Sump

[Drummingbaker2010]

Hi. I am trying to debate if I should build a DIY Sump refugium for my new 75 gallon tank, or if I should buy a sump and just silicone it together. I have not done this before, and I'm also curious about the best way to set up the pipes and the anti-gravity overflow nozzle, so that it doesn't flood my sump into my dining room. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[shakacuz]

do the math. would buying a pre made sump cost less than buying everything(parts and tools) needed to DIY the sump?

personally, for me, i like to DIY so i went with building my own sump. this way i made it to fit my needs and i didn’t have to work around the manufacturer’s build of a pre-built sump. there are plenty of videos here on the board and on YT with step by step instructions for plumbing and setting up your sump

 

[Drummingbaker2010]

Yeah, I've seen that, I like the idea of the Triton method, I'm not sure if you're familiar with that or agree with it, but the thought was just interesting to me.

 

[shakacuz]

Yeah, I've seen that, I like the idea of the Triton method, I'm not sure if you're familiar with that or agree with it, but the thought was just interesting to me.

i’m sure many reefers still apply that method. if it works, it works!

 

[vetteguy53081]

many I know of with successful DIY units.
I prefer acrylic units with all the tube and sock holders

 

[RocketEngineer]

My first three dumps were DIY, the second for a 75g tank. It’s not hard to do.

 

[RocketEngineer]

 

[snorklr]

i used a petco dollar a gallon 20 long and a fiji cube kit for around a hundred bucks...came with sock holder, socks, foam block and adjustable baffle to set water height..they make them for 40B's too....if you pre mask an 1/8 to 1/4 on either side of the baffles with blue tape you can wipe the silicone with your finger then pull off the tape for a professional looking edge...if i were to build another one i might just use glass and cut it myself now that i know the water level that works but the pre made adjustable stuff made figuring that out so easy...you need to set the level so there is enough volume left in the sump for the water that will drain back from the tank when the pump is off...drilling anti siphon hole in return will limit the amount of drainback

 

[NowGlazeIT]

My first three dumps were DIY, the second for a 75g tank. It’s not hard to do.

Haha the lego stand, I can dig it

 

[RocketEngineer]

Haha the lego stand, I can dig it

For some reason, folks seem to like that.

 

[wil-yuhm]

For some reason, folks seem to like that.

"RocketEngineer" This coming from a person with aeronautical engineering background I most certainly appreciate your over engineering :cool:

Love your tidiness which satisfies my OCD! :) The upper switch board/panel breakers located above flooding was a nice touch!

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

Lowe’s Carries Rubber Shower Pan Liner, You can make a Spill Flood Barrier with it. A recommend either Marine Grade Snaps or Turn Buckles to mount it. Also you can turn back the edges, and using the Oatley Glue, make it stronger. Since I have a bunch of Salvaged Acrylic, I made my Spill Tray out of that. As much time as it’s taken me, wished I had of used the Liner.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

For some reason, folks seem to like that.

Oh I’m a huge fan of your stand design

But I was talking about these legos here

 

[RocketEngineer]

Oh I’m a huge fan of your stand design

But I was talking about these legos here

Yup, a tread I posted over a decade ago, and now my name is associated with that style. As for the legos, it’s a case of using what you have. My five nephews (all under 12) enjoy them whenever they visit.

@OP, my very first sump was a 5G tank shoehorned into my stand with a plastic container holding the HoB skimmer pump so the skimmer had the right water level. You don’t need fancy if it works for you.

 

[Spare time]

Check out the fiji cube baffle kits. They look really nice