canister VS sump

[circusink22]

I have been pondering the idea of switching my canister and running a sump.
First of all is this possible or ok to do my tank is a little over 2 years old, i have most of the stuff for a DIY sump just layin around thats some of the reason i want to do it plus Ive had alot of problems with a canister.

 

[spleify]

I would definitely suggest a sump over a canister filter any day.
The added benefit of a sump is huge! You will be very happy you made the switch.

Good luck and keep us posted of your switch.

HTH

Spleify

 

[circusink22]

ya I agree thats why i want to switch, but i was wondering if some one could help with making the switch i have a 55 bow 2 inch sand bed some were around 30 lbs of live rock, my hang on skimmer can also be used as in sump will deff. upgrade the skimmer eventually,

 

[spleify]

What specific kind of help are you looking for?

melevsreef.com is a great source for sump help. Also if you have some specific questions, ask away.

 

[circusink22]

sorry
is it ok to just have the water return strait into the top of the tank?
is it ok to put some fresh salt water in the sump and just start running it?
should i put LR in the sump? if so how much?
up until a month ago ive used books for my source of info they tend to not get into much detail on some things.

 

[spleify]

Well were glad you find RC, and we hope its been helpfull.

So to answer your questions.

Yes, you want a return line going back to the tank, usually anywhere in the tank is acceptable, I generally try and keep it on the opposite side of the overflow, so you water entering back into the tank isn't drawn back out so quickly.

Yes, you can set the sump all up, with freshly mixed salt water, obviously making sure SG, PH and temp are the same, then put it online, and into service. It will be similar to doing a water change.

If you can and you have room for LR, that is always a good addition to the sump. I personally have mine packed with as much as I can put in. More LR is usually a good thing.

HTH

Spleify

 

[circusink22]

ok i dont have an overflow in my tank would it be ok to run pvc to a bottom corner of the tank?

and yes everyone has been very helpful
thanks

 

[spleify]

You will need either a hang on overflow, or drill your tank to be able to utilize a sump.

 

[circusink22]

ya thats what i thought,
i was thinking of doing a 20g sump
what size overflow and pump do you recomend?
thanks again for your help

 

[davewbush]

You can do what I did. I have my tank in the corner. It is not drilled and I don't trust the overflow boxes. I built a stand and put a rubbermaid tub on top of it. I put 2 one inch bulkheads through the side of the tub about 5 inhes down. I run 3 fluval 404's from my tank into the sump and then it drains back into my tank. I run chemi-pur and GFA in my canisters.

I use a 35 gallon rubbermaid tub packed with live rock and an aqua c ev-120. Just an idea.

I got a little crazy with the tape. If you do something like this make sure you drill holes in the pcv so you sump doesen't syphin back into the tank.

 

[spleify]

I had a 55 with a 2 gal sump also so very similar to your setup. I had(I think) a 900GPH overflow and a 600GPH return pump. It worked really well for a number of years. FWIW I had a hong on overflow. I know a lot of people dog them, but I had good luck with it.

No problem for the help.

 

[loosecannon]

Sump!