Rubbermaid Sump?

jipps · 04-09-2006, 12:32 AM

Okay so I have a CPR Wet/Dry Filter and Skimmer hooked up to a CS-90 overflow with Mag 7 return. In learning more about this I've realized I pretty much have a 4 gallon sump with Bio-Bale Filtration Media and a probably useless skimmer.

I realized that I was kind of "afraid" of sumps because they seemed like a lot of hard extra and expensive work. Now, however, I realize that I already have the overflow and the return pump. SO, if I were to just get whatever rubbermaid tub that fits in my tank cabinet, throw a good skimmer in there along with my heater, and just allow for the overflow to pour in along with the return pumping out at an opposite side - could I have a DIY sump? Does that work? I'd also throw a bunch of Live rock in there as well.

Let me know! I'm kinda regretting the purchase of this CPR filter as I learn more and more about tanks.

Fly Guy · 04-09-2006, 01:56 AM

You got it.
Live rock not even totally necessary. All i have in my sumps on both tanks is a few rocks and some caulerpa(helps with nutrient export) and a light running opposite my tank lights to help with ph swing. Id recommend fitting the biggest container you can fit in there and still allow for whatever fiddling you might need to do. More water good.
You will find however you will need to do some water routing to cut down on the microbubbles though. Baffles the best way. A lot of people may disagree but i would recommend NOT doing the rubbermaid thing but instead keep your eyes out for a good thrashed (or not) appropriately sized acrylic tank that you can pick up cheap. Thue more you get into this you will inevitably want to complicate your sump, and the tight square walls make this much easier to accomplish.
Just my opinion.

ChrisPrusha · 04-09-2006, 07:49 AM

jipps · 04-09-2006, 11:36 AM

Really now - I was under the impression that the more live rock the better? I was thinkin of getting at least 20 or 30 pounds of rock. And what's this Caulerpa stuff? I know it's a plant but where do I get it and what else do I need? What exactly are microbubbles and why are they bad?

john_auberry · 04-09-2006, 12:13 PM

yep the bigger the better

jipps · 04-09-2006, 12:42 PM

What do you have in there?

Fly Guy · 04-09-2006, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jipps

What do you have in there?

in there is: mag 12 return pump, ph monitor,2 150 watt heaters, wireless thermometer, skimmer in and skimmer out, phosban reactor and pump( i run my carbon with it), overflow return and a bunch of acrylic water routing mods.....within next week will be hooking up a chiller(thanks 110galreef for info, i bought that chiller we talked about).

I can thank tdwyatt(even though i think he IS a rubbermaid guy all the way, without his help i would have fought controlling my MR-2 forever), http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html and countless others here for helping me create this sump in which i am very happy with.

Actually, i just picked up a huge piece of 1/2 inch acrylic and i am going to be paying someone to cut the pieces perfectly for me so i can duplicate the monstrosity i have going now. I am pleased with its configuration and performance, but in the trial and errors of getting it just right it appears to be a hack job as well as is only 3/16 and has several repair jobs where i have broken it. With the 1/2 inch i think i can just hang the chiller off the side(kidding....kind of)

tdwyatt · 04-09-2006, 05:11 PM

If you want to stay on the cheap side, just build a screw-and-glue wooden 4x1 frame around the top of the rubbermaid (use dowel legs) to give it some resistance to bowing. Make sure that the bottom is flat: those little legs or foot pads have a tendency to crack and leak at the WORST time...