Bucket Sump Idea

[Justepic]

So I had the idea of using my bucket as a sump underneath my aquarium. Aquariums are costly here in Uk and there are no dollar per gallon sales.

So from what I gather from research, You need to drill a small hole in your aquarium, half an inch from the top of where your water currently is. Then you can stick a pipe into it, one end in the hole to the aquarium and the other in a bucket. What I need help is how am I supposed to get the water back into the aquarium after the water goes through all the bio balls/polyester filling?

Thanks in advance,

 

[twentyleagues]

Pump. You need a pump. You also need to do more research on sumps and drilling of glass and bits and pieces needed. Its not that hard but it is also more difficult then what you are suggesting. There is a thing called a bulkhead that will be needed for the hole in the tank to attach your pipe to the tank. Yes you can use a bucket. Id suggest a tote over a standard 5g bucket though. Get one that's strong enough to not bow under water weight. Your pump needs to be matched to hole size or the ability of the hole size to drain water. So they say a 1" hole will drain 600gph so if your pump is capable of 800gph you will empty your sump before the drain is capable of draining the water back to the sump resulting in a tank flood. A pump capable of 500gph will not overpower your drain and should be good. This is based off the fact of the 1" actually draining up to 600gph, actual drainage will vary with alot of variables.

 

[duanes]

Agree with twentyleagues, drilling is easy but you will need a diamond drill bit, a source of cooling water, and need to make a template to hold the drill in place (it slides all over the place on glass without it).

Below a bulkhead, used after drilling, to stop seepage.

A normal (5 gallon) bucket might possibly work, but one usually need more space, for enough mechanical media, bio-media, and the pump.
I have used 50 gallon barrels to good effect. as sumps, I also put heaters in the sump to keep out of view, and away from large fish.

 

[Backfromthedead]

+1 to everything already said. Do some more general research, study some pictures and diagrams before you start constructing this thing.

I personally wouldnt bother trying this with a 5g bucket. Not worth the trouble imo.

When you do drill your tank, i would consider drilling it deeper than a 1/2".

You will need to put some additional thought into plumbing and your return pump. I am always in favor of getting a larger pump than you will need, then adjusting the flow with an attached valve. For your purposes, there are many economical, reliable pumps that can push at least 1000 gph that would fit the bill.

 

[Justepic]

Thanks for the info guys, will do some more research and see what I can do. This was mostly just curiousity however when I upgrade my terrapins tank, I will probably include a sump.

1 more question, for a 120 gallon, Fx6 or a 40 gallon sump?

 

[duanes]

+1 to everything already said. Do some more general research, study some pictures and diagrams before you start constructing this thing.

I personally wouldnt bother trying this with a 5g bucket. Not worth the trouble imo.

When you do drill your tank, i would consider drilling it deeper than a 1/2".

You will need to put some additional thought into plumbing and your return pump. I am always in favor of getting a larger pump than you will need, then adjusting the flow with an attached valve. For your purposes, there are many economical, reliable pumps that can push at least 1000 gph that would fit the bill.

Agree with more than 1/2" if too close to an edge, its every easy to crack the glass. And having enough room for the bulkhead.
I'm partial to sumps, easy to maintain and clean media (if done right), more power, and availability of more filtration options, and because they are non-pressurized maintenance and cleaning can be done without stopping the pump and tearing the entire unit apart.

 

[GouramiLove80]

+1 to everything everyone else said. Research, research, research.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Thanks for the info guys, will do some more research and see what I can do. This was mostly just curiousity however when I upgrade my terrapins tank, I will probably include a sump.

1 more question, for a 120 gallon, Fx6 or a 40 gallon sump?

Given the choice, the sump for sure. Nothing beats having the extra water volume and place to store equipment. Now that im used to sumps I cant stand having my heaters in the main tank.

Get the largest sump you can. If you can find an old beater 75 or 55 gallon, they would work great for a 120.

I would use hang on filters before a can, but thats just me. Lots of folks love cans here though.

 

[Justepic]

I just had an ephihany?! I can use my old terrapin tank as a sump for the new one. Bye-bye costs?
My old terrapin tank is 30 Gallons

 

[BIG-G]

It’s already been mentioned, but I would drill the tank a couple inches down from the top and then you can use an elbow to turn a section of pipe back toward the water surface, this will give you plenty of room to adjust the actual water level in the main display.
Too close to the surface you can end up with a hole in the aquarium that is practically useless because the tank will overflow before the drain can catch up to the return pump.
Also be certain the aquarium is standard glass and not tempered/ toughened . It cannot be drilled if it is.