Sump questions for 40 gallon breeder.

[Reef_a_holiks]

<sup>Hey guys so ive finally reached the decision of going undertank sump for the 40 gallon. Its currently running cpr bakpak skimmer converted to small refugium and a Aqua clear 70 HOB. Im just tired of the mess of stuff hanging behind the tank looking for something cleaner looking for going the sump route. This will be my first time using and installing a sump so i need some advice. 1 the tank is not drillable so i need to use a over flow . Which over flow do you guys recommend , im also worried about overflowing if the power cuts out. is there anyway to prevent this ? also was looking into the aqueon pro flex sumps, but then i also see alot of nice DIYs sumps on here that look great to. Im looking for a small, well working, low cost sump .dont need anything to crazy, just a skimmer, refugium , and return chambers will do fine. would also like some kind of filter floss or filter socks in there. What you guys think ? hit me with the ideas, opinions and advice!

Thanks</sup>

 

[ethridge78]

Just do a diy 20 long

 

[Reef_a_holiks]

Just do a diy 20 long

how much am i looking to spend doing a 20 long? also not sure how to make it , is there any steps some where in the forum ? new to sumps

 

[Pete polyp]

I went with another 40 for mine

 

[Jonreefer]

I used a 20l for my sump and just made it getting acrylic from. Home Depot

 

[Reef_a_holiks]

I used a 20l for my sump and just made it getting acrylic from. Home Depot

how much did it cost you ? also what return pump is best ? and whats a good recommended skimmer? i need step by step explanation for this totaly new to sumps

 

[Pete polyp]

Acrylic can be bought at any glass shop and be cut to fit what you need. I heard home depot quit custom cutting acrylic. It won't be too expensive to purchase, maybe $30. Be sure to use 100% silicone and put a nice thick bead. For the skimmer I used a bubble magus curve 5 and it has proven to be a beast!

This is what it always looks like.

 

[RibbonFish]

For the chamber separating board, you need to have high quality. Acrylic pieces are the best to choose. You need at least 2 chambers, one big for the skimmer and one is for the return pump. But I recommend to use the 20-long to build it yourself. I have someone built for me due to my busy schedule, and it cost me about 140 dollar in total, including material and labor. You may check your local craiglist to see whether such service is available.

The important thing is to make sure the separating board cannot be too high. If the electricity is shut off, the water from your main tank wont overflow out of your sump.

Homedepot or lowes may have the plumbing stuff.

Good luck.

 

[NanaReefer]

20L $20 dollar. Cut glass baffles $30. Silicon $6
First time made by me!

 

[Jonreefer]

i bought my acrylic at lowes sorry and they still custom cut eh pieces for free for you.
I am using SCA 301 skimmer and its working really well for me. I am alos running bio pellets in a CPR nano reactor. i originally used a Rio 1400 pump but was to much for what I was looking for. So i am running a Rio 800plus now and its dead silent and its about 70gph at its head height of close to 4feet. turnover so its about 2x turnover which is fine for me running through the sump. everything is working great and my tank is running perfect

 

[Pete polyp]

Oh I forgot about the return pump.... I'm using a sicce syncra silent 5.0. It has a built in flow adjustment that's completely closed off. I chose this pump so that if I ever upgrade to a 75 or 90 I will only have to replace the display.