DIY Sump and Overflow questions

[joraejay]

Hello,

I'm interested in building my own DIY Overflow and sump. I think I did enough reserach on the overflow and will be trying out the design on this link: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219465

For my sump, I'm considering this design: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145370

My question is:

1) How do you rate the size of the sump for my tank? I only have a 100 gallon tank so I'm not sure if this size sump would be too much. I'm afraid it might not fit under my tank. My tank is considered a breeder tank so it's 4.5' x 2' x 2'.

2) How do I rate what powerhead I need back into the tank? My previous tank had a wet/dry filter built into the tank and I had a Aquaclear powerhead 802. Wondering if this would be good enough.

3) Would this suffice as my only filtration system? I probably would add a few powerheads or bubblers to increase oxygen in the tank.

I'm short on cash, got 3 kids and a wife. I'd like to get a Fluval or Rena but if this will save me money and will be just as good or even better, then that's cool with me..

Thank you for your time.
Joe

 

[Pharaoh]

1. Size isn't as important as design. Check through some of the threads in the DIY section to get some ideas. The extra gallons are for storing the water from the plumbing and for additional water in the system. Start with something no smaller than a 29G tank or so.

2. You pick you pump, not power head, based on what the overflow can handle. Typical turnover for a tank is anywhere from 2 times per hour to 5 times per hour.

3. If designed properly, wet/dry systems and sump are very efficient at filtering your aquarium.

Sometimes finding a used filter can go a long way. Sumps can be cheap, but they can also sneak up on you a cost a good sum of money.

 

[JakeH]

Pharaoh is wise... I copied this design & spent about $100 on each sump, including the media and pump. The pump & heater are the biggest expenses for sure.

 

[joraejay]

Thank you for the info. Just wondering.. I understand how the DIY overflow works, when power is cut from the pump and the water level is below the drain tube it stops but keeps the pressure so when the pump turns back on it will continue the siphon.

How about if the overflow gets clogged up and the pump is still on. Wont the pump still continue to push what ever water thats in the sump into the tank? If so, then would I have to keep less water in the tank as a precautionary or keep the water level in the sump low, almost level with the pump?

Thanks!

 

[chemicall]

How about if the overflow gets clogged up and the pump is still on. Wont the pump still continue to push what ever water thats in the sump into the tank? If so, then would I have to keep less water in the tank as a precautionary or keep the water level in the sump low, almost level with the pump?

Thanks!

This is why you design and build 2 overflows - each being able to handle the full capacity from the pump by itself. If one clogs, the other will take the full flow of the pump.

Also I found running 2 overflows is quieter than 1 taking all the overflow.

 

[Pharaoh]

This is why you design and build 2 overflows - each being able to handle the full capacity from the pump by itself. If one clogs, the other will take the full flow of the pump.

Also I found running 2 overflows is quieter than 1 taking all the overflow.

Exactly.

 

[joraejay]

Thank you, that makes total sense...