Building our first sump

[Silverrshadow]

We are in the process of assembling our first tank (40g breeder) and are trying to figure out the best approach for a sump. We plan on making it out of a 20g tank we bought 2nd hand with some acrylic already in place. We have an in sump skimmer. We are thinking about including a refugium. Any must haves we should look for?

 

[Ron Reefman]

Is the 40g tank drilled or are you using a siphon overflow?
Get a return pump that has multiple speeds, it makes balancing sump and tank water levels much easier.

 

[Silverrshadow]

It is not drilled. We picked up a Simplicity 1000 pump that we can dial down when needed.

 

[Super Fly]

I recommend reading here for DIY sump guide https://gmacreef.com/reef-aquarium-sump-tank-design/ MAke sure to use thick acrylic baffle or else it'll bow if too thin while using aquarium safe silicone, like this one from Amazon