Need some help from you guys...

[Asbury030]

Well to start off I have a 20 gallon reef and I am wanting to add a refugium/sump to my tank. This will be my first experience having a sump on a tank. My question is what type of pump, gph, and whats a good overflow to go with? Im really limited on space so I was thinking im only going to get about 5 or so gallons out of my sump. I was thinking of using a clear rubbermaid tub or even a 5 gallon glass tank. I supplied a picture of my idea of what I want... any input is greatly appreciated.

<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Asbury030/media/fISHTANK.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Asbury030/fISHTANK.png" border="0" alt=" photo fISHTANK.png"/></a>

 

[dax123]

If you are going to go through the trouble of adding a sump when you don't have one, my advice would be to get a drilled tank and move everything over.

 

[wilsonline]

external overflow box! if you don't want to pierce the tank glass (is it glass?), you may buy a over flow box ($$). i would go with only one return end, wouldn't bifurcate for not loosing pressure. plastic box are cheap and may be used as sump. or make your own sump, may use a thin glass, it' s a small sump. so there is space for fresh water replacement, filtration media (FGO, siporax/matrix, purigem, etc). and have the sump as near of the stand ceiling as fit the skimmer, for loosing less pressure from the pump. the pump I would go with one that could return 2/3 times the tank volume considering the height that pump is working. somethink as Hydor Seltz L30 or less, Tunze Nano Pump 0800.040, Sicce Syncra 1.0, Mag Drive 1.5, depending on the height.

 

[wilsonline]

and the ball valve in the over flow, free the return.

 

[Asbury030]

yeah I may go to walmart tonight a see what I can find for a plastic bin

 

[Asbury030]

Well im going to try and stuff a 10 gallon under there if I can! Also what K bub to I need for the fuge?

 

[Asbury030]

Well I got a 10 gallon to fit with some persuasion. I got the acrylic pieces set how I want them. What do you guys think?

 

[Asbury030]

Also what are the best plants to run in the refuge and what lighting is needed?

 

[Asbury030]

Im pretty new to this sump thing... sorry for all the ?s but what would be a good over flow and return pump gph wise?