How easy is a sump?

[Aribenlaw]

I really want to make a sump filter but I have no experience and very little ability when it comes to building things. How hard is it? I've seen a few plans but I have a feeling I'd muck it up. Just looking for experiences from those who have attempted.

[cchhcc]

Super duper easy! (someone spell check "duper" for me)

All you need is a tub (sump) and a bucket of biomedia to sit in it. Drill some holes in the bucket and use a submersible pump to return the water and you're set!

[rallysman]

It can be very very easy or complicated. Usually people keep them simple, which makes the easy to make.

[ThePBM]

it seems like the hardest part of the sump is the overflow part in your tank. once you have an easy way to get water safely from your tank into the sump, the rest is cake.

[dexman1349]

I'm in the middle of making my first one. So far it's not very difficult. The hardest part so far was taking the 55gallon tank I'm using for it, and converting it so that it lays on it's side (stupid tank stand being too short).

[frnchjeep]

I'm in the middle of making my first one. So far it's not very difficult. The hardest part so far was taking the 55gallon tank I'm using for it, and converting it so that it lays on it's side (stupid tank stand being too short).

I had the same problem. I found a 33 long, instead. Same as a 55, just 12 inches tall.

[mike dunagan]

they are as easy as your title suggests...

[Dr Joe]

Easy is in the mind of the beholder.

Take things slow and plan out the steps carefully and it's not a problem.

What size tank is this going to be for?

Is it a planted tank.

Can't get much simpler than these...

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_2/cav2i3/Garden_Pond_files/The_Outdoor_Garden_Pond.htm

http://www.westernpond.com/bucket_filter_information.htm

Then...

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15733

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83107

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67797

Remember, Stickies are our friends.

Dr Joe

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[brcacti]

Thanks Dr Joe for the link to the site on making a sump filter. Can I use a 5 gal bucket for my 300 gal tank with a big bio load? if I use 2 filter mediums changing the top one weekly?

[dr_sudz]

Thanks Dr Joe for the link to the site on making a sump filter. Can I use a 5 gal bucket for my 300 gal tank with a big bio load? if I use 2 filter mediums changing the top one weekly?

NO! Ideally you don't want to do anything less then 1/3 the size of the tank. 300 gallon tank = 100 gallon tank.