DIY Sump

[Reef-junky]

Ok, couldn't stand not having the large marine tank so, in my storage room I am setting up a spare 125 and using a 55 gallon to build another sump Gonna change a few things and thought i would see what you all think.

You only need one baffle after the skimmer not two. I would not run another HOB overflow as they are the least reliable style. I would drill the tank and use a Herbie or bean animal. As far as filter sock holders what you really want is something like this

 

[TroyClark]

I want the water to flow from high to low and not just skip across the surface of the skimmer chamber, thats why the double baffle there. Same for the media chamber. Haven't done a bubble trap before as its not really a problem on my freshwater sump, but am doing one for this sump.

Also, drilling is not possible, so HOB it is. I run the same Eshopps PF-1200 overflow in conjunction with a Autoaqua smart level security switch for backup redundancy on my 120 freshwater and am comfortable with that.

Plus, no socks for me. I use a different kind of sock that is cut to length and clipped to the aquarium lip behind the inlet pipe. Crude, but works for me LOL.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Fishmania]

I have been planning a 55 gallon sump to go under the 120 Display. I have attached a pic of what I think the layout will be. Would any of you more experienced reefers take a look at it and let me know what you think?

Thanks

Can you specify the function of each section?

 

[TroyClark]

Just finished my 55 gallon sump. I installed an egg crate section after the overflow to use with filter pads. I have a same setup on my original tank and I really like it. I just take the dirty pad out every 3-4 days and hose it off and rinse it in some rodi and it's good as new! I usually replace it every 2 months with a new pad. I bought a roll of it on Amazon and it lasts for a few years.

I like the eggcrate filter mat holder. I will have to see if I can incorporate it in the build. How did you support the eggcrate?

 

[TroyClark]

Can you specify the function of each section?

That sump turned into a freshwater sump. I have an eggcrate shelf holding 8 liters of Seachem matrix biological media in mesh bags in the first large section with my titanium heater under it. The second big chamber is for reactors and misc equipment. I have the baffles this way to direct the water to flow through all media without just skimming across the surface.

 

[Fishmania]

I was planning on using an Eshopps PF-1000 overflow at $85 bucks but have seen the Seapora 1000 overflow for $62 bucks. Quite the difference but they don't look very different.

Does anyone have experience with those?

I got one, it is designed for tank with surface close to the rim, and it is work by siphon. The flow need to be measured against the return pump capacity as well as the porosity of the filters. Furthermore, to maintain active siphon all the time, you have to do it manually by removing the U shape tube, insert a robber tube in and evacuate the air to initiate a siphon. You might modify the U shape tube by creating a fenestration hole using same robber tube.
Extra things you might need to do include plumbing work with control valve to manage the volume of your return Water.

 

[fishybizzness]

I like the eggcrate filter mat holder. I will have to see if I can incorporate it in the build. How did you support the eggcrate?

I silconed the second smaller baffle to fit the size piece of egg crate I wanted and then just siliconed the egg crate into position.

 

[TroyClark]

The last sump I built I turned my 55 gallon tank on end and use pre cut wood blocks to make sure the baffles are level and the same height when I siliconed them in place. Worked like a charm. Much easier that trying to tape them off and keep them in the proper place.... LOL Get them all in one end and the turn it over and start on the other end and then silicone the opposite side of the ones I started with. Just my 2 cents....

 

[TroyClark]

I think I have finalized my sump layout (I think LOL).

 

[fishybizzness]

Looks good! You're going to love how easy it is to clean or replace a filter pad compared to dealing with filter socks! I would never go back!

 

[TroyClark]

Looks good! You're going to love how easy it is to clean or replace a filter pad compared to dealing with filter socks! I would never go back!
[/QUOTE

 

[TroyClark]

I found an acrylic drip tray from an old acrylic hang on sump I have had for years that is 5 inches wide and just fits in the 55 gallon sump lengthwise. I drilled all the holes out to allow for more water movement. I ordered my 1/4 glass baffles and had them cut 2 1-inch pieces that I'm going to silicone in place to create a shelf for the drip tray to sit on.

 

[Spieg]

I was thinking of using plasti dip black brush on paint on both sides of the refugium section. Has anyone else done this?

It may be fine, but I don't like the idea of paint in the water... I'd just silicone thin sheets of black acrylic on those baffles.

 

[TroyClark]

Decided at the last minute to do a mirror image of the plans. Got the glass cut, dang it's expensive, and the first 3 baffles siliconed in tonight. The rest tomorrow night then flip it and silicone the back side of the baffles.

 

[TroyClark]

Up and running. Love it.

 

[Mike N]

Looks great, nice follow through :D

 

[TroyClark]

Idea for a skimmer overflow container with a fail safe built in. Used a dual bottle cap with airline tubing. If the bottle would become full while I'm was gone, gravity would take the excess and dump it back into the tank instead of flooding my floor. I will fully test it tomorrow, too late to test it fully tonight.