Sump Help.

Dunnman39 · Feb 24, 2016

Can I have a sump that is at the same level as my DT? I am looking into doing one but my only option for placement is at the same height as my DT right next to it. If not than my canister filter will have to do for now.

Puffy_Sanchez · Feb 24, 2016

I guess the answer would be....it depends. Is the tank drilled? If so, where? If not drilled are you running the overflow over the back?

Dunnman39 · Feb 24, 2016

Puffy_Sanchez said:
I guess the answer would be....it depends. Is the tank drilled? If so, where? If not drilled are you running the overflow over the back?

The tank is not drilled and yes the overflow would have to be over the back.

ReeferBob · Feb 24, 2016

Sumps primarily use gravity to feed them. It will work though. You just pump water back and the tank will naturally keep the same level in the sump as the DT. You'll have to work on balancing it properly. It would be easiest if both the DT and the sump are drilled with a bulkhead and pipe between them. That way there is no over the side siphon to stop.

AlexStinson · Feb 24, 2016

The only way I see it working is if the sump water level is lower than the DT. If you had a 90g with a 20g sump beside it that would -probably- work, but especially with a HOB overflow, it would be difficult to maintain a negative slope on the drain.

Waters · Feb 24, 2016

I am not sure it will work pumping both directions.....all it takes is for one of the pumps to become slightly less efficient and it throws the whole balance off.

Dunnman39 · Feb 24, 2016

I was thinking about a ten gallon sump maybe 20 for a 55 gal DT

ReeferBob · Feb 24, 2016

You don't need a sump. A 10 gallon sump is good for hiding equipment only and it won't hold much. Just skip the sump.

Dunnman39 · Feb 24, 2016

ReeferBob said:
You don't need a sump. A 10 gallon sump is good for hiding equipment only and it won't hold much. Just skip the sump.

I'm just trying to keep my water quality up and keeping it in check. Right now that's hard.

ReeferBob · Feb 24, 2016

5 more gallons isn't going to do anything. Just up your water changes. 10% a week at least.

Dunnman39 · Feb 24, 2016

ReeferBob said:
5 more gallons isn't going to do anything. Just up your water changes. 10% a week at least.

It's not so much the percentage it's the way it's getting in the tank. Right now I am dipping a bucket in to pull water out and just dumping the new water right in the top.

Dunnman39 · Feb 24, 2016

By doing that it's messing my salinity up all the time.

human · Feb 24, 2016

Have you looked at the HOB refugiums? That may be something that would work best in your situation.

ReeferBob · Feb 24, 2016

Dunnman39 said:
It's not so much the percentage it's the way it's getting in the tank. Right now I am dipping a bucket in to pull water out and just dumping the new water right in the top.

Use the below they work great. Your salinity should not be messed up if your change water is the same as your tank. I draw a line on a bucket (5 gallon homer bucket) that corresponds to exactly 2 cups of salt. No guessing!

http://www.amazon.com/25-Foot-Pytho...56322269&sr=8-1&keywords=python+water+changer

StoneFlyTyer · Feb 24, 2016

Well the way I see it is a sump is a good away to hide unsightly equipment that takes away from the DT, so if you are going to be seeing the sump next to the tank then u don't mind seeing the equipment. If that's the case I would forget the sump and just go with hob skimmer and refugiums and do ur water changes. Less hassle and worry until u can find a better place to put the DT

Dunnman39 · Feb 24, 2016

human said:
Have you looked at the HOB refugiums? That may be something that would work best in your situation.

Any suggestions on cheap and effective one?

human · Feb 24, 2016

Dunnman39 said:
Any suggestions on cheap and effective one?

CPR makes a nice one, not sure of your price range.

larry reed · Feb 24, 2016

i'm running a 15 gal tall with a canister filter full off lava rock that you put in your gas grill an i have a 10 gal refugium with skimmer in it and i have a wet dry sump on the way . taking canister filter off should i keep the canister filter on until my wet dry is cycled and then take canister off ? canister filter has no service skimmer if electric go's off my refugium will run over in floor that's another reason why i'm getting away from the canister .

StoneFlyTyer · Feb 24, 2016

larry reed said:
i'm running a 15 gal tall with a canister filter full off lava rock that you put in your gas grill an i have a 10 gal refugium with skimmer in it and i have a wet dry sump on the way . taking canister filter off should i keep the canister filter on until my wet dry is cycled and then take canister off ? canister filter has no service skimmer if electric go's off my refugium will run over in floor that's another reason why i'm getting away from the canister .

U should take any and all your media and what ever u have in the canister filter and put it in the wet/dry till its cycled, this should help seed the wet/dry.