Adding A Sump

Gary D · 08-07-2001, 04:35 PM

Hi, I just discovered this site. It's been very helpful. I want to add a sump to my 55 gal reef. Right now it's just live rock and a CPR on the back. I was considering using a 20 gal tank I have as a sump. What kind of pump should I use to return the water? I have a Mag 5 I'm not using, and it seems pretty powerful. Would I use a ball vavle to regulate the flow? I don't want to flood my new wood floors I just refinished! Finally can I put the CPR skimmer in the sump? It seems I would need to extend the tube that runs from the pump for it to do so. Thanks!

Spanky · 08-07-2001, 07:20 PM

Kahuna,
Welcome.

I don't know nothing about this, but I can sure bump it up for you. ^

Welcome to TRT
Jerel

Fred · 08-08-2001, 12:19 AM

I added a sump to my 55g and am using a mag-5 for return and an Amiracle overflow box (which I found out is quite noisy). There is a valve on the return but, I found that by keeping my water level a little lower in the tank (so that the water doesn't rush into the slots in the overflow box) I don't need to adjust the valve. I extended the intake on my Remora skimmer with tubing and hung that on the side of the sump.

Hope this helps, I'm still learning myself.
Fred

Doug1 · 08-08-2001, 12:37 AM

sounds like a fine plan, I used a 20Long tank as sump on my 55 with a much smaller pump and the aforementioned Amiracle skimmer, a valve on the pump output might be a good idea

Drew · 08-08-2001, 12:38 AM

Hi Kahuna! Welcome to The Reef Tank! Everything that you have outlined sounds good. I have a BakPak, and I would imagine that you could just run a tube of some sort from the pump to the skimmer. I use a ball valve on nearly every one of the pipes on my tank (and there are quite a few of them) and although not as precise as a gate valve, they get the job done. Regarding HOB overflows, I know Wrasse Man has one, and at a WRS meeting some people commented on how nice it was, maybe he can give you the name

Tell us more about your tank, and welcome!

Drew

Gary D · 08-08-2001, 04:40 PM

Thanks for the replys. Very helpful. Now I just need to deal with the 100 degree weather here in Grosse Pointe. No AC in the house..ugh