To Sump or Not to Sump . . .

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Ace

Premium Member
Hi everyone,

Ok, I'm on the fence about getting a sump for my 75g. The tank is nine months old, and other than some nuisance algae, things are going fine. I want the ability to drip Kalk, easy top off etc. But, I am really worried about FLOODING.
Should I get one?

[This message has been edited by Ace (edited 10-21-1999).]
 
Hi Ace-IMO sumps are too handy to not risk a little flood. ;) Actually, if they are set up properly there is little chance of flooding, although that risk is always present. I take it since you don't have a sump now your 75 is not drilled, so that means you will have to go with a hang-on overflow or empty the tank and have it drilled.
I have two of the hang-on overflows, I like them and I don't worry about flooding the sumps. But, they take a little more care in setting them up.
You may have seen this before, but I'll put it out here again--there is an article on my own web site called Sumps 101 that goes through the basics. Have a look and see what you think.
Good luck,


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Larry M

Visit Reef Central's Home Site at:
www.reefcentral.com
 
Ace, I didn't know what I was doing with my tank at first (I got it used from a lady who sold it to me real cheap while her husband was out of town, I paid cash). I flooded my hardwood floor and it still makes me sick to think about it (over 40 gallons of saltwater in a 24 hour period, I could stop with one flood, I had to do it twice!) It was all my fault. I had it set up wrong and first I didn't stop the suction when I turned my pump off, and the next time I never really figured out what I did wrong but I KNOW I didn't have it set up right. I got rid of the little giant pump, counter current skimmer, rio 3100, and 2 rio 2500's that I got with the tank and bought 2 hang on emporer 400 filters. I now wish I had kept the pumps and not bought the hang on's. My stand is to narrow to fit a standard sump so I should build one, but I am going to build a refugium first. Oh well, FWIW Nathan

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Visit my homepage at padens.homepage.com
 
Thanks guys,
I had a sump on a past tank and I really liked it a lot. But that was a long time ago when reef tanks just started showing up in the US. I think I really want one for my 75g. I wish I got a reef ready tank(next tank for sure). Larry, I printed out your Sumps 101 info and I am going to read it over today, thanks. npaden, I own the house that I live in now and flood would be real depressing. I think I'm going to go with a 20g if it can fit under my tank. Would I be wasting my money if I buy a complete setup from a company?
Thanks again
Ace
 
I have a 75 G that I am replacing with a drilled tank. IMO a drilled tank can be set up so that it is impossible to flood.
IMO the return needs to be protected by an AIR GAP. I don't trust check valves or little holes which can become plugged. My tank which is on order has to holes in the back of the tank. the lowest one will drain to the sump. the second one is there should the first one become pluged or partially obstructed.
The overflow box surrounding these holes has window screening and not just slots cut in plastic. this prevents anything from getting in. Anything that gets through the window screen is small enough to flow through the pipes.
I am sorry if this sounds strong but I am in you exact same situation. I have had my 75 for two years. I waivered for a year before deciding to use a sump. I think that a drilled tank is a better way to go. A drilled tank has no siphon to loose. Hang Ons work but drilled tanks give me piece of mind.
I ordered a 110 tank from AGA and it cost me 30 bucks to have four holes drilled. You cant buy a hang on overflow for that cheap.(got the 110 because I like the look, it fits on a 75 G stand, and it allows non photosynthetics a less bright area down at the bottom)ps I am also a spoiled yuppy! :D
 
Ace, I would say with a 75 you can probally fit a standard 20 gallon aquarium under there and just make your own modifications. (see Larry's website for great info) Lots of people also use rubbermaid type containers for their sumps as well. (many different sizes and shapes) The key is to section off portions of the sump to get rid of bubbles that can get annoying. (plastic dividers glued/siliconed in) I was shocked at the prices of commercial wet/dry filters or sumps! Some of them are $150 and they are basically just custom made rubbermade containers. Oh well, JMHO. Nathan

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Visit my homepage at padens.homepage.com
 
I think I made up my mind! I was planning on replacing the carpet in the room where my tank is in the spring. Since I am going to be disrupting the tank anyhow, I think I will order a drilled tank and join the sump crowd.
Thanks for the input.
Ace

P.S.
Anybody need a slightly used 75g tank? :)
 
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