sump question

[marschgator]

My tanks been up and running for about 6 months now and I desperately want to add a sump but have no idea how to go about doing it and I am completely tool challenged. Are there any sites that would show a tool dummy simple step by step directions on how to make a sump? And can I even make one without emptying it out and drilling my tank?

 

[dngspot]

I have built several refigiums with good results at a reasonable cost. Get a old aquarium, I used a 50 gallon for my 150 g tank. Then cut 1/4 glass to use as baffles or you can have it cut. Then silicone in place, about 1 to 1.5 inch apart. This is how I did one for a 50 gallon tank. It was a new 20 gallon tank I got from Pets Mart for $20.00, The glass was $25.00.

 

[dngspot]

The flow is from right to left

 

[marschgator]

that looks like a good setup. Can I use thick plasic instead of glass? Also, I guess my 2 major questions concerning the sump is how do I decide how powerful of a return pump do I need and how should my plumbing look and do I just run it to the top?

 

[dngspot]

I have a 1700 gph pump on a 50 gallon, it flows to fast. A 30 gallon, I made for a friend uses 1300 gph and produces no bubbles. I would say that 1300 is the fastest I would use on this design.