Could use some help building something cheap

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Aqualoon

Aqualoon

Piranha
MFK Member
Jul 8, 2009
1,787
52
81
Minnesota
Tank Size: 40g Breeder - Drilled on the bottom back left corner with a built in over flow.

The guy I bought the 40g breeder from gave me the bulkhead and pvc needed for inlet, he also gave me a mag3 pump.
I have a spare 20g in my garage.

He said I'd need a little pvc piece to go onto the pump and then either pvc or hose for the return. Anyone know what that little pvc piece is called? Or should I just bring the entire pump into the hardware store?

Then I need some help turning this 20g tank into a sump. I have never done anything like this and I'm not the handiness. I have read other threads here where I need to buy glass pieces and just glue them into the tank? How long do they need to be and how many?

Sorry about the stupid questions, just figure I could build a sump cheaper then buying one.
 
I take my pumps to the hardware store... always easiest.
 
easy sump = 20 gal tank with a small plastic bucket or container standing in it. Put biofilter material ie scrubbies into small bucket or container and lay filter wool on top of scrubbies. Drill holes in base of bucket or container for water to drain out. Water from overflow drains onto filter wool. Return pump sits in 20 gal tank next to bucket or container.

A bit ghetto but gets the job done.

j<><
 
The pvc part you need is likely a male or female adaptor to screw onto the mag drive.


If your hardware store is anything like mine don't bother asking for any help. Half the time I am in the plumbing or electrical section, contemplating what I need and how I am going to do it. Then someone will come and attempt to help I normally say no thanks because they don't understand. Once when I was looking at the water tight electrical pvc connections used for outdoors, the guy actual told me that its only keeps water out and wont keep water in???? idk water tight is water tight imho, its not like I was talking about high pressure.
 
id say male adapter, thats what goes into my pumps but they are reeflo. are threads on inside or outside of the housing?
 
Personally I think the glass baffles in the sump are not needed.

1) Put a filter sock on the pipe entering the sump.
2) Put a pump in the far end of the sump to pump the water back into the tank.
3) Put a bunch of bubble wands in the bottom of the sump.
4) Fill the sump with the bio media of your choice (ceramic rings).
5) Pump air through the bubble wands.
6) Turn on the sump pump!!!!

KISS!!!!

Or

1) Put the return pump in the far end of the sump.
2) Line the bottom of the sump with bubble wands.
3) Fill sump with bio media.
4) Lay a rectangle of filter media (Sponge / Filter pad) over the top of all the bio media.
5) Point the incoming pipe at the middle of the rectangle of media.
6) Turn on the air pump.
7) Turn on the sump pump.
8) Roll up, remove, wash, then return the filter pad / sponge every month or so.

The bubble wands aren't meant to "fluidize" the media (Move them around randomly) they are just meant to keep the water circulating through all areas of the media and as a side effect add a bunch of oxygen to the fish water and supercharges the bacteria living on the media.

I really doubt if you will get much better filtration with a bunch of baffles and fancy designs.
 
djefferson;5120517; said:
wow that easy....but is it cost effective
Click to expand...

True, at 20 gallons ($$) I would just use scubbies or lava rock. It might not be the most efficient media but it would sure make up for efficiency in quantity.

But my back driveway is literally 50+ tons of red lavarock. :-)

Oh yeah, Move your heater from the tank to the sump so you dont have to look at it any more.
 
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