how do I make a sump

Kyle461 said:
It will only pump out the volume in that chamber and run the risk of burning the pump out, but that's better than a flooded floor.
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FYI: Once the return chamber runs "dry" enough water remains to keep the pump cool/lubricated for awhile. I have had pumps run over 24 hours with not enough water to pump any up to the tank when I forgot to top off the sump (before I had an ATO) and never had an issue with them.
 
So after talking to my lfs buddies one of them is going to come over and help me build my sump. Ive decided also to just move up to a 90 gallon drilled tank and scrap the HOB overflow box idea. It looks like I stress out over this so much that I couldnt see how simple it is. I woke up the other day and it all made sense. Thanks for all the advice and help. We are going to use a 3 chamber method im buying a protien skimmer to place in the middle chamber .
 
hotelbravo said:
So after talking to my lfs buddies one of them is going to come over and help me build my sump. Ive decided also to just move up to a 90 gallon drilled tank and scrap the HOB overflow box idea. It looks like I stress out over this so much that I couldnt see how simple it is. I woke up the other day and it all made sense. Thanks for all the advice and help. We are going to use a 3 chamber method im buying a protien skimmer to place in the middle chamber .
Click to expand...

Good plan - but the protein skimmer usually goes in the chamber where the water drains into - typically the first chamber.
 
Well the skimmer im buying is a reef octupus skimmer I forget which model but its supposed to be submerged in 8 inches of water which is what im making the second chamber. Why does it need to be in the first chamber? I was planning on building something in the first chamber to hold a larger filter sock in it and I would have to rethink my design if I were to add the protien skimmer in that section.. I guess I could just do a two chamber sump and that way I get to have the skimmer in the drain chamber.. what do yall think?
 
Protein skimmer can go in the first chamber with the filter sock. Use the second chamber for a refugium. Third is your return.
 
I was trying to make the second chamber about 12 inches but that would only leave 14 inches for the first and third chamber. The space between the baffles would be 2 inches each
 
Bubble traps are very over-rated. I have never used or needed them. I have two 40B sumps that I built and neither has bubble traps. No bubbles are ever in the DT. Look at the link I posted.

Also your 8" depth is a guideline for your skimmer.
 
14 inches would be plenty for the two chambers. My skimmer needs about 9" in the first. Depending on yours, that would leave you with around 5" for the return pump which should be plenty.
 
Inner Partition Sealing

Inner Partition Sealing

How is the sealing of the inside seams for closely place partitions done? I can see mounting the internal one of three, first, and sealing both sides. Then the outer partitions can be sealed on the outside seams, but what about the inside seams of the outer partitions. There doesn't seem to be much space between the 3 partitions to get the rtv all the way to the bottom.
Thank you.
 
To Kyle461-how did you get your dividers to fit flush against the walls? Did you cut yourself or have them cut professionally. I would also need to drill a hole for an external return pump-any suggestions?
 
I had them cut at Lowe's. Try and figure out how to make multiple cuts using one sheet or they'll charge for each individual sheet you cut. I was able to get all my cuts off of one 24" X 36" I believe. Since they were glass I cut them to fit the tank. There was a tiny space on each side but that worked so I could get some silicone in between the baffles and tank for bonding.

As far as drilling, I have no experience with that. There are some youtube videos out there and you have to make sure it's not tempered glass I think.
 
The only partitions that matter for water tightness are the separations between sections. The bubble trap partitions can be attached from just one side. Put it in place, caulk the seam and it is good to go. Doesn't need to be water tight just attached.
 
How much space does there need to be between thr baffles/deviders? I was hoping to do 1 inch space between but I can squeeze 2 inches
 
hotelbravo said:
How much space does there need to be between thr baffles/deviders? I was hoping to do 1 inch space between but I can squeeze 2 inches
Click to expand...

If you are going for the bubble trap, it doesn't really matter. Whatever the least amount of space you can make - 1"?
 
I did mine at 1" and they work fine. Some people space them out so they have easy access to cleaning or whatever, but a toothbrush taped to a longer stick or similar item can do the trick.

I wouldn't know this due to lack of experience with larger tanks and larger pumps but I wonder if high flow would require larger spaces between baffles?
 
Dundermifflin said:
Thanks. Are there advantage/disadvantages to having a glass sump v. acrylic?
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I think it's just preference. Both hold water and that's really all you need. Glass is easier to clean over acrylic but in the sump cleaning is not a priority to some. Actually having algae in the sump would help with export of nutrients.
 
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