2 different sump designs, which is better?

[LowCel]

I am a fan of design A and have been using it for about a year now on my current tank. Having the filter socks makes maintenance a breeze. Once ever couple of weeks simply trade them out with a second set and throw the dirty set in the washer with a little bleach. This makes it so I only have to replace the jap matt and polyfil mat about once every six months. It is also a very quiet setup. The only noise I have is from my pumps.

As far as design A being more compliated than design B, all it requires is one more piece of glass siliconed in. It shouldn't take more than five minutes longer than design B.

 

[breakspirit]

lowcel, where did you get your filter socks? None of my LFS's sell them. Also, does your pvc plumbing have some flex to allow you to access the filter socks? Or do you simply remove the whole assembly at a union? Thanks.

 

[LowCel]

I purchased them at either Dr Fosters and Smith, BigAls online, or a similar place. I have unions in the pvc that allows me to remove the inlets to the filter socks. You can see the unions / valves in the first picture.

 

[breakspirit]

To anyone interested, I went with design A and have been blatantly copying off of lowcel's design. So far, here's where I'm at:




Despite being my first time using silicone and the first time working with glass sheets for anything, my seams held perfectly and everything is running smoothly so far. Thanks guys.

 

[JakeH]

Lookin good Man. Keep up the good work.