I need help trying to find the right sump for my 40b. I've been running a canister filter since I've built the tank but I think its time for something more. no matter were I look its seems like it will cost around 500$ and that just sounds crazy to me. I don't mind building the sump but I don't know what I would need for pumps and other parts. if anyone can help me figure out the right setup I need to get my reef tank to the next level would be awesome
the right sump help.
- Thread starter klloyd
- Start date
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Lionfish Lair
Renee
I too used a 20g long glass tank for a sump for a 40g. Keep that $500 in your pocket and we'll help you build it. When the lights are on tomorrow I can round up some shots of the different ones we've used.
ndz98
Valuable Member
If your drill your own take you'll need:
Diamond drill bit
Drill
Some kind of guide for the bit
Plumbers putty to keep the water inside so it cools the bit
You could do the herbie style overflow ( I think that's what it's called I forget exactly) and you'll only need to drill three holes. You'll need three bulk heads to put in the holes
As for the sump you could go to HD and have them cut glass for you once you find the size sump you want to use. Once you figure that out all you need is silicone to glue it in. Only use silicone of its glass though. Doesn't bond well to acrylic so I've heard.
This is some basic info. I just finished my sump and drilling like a couple weeks ago so you could check out my build thread and see what I did.
Diamond drill bit
Drill
Some kind of guide for the bit
Plumbers putty to keep the water inside so it cools the bit
You could do the herbie style overflow ( I think that's what it's called I forget exactly) and you'll only need to drill three holes. You'll need three bulk heads to put in the holes
As for the sump you could go to HD and have them cut glass for you once you find the size sump you want to use. Once you figure that out all you need is silicone to glue it in. Only use silicone of its glass though. Doesn't bond well to acrylic so I've heard.
This is some basic info. I just finished my sump and drilling like a couple weeks ago so you could check out my build thread and see what I did.
kschweer
Moderator
You can make a nice sump from a 20l and one of these kits:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-baffle-kit.224889/#post-269528
If you catch a petco $1 per gallon sale you can have a really nice functional sump for around $120.
You're also going to need to look into how you're going to get the water from the tank to the sump. You can get a hang on overflow or you can get something like a glassholes overflow if you're willing to drill the tank. I like these because they look better and are more reliable.
For a pump just get something that will match up with whatever overflow you go with. You just need to make sure the pump doesn't move more water than than the overflow can handle.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-baffle-kit.224889/#post-269528
If you catch a petco $1 per gallon sale you can have a really nice functional sump for around $120.
You're also going to need to look into how you're going to get the water from the tank to the sump. You can get a hang on overflow or you can get something like a glassholes overflow if you're willing to drill the tank. I like these because they look better and are more reliable.
For a pump just get something that will match up with whatever overflow you go with. You just need to make sure the pump doesn't move more water than than the overflow can handle.
You can make your own like mentioned above, this save you a love of money. I have a Emerald Trigger sump that I got during a black Friday sale that works really nice for my 40b, it cost a bit but I do like it a lot.
I love the whole thought of building it with a 20 long but my issue is the stand I had built for the tank might not fit that size in there. but i don't mind reworking the building of the stand. i do love that prebuilt system and might be looking into it that's a lot cheaper and i already have a few 20s kicking around so that's half the battle there
Salt Creep
Active Member
A 20 is what I use on my 40. What did you build the stand with? 20 gallons are skinnier and shorter than 40s and should fit just fine unless you REALLY overbuilt the stand. The only thing is I had to put mine in from the top before I filled the display. Would it be a problem to empty your tank while you do it? Built my sump for about $30
Well when I built the stand it was for my 23 bow and when I went to the 40 all I did was make a larger top for it. But if I had to I can remove the back and the center piece for the doors and slide it in. If the tank was empty tho I'd be up to building a new stand but not anytime soon
glb
7500 Club Member
I'm doing the same build right now. I exchanged the 20g long for a 20g tall so it would fit. I have a Jebao dct 6000 return pump and an SCA 300 skimmer. Haven't put up the dividers but there's enough room for this equipment, a gfo reactor and a refugium. Let's follow each other's builds!
beaslbob
2500 Club Member
If you like building just about any plastic container can be used for a refugium and sump. A few years ago a 30g container from wall mart was on sale for $10 or so.
By using two separate containers on can be the refugium and a small one can be the sump. You could also put the smaller container inside the larger to serve the same functions as baffels in a tank/box.
Before you get two far you might setup a test in the garage. Be sure to test for:
1) no flood during power outages
2) normal operation returns with power return.
3) the upper container (usually the display) does not flood with drain failure (blockage, siphon bread). I forgot this on my fist setup. The idea is the sump runs dry before the display floods.
You can also build an hob overflow from pvc pipe. And use a maxijet (600? the largest) with the "bubbler" on the output to suck out the air in the pvc.
my .02
By using two separate containers on can be the refugium and a small one can be the sump. You could also put the smaller container inside the larger to serve the same functions as baffels in a tank/box.
Before you get two far you might setup a test in the garage. Be sure to test for:
1) no flood during power outages
2) normal operation returns with power return.
3) the upper container (usually the display) does not flood with drain failure (blockage, siphon bread). I forgot this on my fist setup. The idea is the sump runs dry before the display floods.
You can also build an hob overflow from pvc pipe. And use a maxijet (600? the largest) with the "bubbler" on the output to suck out the air in the pvc.
my .02
wow. you know these are some great ideas. I think I have a good plan on my mind for the sump. but then comes into play like the hang on for the over flow and the right pumps. I know a few ball valves I can control my water flow in the tank but what about out can they be adjusted in flow . and I would love to see how a overflow would be made from pvc. I would in the building field so pretty much anything I need is very easy for me to get so that's not an issue
PatW
2500 Club Member
I wish I had more space under my stand. It is almost hard to have a sump that is too big. No matter how big your sump is compared to your display tank, it is easy to use all of the available space. You can have space for a skimmer, reactors, filter socks, and a refugium.
hybridazn
Acro killer.....
I will be making a new sump using this kit, but for a 40b. I'll be documenting the install in my build thread.
kschweer
Moderator
^still jealous!!I will be making a new sump using this kit, but for a 40b. I'll be documenting the install in my build thread.
beaslbob
2500 Club Member
warning!!!!!! do not use ball valves of any kind.
The overflow is self adjusting. Whatever is pumped back to the tank "overflow" back to the sump. Valves are not only not required but can be dangerous. Look at your toilette from the side. slowly pour in a glass of water and the water level in the bowl remains at the same height. And the same amount of water you poured in "drains" to the sewer. the same thing can be done with pvc pipe to form a water trap. I'll try to post here a schematic of the pvc idea. I had several designs which I could link to later if necessary after I'm not in the office. in this attachment under power out the level drops down and the water is trapped until the power returns.
That's sweet when I finally get tired of my 75 fresh I'll so be going over kill with a sump. But looking at those prebuilt kits doesn't seem like it's going to be so hard to make my own. I started reading up on the pvc overfill and that's all parts I have kicking around so I think I'm gonna give it a try. I think it's time to get this build started. Thank you for all the help guys
