DIY sump tank: for the cheapskates (complete build: <$35)

[kurare]

Purpose: to provide mechanical filter for display tank.
Also, my fries always find their way to the sump, I'm hoping this will give me an easier time fishing them out. With so much surface area they won't be blown around giving them a higher chance to live than a drip-type I had before dying before they can even reach an area to survive (this is the most important part for me!!)

Total cost:
Laundry Baskets x 2 = 4$
Floss filter = 5$ worth
Sump tank = 15$
Bio-sponges = (3 x $1) x (size of your wallet) = ~$10
Total cost: 35$

How to:
1. buy everything.
2. wedge floss filter between baskets
3. put everything together
4. slip under tank
5. measure and slip holes into lid that came with the bin
6. Place on cover and turn on system

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Best if you have a cabinet door (hehehe)
Hope this helps someone who's also having trouble with losing fries to sump systems, or doesn't want to blow 100 on a baffled system.

 

[Mount_Prion]

I'd be worried about your uh "tank" there. I mean it's already bowing and doesn't look very thick. I wouldn't think of that as a permanent solution.

 

[doomiedee]

I'd be worried about your uh "tank" there. I mean it's already bowing and doesn't look very thick. I wouldn't think of that as a permanent solution.

That's an easy fix. I used an old bucket handle to hold the top as a brace would.


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[kevinfleming21]

You at least need the bin with the lid that snaps down. It prevents the sides from bowing.

 

[Jackson]

What about pumps and over flow? Or are those free now in LFS lol


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[doomiedee]

I just realized that for some reason a different video posted. Here you go. http://youtu.be/YFcioRUCa6c


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[kurare]

Mount_Prion: oh it'll be permanant! i'll give you monthly updates on it's functionality ye?
doomiedee: thanks i'll give it some thought. also how is that "easier"? the 'sump' is ontop where my lights are? also i'd have to get another pump... and the change over is prolly so little...
kevinfleming21: there's a lid... I had it off to show what it looks like inside the bin ^^

 

[doomiedee]

It will sit on top the tank in the back. I had two 4"x1" pieces of wood to hold it up. What ever pump you have now will work when you connect it to the sump if you put it near the surface it will only be a few inches of head height so your pump be working at 90-95%


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[kevinfleming21]

Mount_Prion: oh it'll be permanant! i'll give you monthly updates on it's functionality ye?
doomiedee: thanks i'll give it some thought. also how is that "easier"? the 'sump' is ontop where my lights are? also i'd have to get another pump... and the change over is prolly so little...
kevinfleming21: there's a lid... I had it off to show what it looks like inside the bin ^^

I see. This is very similar to what my sump is like on my 300. I have filter socks instead of the floss though.

 

[FAT daddy]

Where did you get the floss filter?