Sump Container and Return Pump Options

[geldof]

Having just purchased a new home, I am in the planning phases for a 180 gallon setup in our living room.

We have a perfect basement situation, for a sump, so i'd like to keep all of the filtration down there.

I have plenty of experience with a sump / cabinet setup, but have some questions regarding head pressure / pump choice for a 14' return. I'd like to keep the return pumps in the sump, if possible. Can anyone recommend a dependable internal return pump, or several in series, that can handle 14 feet of head pressure and decent turnover for a 180 gallon setup. I know that heat is a concern, but our basement stay's relatively cool, so I have some wiggle room.

Also wondering about acrylic container options for the sump. I'd rather not use a glass aquarium and want at least 50 gallons of volume. Have any of you had any luck with heavy duty rubber made or trough type containers?

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Many use Rubbermade tubs for a sump. As far as a pump you can't beat an Iwaki, but they are External.

 

[JUNBUG361]

Ecotech L1 pump, maybe

 

[JUNBUG361]

Royal exclusive red dragon pump

 

[billdogg]

I would go with a Rubbermaid Stock tank for the sump. You can get it in sizes from 50g and up. I use a 100g for my 60g frag tank. Tons of room for whatever you might need to put in there. I ended up making an acrylic box to set my skimmer in so that I could keep it at the correct depth. The overflow dumps into the box which simply waterfalls over the sides to keep skimmer depth steady.

I would go with an external pump because you'll need the pressure to get the water upstairs. All of the larger stock tanks already have a drain hole that could easily be converted for the pump.