New house, upgrading nanos....need DIY SUMP info...

[TomV]

Hi folks!

In lieu of getting in to the new house and upgrading my Nano Reefs to 55 and 75 gallon tanks respectively, I've really, REALLY, been putting a lot of thought into doing sumps.

I was planning on going with a DIY sump, but I need to learn some things first:

1. How does the water get down into the sump and back out again without overflowing?
2. Does anyone have any good sites with good, detailed plans on using Rubbermaid container sumps?

On a side note, I am planning on mixing MH + (PC or T5) lighting. That notation is for you algebra heads out there. LOL!

So, any advice/informantion would be VERY appreciated!

 

[Al G.]

Check out Melev's site. He has a lot info on sumps. Melev's sump

 

[orion76]

1. How does the water get down into the sump and back out again without overflowing?

Water is pumped from the sump into the display, the display flows over back into the sump. The sump doesn't overflow because the amount of water overflown from the display is equal the amount that was pumped from the sump.

 

[NaH2O]

I really like Melev's site - lots of good info there. Here are a few other articles:

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sumps, Part I

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sumps, Part II

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sumps, Part III

Tom, were you planning on plumbing anything external, like a skimmer or return pump? If you do everything in sump, then you won't need to drill the container.

 

[TomV]

If I can hang a Seaclone on the side of the Rubbermaid Sump I plan to build, I will use it there. As for heaters, those will be in-tank. I am still learning how to run carbon and stuff like that.