Sump

[OutsideBrian]

Here is my 20L sump, just used and eBay sump kit.

 

[SinkyShippy]

Here is my 20L sump, just used and eBay sump kit.

Live rock in there? Interesting.

Debating whether to just stick with the 20 gallon I have and do a 10 sump. Three chambers: first with skimmer, second with media reactor and Chaeto, third with pump and maybe live rock like you have??? [emoji848]

 

[SinkyShippy]

Lots of good information here but also some confusing info.

Yes HOB overflows can lose their syphon but it is rare that they do and it's usually caused by user error. If you lose power the syphon stays in place like a vacuum but no water moves in or out until the siphon starts again.

An HOB overflow will be the easiest option.

Buying a 40 and drilling it yourself or having a local store drill it for you is the best option and you don't have to worry much about space behind your tank like you would with a HOB overflow.

The more total volume the better so a 60g total system made up of a 40g tank and 20 sump is more than enough but remember your sump will most likely be holding closer to 10 because you want to account for backflow from the DT through the Return incase of a power outage so you're really closer to 50g total water volume.

Which glass tanks you want to stick to glass baffled as acrylic doesn't adhere properly to glass with silicon. Glass to glass is the best option.

How many Chambers you need is up to you. You can get away with as little as two 1 for skimmer/refugium and 1 for the return or you can add as many as you like. Want a skimmer, refugium and biogical media chamber then you can do that.

What if I stuck with the 20 gallon tank I have now and did a 10 gallon sump? I've been doing the math and I don't believe I can afford a bigger tank right now which is why I'm trying to come up with other solutions.

 

[KorD]

If it makes your decision any easier, I run a 7 gallon sump on a 30 gallon aquarium. My sump has one chamber one baffle and return chamber. I have everything nicely fit in there and I will be adding mangroves for fun.
No making fun of my disaster of a mess

 

[SinkyShippy]

If it makes your decision any easier, I run a 7 gallon sump on a 30 gallon aquarium. My sump has one chamber one baffle and return chamber. I have everything nicely fit in there and I will be adding mangroves for fun.
No making fun of my disaster of a mess

Yeah it does make it easier. Thanks. I'll stick with the 10 gallon sump on the 20. [emoji846]

 

[rknott]

I just built my sump out of a giveaway 20g tank, free, went to Lowes that cut the glass for me for each section. I used scrap glass. Total cost, $2.50 per cut. $10 for silicone. For those on a budget.

 

[Holy_makerel]

I decided to get a nice sump for my second tank and I love it. Only been running a few weeks now

 

[SinkyShippy]

I decided to get a nice sump for my second tank and I love it. Only been running a few weeks now

Nice!!!

I just ordered everything for my sump. I'll get the tank on Friday at Pet Supplies Plus. They're having their gallon sale.

 

[GThompson]

Nice!!!

I just ordered everything for my sump. I'll get the tank on Friday at Pet Supplies Plus. They're having their gallon sale.

I bought me a twenty gallon for a QT. $20 and they have filter pumps on sale too.

 

[SinkyShippy]

I bought me a twenty gallon for a QT. $20 and they have filter pumps on sale too.

I bought this pump. It had good reviews and was mentioned in an article for being good.