DIY Sumps

[FishDaddy]

Hey Steve,
Like tanks, there are so many different ways to set up a good sump. Here are some good sites with tips and info about sumps: http://www.northernreef.org/sumps101.htm http://ozreef.org/diy/index.html http://www.lplizard.com/chrisg/plumbingfaq.txt http://members.aol.com/Johns%20Reef%...Johns-Sump.htm
There are many more tips, pictures and techniques on our member's websites. You can find these by looking through the Tank Specs Forum here on TRT.
HTH
Dick

[Kinesthesia]

Our setups are simliar. I have a 120 gallon, EuroReef CS6-1, Mag9 return and I'm using a 20 gallon tank for a sump. I could not get my 20 gallon drilled, so I left half the tank for the skimmer and put three baffles in, leaving just enough room for the Mag9. And after I was done siliconing the baffles in place, I drew parallel lines on the bottom of the sump where the Mag would be to isolate vibration.

For the baffles, I went under-over-under, leaving about an inch for the water to go under and made the "over" baffle six inches after asking the folks at EuroReef what the optimum operating water depth was.

The one downside was the fact that since half the tank is at a constant six inch depth, that leaves very little evaporation before my Mag9 was sucking air. Problem solved with a float switch and a container of R/O water sitting beside the tank. But now, aside from feeding and cleaning, all I have to do is fill that water jug about once a week ! HTH

[steve003]

Thanks for your help! really good info on those sites. I will let you know what i come up with.

[steve003]

Well thanks for everyones help.. You all really made my decision on a protein skimmer much easier.

So I decided to go with the Euro Reef. Now its time to construct the sump. I really dont think there will be to much construction but wanted to get another opinion.

Here are some of the specs:
Tanks size 90 gal
Sump 20L - not drilled
Return pump mag7 - in sump
euro reef (not sure what model yet) - in sump

I wanted to divide up the sump a little so i can add a prefilter before the skimmer? and the use of carbon occasionally.

Are there any good examples / pictures out there I can reference?

Just a little FYI: Tank Status:
Filled up with saltwater, return and overflow plumbed and working, just added SD sand so I have milk. I figure I have sometime to play around with the sump before this will clear up..

Thanks for your help
Steve

[Blake]

I know how you feel


Take your time and enjoy the setup process.