First sump

[jackandrocco]

So I am building my first sump for a 40 gallon and I’m using a 20 galling long. I haven’t found an answer to these two questions. I have an auto top off machine would I still have to put that on the tank or can I put that on the sump tank. And then for water changes, would you do it on the tank or sump tank?

 

[tsharpe291]

the ATO would go in the return area of your sump, I do water changes from the tank.

 

[jackandrocco]

the ATO would go in the return area of your sump, I do water changes from the tank.

Ok cool thank you. Also do you know of a cheaper external overflow box I want a dual set up but the cheapest is like 130 that I have seen

 

[UncommonSense]

Ok cool thank you. Also do you know of a cheaper external overflow box I want a dual set up but the cheapest is like 130 that I have seen

That’s about as cheap as they come… it’s hard to make two boxes with four bulkhead fittings and cut weir teeth for under that and have it not be flimsy thin injection molded plastic that will happily crack and flood the room!

I recommend looking into silicone-in internal overflow boxes, they are much more cost effective, and definitely work!

 

[jackandrocco]

That’s about as cheap as they come… it’s hard to make two boxes with four bulkhead fittings and cut weir teeth for under that and have it not be flimsy thin injection molded plastic that will happily crack and flood the room!

I recommend looking into silicone-in internal overflow boxes, they are much more cost effective, and definitely work!

I looked into that but my tank is already full so I didn’t think I’d be able to drill the hole

 

[UncommonSense]

I looked into that but my tank is already full so I didn’t think I’d be able to drill the hole

Ah, you need to drill for an external overflow too…

Maybe you’re referring to a Hang On Back (HOB) overflow? You also don’t want to cheap out on these, as they can be touchy to get dialed in, even for the good ones! (The CPR model I used for years did all sorts of weird stuff, including regularly spilling a lot of water on the ground, despite always running an associated “aqualifter” vacuum pump on it…)

 

[jackandrocco]

so I’m looking at the figi cube do you think I’d either be able to let the water drop to the point where I can drill a hole

 

[UncommonSense]

so I’m looking at the figi cube do you think I’d either be able to let the water drop to the point where I can drill a hole

Oh you want to have the tank empty and on its side to drill, it’s a high enough risk operation as it is without a mistake and a cracked glass pane leading to a full tank blowout!

 

[mmorrison55]

Yeah, please don’t drill with your tank in use.

 

[jackandrocco]

Alright thank you guys for the help I’m really tired of looking at all the cords and the hang on filter so I’m gonna try a hang on back overflow

 

[mmorrison55]

Something like this would fit your tank size.

HOB Overflow - Eshopps

Add an overflow to any aquarium with Eshopps PF series of hang on back overflows. Adding a sump to a tank will allow you to hide equipment and while adding water volume making your tank more stable. Traditional overflows require you to drill holes in your aquarium where Eshopps PF HOB overflows...

topshelfaquatics.com

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Alright thank you guys for the help I’m really tired of looking at all the cords and the hang on filter so I’m gonna try a hang on back overflow

Another option is to paint the back of your tank, all my hob tanks are painted, its more attractive IMO and keeps the wires and stuff out of sight. Just putting it out there for you