Hello everyone, after an idea was brought up to me about how I could do an overflow to a tank that can not be drilled I have been giving it more thought about adding a sump to my system. I read many of the threads on here trying to absorb as much info as I can so I have a general idea of setting up a sump. I was hoping that someone could point me to information that I could read to get a better understanding about designing a sump, figuring out what type of equipment is needed how to choose it such as return pumps. Guess I am looking for a sump 101... All of this is in the research and possible planning stage right now so would appreciate any good resources you might be able to provide.
Thinking about a sump, looking for direction...
- Thread starter BarbH
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strange33w
Well-Known Member
there is some good info here as well as some sump designs. Also Marc is a real nice guy who does great work. I got my current sump from him and love it.
Marc's Hidden Treasure
Marc's Hidden Treasure
Barbh,
My first question is what are you wanting to achieve with a SUMP?
Increase Water Volumn?
Place for equipment (Tired of the clutter in the tank)
Addition of Sump, Algae Scrubber?
A sump isn't a requirement but it is a nice to have in my opinion. I drilled my Solana and added a sump because I didn't want a HOB skimmer or the AIO back wall.
The design of a Sump can be as basic as just a 10, 20, 30 gallon tank etc or as complex as added baffles to separate the skimmer from the return. Adding a Refugium is another reason for a sump.
We should start with the Why you need it versus is it really needed.
"Z"
My first question is what are you wanting to achieve with a SUMP?
Increase Water Volumn?
Place for equipment (Tired of the clutter in the tank)
Addition of Sump, Algae Scrubber?
A sump isn't a requirement but it is a nice to have in my opinion. I drilled my Solana and added a sump because I didn't want a HOB skimmer or the AIO back wall.
The design of a Sump can be as basic as just a 10, 20, 30 gallon tank etc or as complex as added baffles to separate the skimmer from the return. Adding a Refugium is another reason for a sump.
We should start with the Why you need it versus is it really needed.
"Z"
Thanks for the link should keep me busy with reading for awhile.
Couple of reasons that I am thinking about adding is a sump is to be able to add a refugium, one of the fish that I would like to keep is a Mandarian and with a refugium it will allow me a place for copepods to replenish in along with a place for my chaeto to be other than the temporary setup that I am using right now. Also it would be nice to have a place to put my equipment right now I have my heater hidden behind some rock work which works fairly well. It would also I think make adding an ato to the system easier. Right now I have an hob skimmer that I am using which depending on how I do the sump I might be able to place it on the sump instead of the back of the tank. Would help to hide some of the clutter. At this time not doing any dosing or running any reactors but from what I have seen these are easier to do, setup with a sump. All of this is still in the thinking and researching stages, definitly not going to be doing anything fast.
Ok then you will need some baffles. I also am creating a new sump based off of this method: baffles
This way I can plug and play as needed. I am going to try and keep it simple with only a bubble trap before the return pump.
I think of Sumps as a place to keep my equipment.
My sump will have the following:
Skimmer
Algae Scrubber
Heater
ATO
Return Pump
On the output side I will have the skimmer, Algae Scrubber and heater. On the Return side the return pump and ATO. I have read putting the ATO on the return side helps keep the water level consistent.
I wanted to explain how I am setting mine up in case you have questions.
This way I can plug and play as needed. I am going to try and keep it simple with only a bubble trap before the return pump.
I think of Sumps as a place to keep my equipment.
My sump will have the following:
Skimmer
Algae Scrubber
Heater
ATO
Return Pump
On the output side I will have the skimmer, Algae Scrubber and heater. On the Return side the return pump and ATO. I have read putting the ATO on the return side helps keep the water level consistent.
I wanted to explain how I am setting mine up in case you have questions.
