SUMP... Necessary?

[uhuru]

cool! very inventive

 

[sfilingeri]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10017221#post10017221 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by carlso63
Just as an FYI, a sump doesn't have to be under the display tank-

My "sump" is actually 3 - 10g tanks, end-to-end, same height as the 125g display. Simple (yet effective ) siphon tubes carry water to the first 'part' of the sump, which houses my skimmer. Next, water flows (again via siphon tubes) to the 2nd 'part', the refugium. A 24w PC lights the 10g tank filled with cheato and red grancilaria algae... the 3rd 'part' of the sump houses my heaters, topoff doser, intake and return for a phosphate remover, and one of 2 temp probes (other is in the display).

My "return pump" is actually a Fluval 404 (340gph) that runs carbon. My total "sump" turnover is right around 3 times tank volume; just about where you would want it to be.

Oh, one other advantage... this design means it is basically impossible for my sump to "drain" the display and flood the room, unlike conventional sump designs...

Just another option to consider (albeit an unusual one )

Thats one of the slickest things Ive yet seen here............

 

[carlso63]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10017396#post10017396 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sfilingeri
Thats one of the slickest things Ive yet seen here............

Thanks... actually, learned that trick as a kid working in a LFS way back in the late 1970s... they had a SW section back then, with a couple of larger display setups (175g, I think) built into walls... they mounted their "equipment tanks" (didn't call them 'sumps' back then) directly behind the display so that customers wouldn't see the skimmers, heaters, etc...just the pretty 'fishies'


I just didn't have a "wall" to play with...

BTW - here are a couple more shots of front and side views...

You really can't see very much of the equipment from the outside, mainly just the skimmer cup. Inside all you see are 2 short siphon tubes way over on the right side of the tank, and 1 return tube way over on the left side... other than that, nothing shows inside the tank... and it is all relatively easy to get at; should you need to adjust something, or empty the skimmer cup, etc.

The "stand" holding up those 10g tanks is just 2 X 4s nailed together; the whole thing (including the 3 tanks) cost less than $50 to make, not counting tank equipment, of course...

 

[PPi]

Nice Job! Keep them coming!!!!

 

[chrisqueenz]

Creative!

 

[old95er]

If you do not want to drill the tank, which I STRONGLY suggest that you do. Have a glass shop do it for you, this will be the first chance for you to spend some coin, albeit the smallest amount to come.

BUT, if you don't, then get a Lifereef hang on the back overflow, the single chamber should do it, I have one on my Oceanic 50. It uses a U tube; which never loses siphon. DO NOT get a CPR overflow.

Then go check out Ecosystem for the sump/refugium. It uses an external pump. I use the Titanium T1. It is dead silent and will return the exact amount back that the Lifereef drains. You really want low flow in the sump. There are other sump/refugium manifacturers out there, be sure to get one that has a refugium section. Then put the Miracle Mud and Chaeto and some Live Rock into the sump.

For additional flow, plum a Closed loop or use powerheads.

If you by it online you could have it all runing in a week.

 

[ksp75]

Another good reason to have a sump is for water changes. When I do my WC I unplug the return pump only and keep the CLS running so my fish and corals dont even know anything is happening, water level drops by 1" when I do this. Nothing ever comes out of the water this way.

 

[PPi]

I appreciate the last couple of posts, great info and like the fact of the water changes. I have a wall that separates my laundry room, so having all of the equipment in there is 2 ft from my water supply. Excellent idea and I have a lot more to learn about building a sump. Everyone says oh just build one, but I want to eliminate all excuses if something goes wrong. I don't want to think that I didn't spec out the system well enough. That is why I want to stick with retail bought equipment. I am an engineer by day, so I eliminate all out side sources, when I have a problem with my equipment. I know I am a retard, but that is the way my way of thinking is at this stage in the sport.

 

[old95er]

Buying retail is terrific, just more expensive. I bought the first sump, as I did not know either.

Post your progress, as everyone can learn from what you are doing.

 

[PPi]

Yeah just getting my feet wet... Is a megaflow any good or something with a built in skimmer be better? I don't want filtration to be an issue with whatever I decide to keep down the road. At least have something with more options to choose from for controlling issues. Thanks again...

 

[old95er]

I just started the new megaflow 120, and it seems to work like any other overflow, it is fine. 600GPH per overflow through 1" drains. I built my own durso with 1.25" instead of buying the All Glass kit for $60 per overflow.

Buy a separate skimmer, and put it in the sump. I am waiting for an AquaC EV180 to arrive tomorrow, I will use a MAG 7 with it. I have a MAG 18 for the retrun pump.

 

[PPi]

Anyone have thoughts on this setup:

Sump with probably a Mag 7

https://www82.safesecureweb.com/web...en=PROD&Product_Code=ACM125&Category_Code=WDF

and a octopus 150
http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=749

and a life reef overflow... If I am going to go with a coral tank and a couple of fish, should I just skip right to a fuge?