Questions for making my first sump

[trvrstnk4837]

Hey guys, I’ve had tanks in the past but it’s been awhile I’m trying to get a tank going and this is what I got so far lol

I scored a cheap 72”x18” stand out of the back of an lfs that needed some love with a wire wheel and paint so I’m pretty sure I’m either getting a 125 or 150

a co worker gave me a 30 gallon tank that’s 36”x12”x16” would this be an appropriate sized sump for the tank size?

Im thinking of getting 2 filter sock holders that clamp right to the rim, can the protein skimmer be right next to them or does it need to be separated by a wall from the socks?

if I have the socks, skimmer, a refugium and return pumps do they need to be divided the glass/acrylic or can I use plastic grate material that will keep everything divided but let water through?

I think it’s likely tall and long enough but do you guys think the 12” depth will give me any issues for putting in the equipment I’ll need

like I said I’ve never had a sump before so any info would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

 

[mann1139]

Read up on DIY sumps. There are even kits out there that allow you to glue acrylic in to make your own chambers.

The baffles between chambers are to control the flow of water and bubbles. The 'drop' from the tank through the socks mixes the water with the air, so the water is full of bubbles. Baffles in the sump separate the water from the bubbles, so you are not constantly returning bubbles into the DT.

 

[trvrstnk4837]

Edit now that I’m looking at it in the stand more it may actually be too tall like it will be annoying to service when the display tank is on

 

[Snoopy 67]

Most sumps have a running level around 1/2 full.
This allows room for water returning to the sump when the pump shuts off & NOT overflowing onto your floor. Once you test it with everything in place any extra room for water will determine if you can raise that level some. DON"T PUSH IT!

 

[trvrstnk4837]

Most sumps have a running level around 1/2 full.
This allows room for water returning to the sump when the pump shuts off & NOT overflowing onto your floor. Once you test it with everything in place any extra room for water will determine if you can raise that level some. DON"T PUSH IT!

Sorry that was bad phrasing on my part when I said 12” depth I meant the length of the tank from front to back

 

[trvrstnk4837]

Read up on DIY sumps. There are even kits out there that allow you to glue acrylic in to make your own chambers.

The baffles between chambers are to control the flow of water and bubbles. The 'drop' from the tank through the socks mixes the water with the air, so the water is full of bubbles. Baffles in the sump separate the water from the bubbles, so you are not constantly returning bubbles into the DT.

Will do

ahhh that’s makes sense now