Getting a Sump

carlos_fb · 07-26-2006, 02:15 PM

Hi, I'm getting all needed to build my first reef and I was wondering what kind of sump would be ideal for a 60 gallon tank (48x15").

I heard that I would need to drill my tank. Can you please explain what I need to do and how big the overflow enclousure need to be?

Thanks,

motorslave · 07-27-2006, 08:54 AM

Howdy and welcome to TRT! On the sump issue any tsmaller tank (or whatever you have space for) will work as a sump. People even use the Rubbermaid storage totes! My first tank was a 55 and I used a glass 20 long as a sump. Youll want some carefully located baffles to help eliminate bubbles form getting pumped back into the main tank. You will be able to keep heaters, skimer, media bags and other stuff that doesnt look all that apealing to the eye, out of the main tank also. When I can get to my other computer I will post some pics of that sump so you have an idea of what to shoot for.
For drilling an overflow you dont need to make a big enclosure or even an enclosure at all. A simple set up with some PVC elbows and strainser will do wonders and work perfectly! Again, Ill post some pics for you this after noon. You can drill the tank yourself or have it done ayt a glass shop or a LFS.

Robert

carlos_fb · 07-27-2006, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motorslave

Howdy and welcome to TRT! On the sump issue any tsmaller tank (or whatever you have space for) will work as a sump. People even use the Rubbermaid storage totes! My first tank was a 55 and I used a glass 20 long as a sump. Youll want some carefully located baffles to help eliminate bubbles form getting pumped back into the main tank. You will be able to keep heaters, skimer, media bags and other stuff that doesnt look all that apealing to the eye, out of the main tank also. When I can get to my other computer I will post some pics of that sump so you have an idea of what to shoot for.
For drilling an overflow you dont need to make a big enclosure or even an enclosure at all. A simple set up with some PVC elbows and strainser will do wonders and work perfectly! Again, Ill post some pics for you this after noon. You can drill the tank yourself or have it done ayt a glass shop or a LFS.

Robert

Hi Robert,

Thank you so much for the information. Some pictures would be great since it doesn't sound too complicated. I was wondering how can you create the overflow with PVC elbows only? Thanks again!

Kullas · 07-27-2006, 10:14 PM

/there is some external overflow boxes that hang on the back of the tank so ya dont have to drill the tank. but sonetimes they are hard to get right. if the tank is empty i would go the rought of drilling the tank to keep it simple

carlos_fb · 07-28-2006, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kullas

/there is some external overflow boxes that hang on the back of the tank so ya dont have to drill the tank. but sonetimes they are hard to get right. if the tank is empty i would go the rought of drilling the tank to keep it simple

I am drilling the tank. I think it's easier, specially because I don't want to hang anything in the back of the tank. Now the question is, how big does the overflow box have to be in a 48x15" tank? I also would like to know if it's better to have 2 (one in each coner) or a bigger one in the center?

motorslave · 07-30-2006, 01:28 AM

Sorry it took me so long to get some pics for you. Heres a couple of the one I used on my 55. The other is a DIY acrylic I made. It has the baffle order reversed. The slots were cut on a laser. The slots are too tall and dont allow for enough travel time for all the bubbles to rise.

Robert

carlos_fb · 07-30-2006, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motorslave

Sorry it took me so long to get some pics for you. Heres a couple of the one I used on my 55. The other is a DIY acrylic I made. It has the baffle order reversed. The slots were cut on a laser. The slots are too tall and dont allow for enough travel time for all the bubbles to rise.

Robert

Robert, thank you very much for the pictures. They give me a pretty good idea. I almost got my mind set for a sump very similar to that one. By the way, I LOVE the acrylic one, it looks awesome!

carlos_fb · 08-06-2006, 01:45 AM

Would a 20 gallon tank work as a sump for my 60 gallon aquarium?

Loverotties · 08-06-2006, 05:42 AM

yep! that's a great sizes!

carlos_fb · 08-06-2006, 08:21 PM

That's good to know. I saw this tank at Petco and I plan to add the baffles to turn it into a sump. Do you think I can drill these little tanks so I can use an external return pump?

Geoff · 08-06-2006, 08:28 PM

drilling tanks is pretty easy if you have the right tools. i ordered diamond hole saws from China from somebody on ebay. each one was less than $14 shipped!! needless to say, i have several now.

as long as you go slow it is very easy to do. just make sure the tank is not tempered.

G~

carlos_fb · 08-06-2006, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff

drilling tanks is pretty easy if you have the right tools. i ordered diamond hole saws from China from somebody on ebay. each one was less than $14 shipped!! needless to say, i have several now.

as long as you go slow it is very easy to do. just make sure the tank is not tempered.

G~

I know it's a stupid question but is there anyway I can find out if it is tempered or not?