options for a sump

[danielratti]

Like the title says what options do I have for making a sump for a 180 and if I was to build a sump how big of a tank would I need?

[Ron]

Freshwater is less of a concern regarding size compared to saltwater. Those salt people need skimmer space, refuge space, perhaps DSB space, etc.

For freshwater IMO you really only need to consider 2 things. First, the sump big enough to hold all the filter media that you plan on using (both mechanical and biological).

The second is that in the event of a power outage, you need enough empty space in the sump so there's room for it to fill up before the syphon is broken with the display tank, otherwise you'll get water all over the floor. To some extent this makes sump size a concern, but it also is impacted by how full you keep the sump normally. For example, if the water level needs to drop 2" before the overflow/bulkhead stops draining from the main tank to the sump during a power outage, that's 2"x24"x72" worth of water to account for in the sump, or ~15 gallons (~14.96 US gallons for anyone who wants to be more technical). The exact amount for your setup will depend on your specific circumstance.

A 4' long tank would probably be nice and roomy, but I suspect you could get by with a 3' tank if necessary. Anything smaller and I suspect you'd find it both cramped and not capable to handle the excess volume during a power outage.

[danielratti]

I was thinking about trying to find a junky 55 and just making one myself so I can also make a refuge and grow out fry but thats a maybe. Is it hard to make one yourself?

[Marty]

I think Ron's post hit the nail on the head regarding the purpose and size of a sump.

I would imagine you would need a tube of fish safe silicone, glass or acrylic cut to size (to make chambers to separate the grow out area from the filter area) filter material, plumbing materials or tubing for your drain and return lines, and a suitable sized return pump.

You also need to determine how you're going to drain and return water from your main tank.  Are you going to drill holes in the side of the tank and install bulkheads, or use an overflow box?

I would recommend checking out the diy sections of michiganreefers.com or reefcentral.com just because sumps are so much more prevalent in salt/reef tanks.

 

[danielratti]

I forgot this part tanks drilled with a overflow installed already and I also have the bulkheads and pump. as for the pump we had a magdrive 12 laying around so Im going to more than likely use that.

[Marty]

I would make sure you plumb a ball valve so you can control the flow of the water back into the aquarium.

[Ron]

I was thinking about trying to find a junky 55 and just making one myself so I can also make a refuge and grow out fry but thats a maybe. Is it hard to make one yourself?

Truth be told, I've never had a sump. 

Everything I know is from researching the idea over and over and over, especially when I was considering a reef tank a while back. Personally, I don't think it's hard to make one yourself. How complicated you want to make it is up to you. One one hand you could have an intricate system of glass panes inside a 4' tank for a series of baffles and compartments. On the other you could have a DIY tower (made from a set of plastic storage drawers or a 5 gallon bucket like this one) sitting inside a tank. With this second option, all the mechanical media should be in the tower, but if you ran out of room for biological media, you could always add more to the main tank (bio-balls, bio-rings, lots of cut plastic straws, etc.).

Why haven't I ever had a sump? Well I still haven't tried a reef tank and for freshwater, nearly all my tanks are on custom made racks. I could have a lower tank serve as a sump for the upper, but instead I prefer having the lower tank as a second tank for more fish! 

[gmaschke]

I have always considered a sump myself but like Ron never had a real need for it.  Sumps can being noisy is the common complaint due to the trickling water in the overflow and in  the sump.  Gurgling can be common in some cases although I understand that can be controlled. 

My largest tank is a 135 gallon and when I was researching sumps I changed my mind and bought a FX5.  Its so quiet I never hear it and in my heavily stocked tank, I only clean it 2-3 times a year.  My water is clear and I never have issues with illnessdue to water issues.  If you are doing a sump because its already drilled, you can remedy that.  That being said, sumps are considered very good filtration and although not too complicated I am sure once you get them down they are very easy to use.  My FX5 is surely easier.

[mightieskeeper]

Sumps are great to use Daniel.  The most helpful thing about a sump is the display is constant water height.  I have built 4 and going to build a new one hopefully soon.  The best sump design IMO is the media basket comes out of the sump, easier to clean. Plumbing is very important you want to be able to take it apart for cleaning and moving.  The best advice is read sump articles on ReefCentral.com and check out ebay for pictures.  What size tank and how much flow  are you looking for?

[danielratti]

its a 180 and Im looking to get some pretty good flow. ill be running a mag 12 for a return pump