Sump design. Is this a dumb idea?

[slogan315]

I am trying to make a super cheap bare bones sump to go under my cube tank. I have collected gear like a filter roller, oversized skimmer, and algae scrubber, so I don’t need a custom sump with lots of compartments. Just a watertight box with a singe return baffle section, that makes the most of my 22”x23” footprint.

The cheapest sump options for a small area seem to be petco tanks with baffles. My problem is a 20g tall is too long, and a 10-15 is too narrow/short. I need more of a square, but those aren’t the cheapest.

I’m thinking i get 2 10g tanks, and drill them for bulkheads/pvc. So the 2 tanks plumb together to make a horseshoe kind of flow. I’d put a baffle for the return to control evaporation, and possibly a baffle after the skimmer to stabilize skimmer water level. Does this sound like a solid plan or is there a better way that isn’t that much more expensive?

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

I am trying to make a super cheap bare bones sump to go under my cube tank. I have collected gear like a filter roller, oversized skimmer, and algae scrubber, so I don’t need a custom sump with lots of compartments. Just a watertight box with a singe return baffle section, that makes the most of my 22”x23” footprint.

The cheapest sump options for a small area seem to be petco tanks with baffles. My problem is a 20g tall is too long, and a 10-15 is too narrow/short. I need more of a square, but those aren’t the cheapest.

I’m thinking i get 2 10g tanks, and drill them for bulkheads/pvc. So the 2 tanks plumb together to make a horseshoe kind of flow. I’d put a baffle for the return to control evaporation, and possibly a baffle after the skimmer to stabilize skimmer water level. Does this sound like a solid plan or is there a better way that isn’t that much more expensive?

That would work - and likely be less expensive than a custom sump.

We have a larger Cube tank (134-gallons) in our front lobby and had to go custom. We created an L-shape sump

Cube Build - 134-Gallon Cube Build - Random Flow Generator® Powered Mixed Reef - Lots of Pics!

The VCA 134-Gallon Cube - Random Flow Generator Powered Mixed Reef! The first of two new offices tanks are officially under way, and I can’t wait to share it here on Reef-2-Reef Our goal with this tank is to build a mixed reef tank with a unique flow solution that utilizes just Random Flow...

www.reef2reef.com

That allowed us to maximize space while still leaving room for other equipment to go under the tank

I think you could do something similar with the individual tank idea - but I would look for a 20-long and a 10-cube. Then create a L shape out of them - just make sure they are the same height so one doesn't fill up and over flow the other section.

 

[slogan315]

That would work - and likely be less expensive than a custom sump.

We have a larger Cube tank (134-gallons) in our front lobby and had to go custom. We created an L-shape sump

Cube Build - 134-Gallon Cube Build - Random Flow Generator® Powered Mixed Reef - Lots of Pics!

The VCA 134-Gallon Cube - Random Flow Generator Powered Mixed Reef! The first of two new offices tanks are officially under way, and I can’t wait to share it here on Reef-2-Reef Our goal with this tank is to build a mixed reef tank with a unique flow solution that utilizes just Random Flow...

www.reef2reef.com

That allowed us to maximize space while still leaving room for other equipment to go under the tank

I think you could do something similar with the individua tank idea - but I would lock for a 20-long and a 10-cube. Then create a L shape out of them - just make sure they are the same height so one doesn't fill up and over flow the other section.

That’s a good idea. I’ll look into an L shaped as well. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Dom]

I am trying to make a super cheap bare bones sump to go under my cube tank. I have collected gear like a filter roller, oversized skimmer, and algae scrubber, so I don’t need a custom sump with lots of compartments. Just a watertight box with a singe return baffle section, that makes the most of my 22”x23” footprint.

The cheapest sump options for a small area seem to be petco tanks with baffles. My problem is a 20g tall is too long, and a 10-15 is too narrow/short. I need more of a square, but those aren’t the cheapest.

I’m thinking i get 2 10g tanks, and drill them for bulkheads/pvc. So the 2 tanks plumb together to make a horseshoe kind of flow. I’d put a baffle for the return to control evaporation, and possibly a baffle after the skimmer to stabilize skimmer water level. Does this sound like a solid plan or is there a better way that isn’t that much more expensive?

When you consider the time, effort and cost, it may not be worth it.

I just installed my first baffle-less sump about a month ago. I used a 33 Long. You can use any Rubbermaid bin as a sump. They come in many different sizes. I'm sure you can find something.

 

[slogan315]

When you consider the time, effort and cost, it may not be worth it.

I just installed my first baffle-less sump about a month ago. I used a 33 Long. You can use any Rubbermaid bin as a sump. They come in many different sizes. I'm sure you can find something.

I’m assuming you have an ato and skimmer… how have your water level fluctuations been for keeping the skimmer level consistent and salinity swings with more evaporation needed to trigger the ato? Would you still go baffle less again?

 

[TheDuude]

I would skip trying to combine tanks as this only adds unnecessary points of failure. I would skip the baffles as they are not necessary unless your skimmer has a microbubble issue. Just find a Rubbermaid or cheap tank that fits. If your trying to save $ you might want to reconsider the filter roller. My experience is that they require frequent filter roll$$$$

 

[Dom]

I’m assuming you have an ato and skimmer… how have your water level fluctuations been for keeping the skimmer level consistent and salinity swings with more evaporation needed to trigger the ato? Would you still go baffle less again?

Yes, I run a skimmer and I have a gravity-fed ATO, which means I don't have to concern myself with complex ATO systems that require electricity, solenoids and sensors. My ATO reservoir is my 40 gallon Brute container where I keep RODI stored. I've just tapped into that and never worry about filling it.

I have no fluctuation in water level. As long as the water level is consistent, then your skimmer should operate trouble free. My experience is that the air intake will sometimes become obstructed, effectively changing the setting on the skimmer and cause it to overflow.

And YES; I absolutely would go without baffles. You have more room for equipment placement. And I have a refugium; it is just two pieces of egg crate which keep the macro algae contained and placed a refugium light over it.

 

[Dom]

If your trying to save $ you might want to reconsider the filter roller. My experience is that they require frequent filter roll$$$$

While they work well, I think roller mats are a gimmick.

I do the same thing with a piece of white felt in my media tray. I purchased a pack of 50 sheets for $9.99.

 

[nereefpat]

Aqueon makes some cubes that are inexpensive, including a 21x21x21. You can get them at Petco.

 

[nereefpat]

Aqueon makes some cubes that are inexpensive, including a 21x21x21. You can get them at Petco.

Marineland makes a 20x18x20 and also a 20x18x24. They are framed too, so stronger: https://www.marineland.com/products/aquariums/column-framed-cube-aquarium.aspx

 

[I never finish anythi]

While they work well, I think roller mats are a gimmick.

I do the same thing with a piece of white felt in my media tray. I purchased a pack of 50 sheets for $9.99.

I pay £12 a roll and it lasts 2+ months! Not expensive one bit .
Plus I don't have to mess about with filter socks or floss every few days !
Set and forget .

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I have no baffles in my sump, baffles would have made it too hard for my fat hands to work in there.

 

[Dom]

Set and forget .

And I maintain that automation in reef tanks can be a dangerous thing.

When we automate too much, we tend to become disconnected from our tanks.

Small problems, when detected early can be corrected. With automation, small problems can go undetected until much later, resulting in a bigger, more complicated issues.

My preference is to be hands on. But I understand why

 

[MnFish1]

I am trying to make a super cheap bare bones sump to go under my cube tank. I have collected gear like a filter roller, oversized skimmer, and algae scrubber, so I don’t need a custom sump with lots of compartments. Just a watertight box with a singe return baffle section, that makes the most of my 22”x23” footprint.

The cheapest sump options for a small area seem to be petco tanks with baffles. My problem is a 20g tall is too long, and a 10-15 is too narrow/short. I need more of a square, but those aren’t the cheapest.

I’m thinking i get 2 10g tanks, and drill them for bulkheads/pvc. So the 2 tanks plumb together to make a horseshoe kind of flow. I’d put a baffle for the return to control evaporation, and possibly a baffle after the skimmer to stabilize skimmer water level. Does this sound like a solid plan or is there a better way that isn’t that much more expensive?

Its only a dumb idea if it doesn't work - and make life easier for you

 

[MnFish1]

I am trying to make a super cheap bare bones sump to go under my cube tank. I have collected gear like a filter roller, oversized skimmer, and algae scrubber, so I don’t need a custom sump with lots of compartments. Just a watertight box with a singe return baffle section, that makes the most of my 22”x23” footprint.

The cheapest sump options for a small area seem to be petco tanks with baffles. My problem is a 20g tall is too long, and a 10-15 is too narrow/short. I need more of a square, but those aren’t the cheapest.

I’m thinking i get 2 10g tanks, and drill them for bulkheads/pvc. So the 2 tanks plumb together to make a horseshoe kind of flow. I’d put a baffle for the return to control evaporation, and possibly a baffle after the skimmer to stabilize skimmer water level. Does this sound like a solid plan or is there a better way that isn’t that much more expensive?

BTW - IMHO - you already have things you don't need - you should be good

 

[SFALReefer]

I'd caution you on 10G tanks. Last one i tried to drill was tempered. BOOM

 

[KrisReef]

While they work well, I think roller mats are a gimmick.

I do the same thing with a piece of white felt in my media tray. I purchased a pack of 50 sheets for $9.99.

I have to assume that your media tray doesn’t have a manufacturer’s logo?
How can it work properly without that branding feature?
(Asking for a friend)

 

[slogan315]

You guys are great! I’m going to look into just getting an Aqueon cube or marine land probably. Going to start with no baffles and see how that goes. Skimmer microbubbles are a huge reason for upgrading the sump and skimmer, so we’ll see if I end up needing a bubble trap.

And for clarification, I am not worried about spending money (especially on a filter roller). I’m worried about spending money on a custom sump that will be replaced in the near future when an upgrade happens. Most people who will buy my current tank used won’t have all the gear that lets them get away with a bare bones sump.

Thanks for all the input!

 

[MnFish1]

You guys are great! I’m going to look into just getting an Aqueon cube or marine land probably. Going to start with no baffles and see how that goes. Skimmer microbubbles are a huge reason for upgrading the sump and skimmer, so we’ll see if I end up needing a bubble trap.

And for clarification, I am not worried about spending money (especially on a filter roller). I’m worried about spending money on a custom sump that will be replaced in the near future when an upgrade happens. Most people who will buy my current tank used won’t have all the gear that lets them get away with a bare bones sump.

Thanks for all the input!

Agreed - I frankly cannot see the reason anyone would have a custom sump (i.e. a purchased one) - unless it happens to come with the system you are buying. No offense to anyone that has one - But - when I see some of the prices for some plexiglass (nicely colored) - I wonder couldn't I make the same thing with a glass aquarium - and some cut glass from the hardware store?

 

[MnFish1]

When you consider the time, effort and cost, it may not be worth it.

I just installed my first baffle-less sump about a month ago. I used a 33 Long. You can use any Rubbermaid bin as a sump. They come in many different sizes. I'm sure you can find something.

You may disagree - but thats ok. sumps are overrated - IMHO - except to increase the total water volume of a tank

EDIT - and to hide cords/equipment.