Help with building a overflow, sump, return.

[AC_Rhino]

So I'm wanting to build a 10 gallon sump for my 40GB tank. Right now the tank has a HOB protein skimmer, HOB refurgium, an aquaclear 20 (being replaced by sump), and a fluval 205 (also being replaced by sump). My plans are to remove the mechanical filters (aquaclear and fluval) and add a 10 gallon sump. My 40 GB is not drilled and the glass is tempered so I'm looking for an overflow system. The distance to from the tank to the sump would be 3-4 feet.

My questions are:

1. If I can't find a used sump I was probably going to build one out of a standard 10 gallon tank (I was going to put it on a dolly for easy rolling) ... are there any specific designs I should look at or are there any good pre-made ones I can buy online? I wasn't able to find anything on amazon that I liked.
2. If I can't find a used over flow I'm looking at getting this (Eshopps PF300 Overflow Box for Aquariums) ... any comments/tips?
3. What kind of return would you use with this overflow?
4. Any other tips for plumbing, overflow prevention, keeping things safe, etc?

If anyone has pics of a 10 gallon sump they have or if you can provide any other insight that would be great.

Thanks guys and dolls.

 

[ramseynb]

I don't have any experience with hang on overflows, but I'd probably go with a 20G long tank for a sump, if you decide to do it yourself. If you decide to do it yourself, you can get glass baffles cut at a glass shop or check this out:

https://oceanboxdesigns.com/products/filtration/sump-kits/

I've never ordered anything from them, but I thought it was cool you could buy a baffle kit that all ready to go. You'd just need a tank, the kit and some aquarium silicone. I thought it was pretty cool.

There's a lot of great prebuilt sumps. Check out marine depot, premium aquatics and bulk reef supply. Amazon is hit or miss for good reef products.

One other option is to see if you have a local reef club or ask around at a LFS. You might find someone there that builds custom sumps and you can have one designed exactly how you want it. Many times you can get this done for the same price or cheaper than you can buy one prebuilt.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

I second the 20L sump. I used one on my 40B. Imo a 10g is too small plus it leaves you no space for a good skimmer and fuge. Are you sure your tank is tempered? Most 40B only the bottom glass is. Who made the tank, what brand? I would highly suggest you drill for an internal overflow and not use a hob overflow. With a hob is not a matter of if it will loose syphon and flood its when. I used one early in my reefing career and nearly had soaked floors a few times, lucky I was home and caught it in time. When I did aquarium service about 10 years ago I several clients with hob overflows and nearly all of them had a flood cause by the overflow. Take the time to drill the tank or upgrade and get a larger tank that you can drill or has an internal overflow already.

 

[ramseynb]

I second the 20L sump. I used one on my 40B. Imo a 10g is too small plus it leaves you no space for a good skimmer and fuge. Are you sure your tank is tempered? Most 40B only the bottom glass is. Who made the tank, what brand? I would highly suggest you drill for an internal overflow and not use a hob overflow. With a hob is not a matter of if it will loose syphon and flood its when. I used one early in my reefing career and nearly had soaked floors a few times, lucky I was home and caught it in time. When I did aquarium service about 10 years ago I several clients with hob overflows and nearly all of them had a flood cause by the overflow. Take the time to drill the tank or upgrade and get a larger tank that you can drill or has an internal overflow already.

^ This is why I've never used one. I read to many horror stories. You can also see if it's tempered by using some polarized sun glasses. Google it and you'll find some howtos. It's not an exact science but I did the sunglass test before I drilled my old IM 38 nuvo. I checked my truck windows which were definitely tempered and could see little circles/marks in the glass with my polarized glasses on. Then I did the same test with my tank and didn't see the same markings so I took the plunge. That tank is now drilled with a sump under it.

I've drilled many tanks and it's pretty easy. Just take your time, get a good hole saw, keep the area really wet and use a template or buy a drill press thing made for hand drills (sorry, don't remember the name). Oh yes, also, put a towel in the tank where the glass hole will fall and use some painters tape on the side you're not drilling from. The painters tape will help avoid chipping the glass when the hole's close to be fully drilled.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

^ This is why I've never used one. I read to many horror stories. You can also see if it's tempered by using some polarized sun glasses. Google it and you'll find some howtos. It's not an exact science but I did the sunglass test before I drilled my old IM 38 nuvo. I checked my truck windows which were definitely tempered and could see little circles/marks in the glass with my polarized glasses on. Then I did the same test with my tank and didn't see the same markings so I took the plunge. That tank is now drilled with a sump under it.

I've drilled many tanks and it's pretty easy. Just take your time, get a good hole saw, keep the area really wet and use a template or buy a drill press thing made for hand drills (sorry, don't remember the name). Oh yes, also, put a towel in the tank where the glass hole will fall and use some painters tape on the side you're not drilling from. The painters tape will help avoid chipping the glass when the hole's close to be fully drilled.

I just drilled my first tank. I went with an eshopps eclipse overflow and it came with the saw. Key is to very slow. Let the drill do the work without providing pressure.

As far as tempered goes most tanks are only tempered on bottom...but that's "most." I would definitely find manufacturer specs. I found out that my original topfin 75 was tempered all the way around. I bought an Aqueon AGA 75 and drilled with no issue.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

^^^ Not my first time drilling a tank but I also just installed the Eclipse L on my tank. Go slow, dont press down as you drill, keep drill level and plenty of water.