Sump help!!

[Lbannie]

I’m finally getting ready to set up my used 90 gallon. It came with a sump, but I can’t really remember how it all goes together. I remember him saying he kept the skimmer in the right side.... but where does the return pump go?
is this a decent sump? There’s no name brand on it. I’ve never had a sump before so I’m lost!

 

[Sailingeric]

The return pump would be at the end of all the filtration, the far right based on the pic ( I think)

 

[RocketEngineer]

That is an older style sump, more configured for fresh vs salt. Honestly, I would just get a new sump or at a minimum get a new tank with the same footprint and DIY one. From what I see, that one is likely to be more hassle than it’s worth.

 

[Lbannie]

That is an older style sump, more configured for fresh vs salt. Honestly, I would just get a new sump or at a minimum get a new tank with the same footprint and DIY one. From what I see, that one is likely to be more hassle than it’s worth.

Really?? Ugh. He had it as saltwater. I have a lot more room under the cabinet.
what kind would you recommend? I’m afraid of a diy.

 

[Lbannie]

The return pump would be at the end of all the filtration, the far right based on the pic ( I think)

That’s what I was thinking, but not sure what the 2 holes on left are for(1 is water going in of course)

 

[MichaelReefer]

Really?? Ugh. He had it as saltwater. I have a lot more room under the cabinet.
what kind would you recommend? I’m afraid of a diy.

Get a Simplicity, they're decently priced and good sumps.

 

[Super Fly]

drain is on left side with the 2 small black openings, which r the bulkheads where drain pipes go into. Preivous owner prob had 2 drain pipes going into it. Water flows to the right and return pump would be in right side where it;s open. I'd clean and try this sump since u r just starting, to get familiar with sumps. It may look old but all that matters is it doesnt leak and works for ur need. Sumps r expensive.

 

[Lbannie]

I heard back from the guy I bought it from. It’s a berliner 125 wd. Like $500 back when it was new. I see it’s pretty old, but looks like a quality system.
Makes more sense with him explaining how he set it up, I’m still paranoid about somehow overflowing something!!

 

[Albertan22]

I heard back from the guy I bought it from. It’s a berliner 125 wd. Like $500 back when it was new. I see it’s pretty old, but looks like a quality system.
Makes more sense with him explaining how he set it up, I’m still paranoid about somehow overflowing something!!

On that note... when you fill it, fill your display tank until it overflows into the sump, then fill up your sump to a comfortable volume. Start up your pump, wait for the water to draw down and stabilize then mark the level. Never fill past that point while the pump is running or you will overflow if your pump shuts down.

 

[Lbannie]

On that note... when you fill it, fill your display tank until it overflows into the sump, then fill up your sump to a comfortable volume. Start up your pump, wait for the water to draw down and stabilize then mark the level. Never fill past that point while the pump is running or you will overflow if your pump shuts down.

Thanks! The guy has 2 lines marked on it, one says max so I’m thinking that’s what it’s for.
im so excited and nervous! I see a lot of sumps don’t use filter socks like this one.....are they that bad?

 

[Sailingeric]

A lot go sock free. My sump, a 20 gallon long tank is sock free and my refugium is a plastic weave basket I got from Target. It has served me well and I am always pulling out chaeto.

 

[RocketEngineer]

Filter socks aren’t bad, they just require frequent (every 3-4 day) changing which is more than most folks want to deal with. No reason you couldn’t run without them most of the time, then add as needed.

 

[Lbannie]

Sand and water in!!

I HATE THE SUMP!!! It is too noisy. It’s older, a Berliner wd 125. The way the water flows over it makes so much splashing. I have it running to circulate the tank, but not the way it’s meant to be.

My bad for not seeing how the sump ran when I bought the tank, but I felt like I was getting a good deal on the whole package.

So now I’m thinking of getting a different sump, maybe with a refugium, I like that idea.

Any suggestions? Are the diy kits any good? I don’t want to spend a fortune!

Sumps are new and scary to me....I unplugged my tank about 10 times making sure it wouldn’t overflow!

 

[dwest]

Sand and water in!!

I HATE THE SUMP!!! It is too noisy. It’s older, a Berliner wd 125. The way the water flows over it makes so much splashing. I have it running to circulate the tank, but not the way it’s meant to be.

My bad for not seeing how the sump ran when I bought the tank, but I felt like I was getting a good deal on the whole package.

So now I’m thinking of getting a different sump, maybe with a refugium, I like that idea.

Any suggestions? Are the diy kits any good? I don’t want to spend a fortune!

Sumps are new and scary to me....I unplugged my tank about 10 times making sure it wouldn’t overflow!

I just use a 40 gallon aquarium for a sump on my 180 gallon tank. They can be simple.

 

[Lbannie]

I just use a 40 gallon aquarium for a sump on my 180 gallon tank. They can be simple.

I like simple! Do you have a pic? Did you silicone dividers into it? DIY makes me a bit nervous

 

[dwest]

No dividers. Just a skimmer, kalk stirrer, a little bit of rock, and return pump. I like having the flexibility of being able to add or change things. The simpler the sump is, the easier it is for me. I’ll try to add a quick pic.

 

[Lbannie]

No dividers. Just a skimmer, kalk stirrer, a little bit of rock, and return pump. I like having the flexibility of being able to add or change things. The simpler the sump is, the easier it is for me. I’ll try to add a quick pic.

I could handle that!! I happen to a a 40breeder laying around. Lol. Have to take some measurements

 

[Albertan22]

A 40 gallon breeder makes a great sump. Consider adding at least a single baffle to create a return pump section. It will make use of an automatic topoff a lot easier as evaporation always shows in the return pump section. If you want a refugium, add another baffle to create a deeper section and do it. If you end up not liking the fuge you can use it for frags later.

Don’t get too intimidated. If your baffles leak it’s no big deal as it’s all co rained by the 40g breeder anyway.

 

[Lbannie]

A 40 gallon breeder makes a great sump. Consider adding at least a single baffle to create a return pump section. It will make use of an automatic topoff a lot easier as evaporation always shows in the return pump section. If you want a refugium, add another baffle to create a deeper section and do it. If you end up not liking the fuge you can use it for frags later.

Don’t get too intimidated. If your baffles leak it’s no big deal as it’s all co rained by the 40g breeder anyway.

How do I figure out how tall to make the baffles? The water has to spill over top of them right?

 

[CK00020]

If you want they sell baffle kits on eBay for all different setups