic is usually $300 minimum. That being said, there are options in acrylic or pvc/acrylic that are difficult to duplicate, but cost can come into play as it did for me at first. I still would have trouble buying a large one for my next tank when I can get a 75 gallon at the $1 per gallon Petco sale and make almost exactly what I want for under $125 instead of over $500 for the same size pre-made.

This hobby is often time vs. money.

 

[ndz98]

This hobby is often time vs. money.

Couldn't have said it any better lol.

 

[Idoc]

I just had 3 baffles cut at a local glass shop (1/4" thickness with rounded bottom corners to keep from cutting into the existing silicone seal) for $34. I'm in the process of putting together a 40g breeder for a sump.

 

[DawgDiggity]

Check these - been considering these options myself:
DIY Sump 1

DIY Sump 2

Built this ATO setup myself and it was phun

 

[ndz98]

Check these - been considering these options myself:
DIY Sump 1

DIY Sump 2

That first sump is pretty sweet looking actually. I may have to look in to that.

 

[Idoc]

Check these - been considering these options myself:
DIY Sump 1

DIY Sump 2

I think those are pretty pricey for pieces of plastic...I just had 3 large 1/4" glass baffles cut by a local glass shop for $34. They rounded the bottom corners for me so the baffle corner wouldn't cut into the tank's silicone bead along the bottom and compromise the sump. I'm using a 40g breeder for a sump.