DIY Sump/refugium help me

[torontoleafs_rock]

I would like to build my own sump / refugium but i would like someone with experience to help me with plans for it... the tank is going 2 be a 90gallon and intended to be a reef setup.... i may also do a diy tank but still not sure about that.... any help would be great... i'm dying to get started and will take picks throughout the whole project.... thats if i can get some help

 

[devlyyn]

there are many, many threads about DIY sumps on this page. Check at the top at the stickies for some easy first references.

 

[PoopSmart]

naw I couldn't get help either.


the sticky shows you how to build the box but thats the easy part. How do you do all the other stuff, draw water from the tank w/out overflows, bring it back in, do you use a custom flow type of water return, how many gph pump should he get, what size should it be for his tank?

I have no idea, but no one would help me with these questions either im sorry

 

[nolapete]

Here's the 40 gallon long sump that I'm using. I removed the bioballs and I'm putting a filter sock in that section.

The middle section is where the refugium will be. You can see the baffle that keeps sand from the refugium from getting to the pump.

My 30" venturi skimmer will be external and powered by a pump in the filter sock area.

From my understanding, somewhere around 35x per hour turn over between all your pumps is what you need. That includes powerheads, sump pump, etc.

Are you using a PVC overflow or is the tank drilled? The size of the sump pump is going to be determined by how much flow your overflow of choice can handle.

 

[Dr Joe]

I would like to build my own sump / refugium but i would like someone with experience to help me with plans for it... the tank is going 2 be a 90gallon and intended to be a reef setup.... i may also do a diy tank but still not sure about that.... any help would be great... i'm dying to get started and will take picks throughout the whole project.... thats if i can get some help

Would be happy to try and help you, but really need to know what you know and then what you need to know, ya know?

What skills do you have (ie would you hurt yourself with a picture of a screwdriver or do you an arsenal of power tools that would put Yankee Workshop to shame)?

Glass / acrylic or wood? tank / sump / all?

Do you have anything right now (tank / stand / pumps etc) or is this the preliminary pre-planning stages?

Do you want to use overflows or drill the tanks and install bulkheads and internal overflows?

Have you read the stickies ( top of each section) and searched thru the files here and in the marine section?

Well this is a start, and I'm sure others will chime in too.


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naw I couldn't get help either.


the sticky shows you how to build the box but thats the easy part. How do you do all the other stuff, draw water from the tank w/out overflows, bring it back in, do you use a custom flow type of water return, how many gph pump should he get, what size should it be for his tank?

I have no idea, but no one would help me with these questions either im sorry

Must not have tried hard, this is a forum - not an online instant resource for your convenience at your leisure. If you can't get help here it could only be your own fault. People fall all over themselves to help others.

If you had used the search function and had been an active reader in these forums you would at least have a basic knowledge of how the systems function without even having to ask a question.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15733

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67797

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83107

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47105

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88677

So don't derail another members thread to announce your search function inadequacies or to troll / flame the forum.

Perhaps if you lived a little closer to us too.

If you still need help just ask, I'm sure someone will be there.

Dr Joe

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[Dr Joe]

Here's the 40 gallon long sump that I'm using. I removed the bioballs and I'm putting a filter sock in that section.

The middle section is where the refugium will be. You can see the baffle that keeps sand from the refugium from getting to the pump.

My 30" venturi skimmer will be external and powered by a pump in the filter sock area.

From my understanding, somewhere around 35x per hour turn over between all your pumps is what you need. That includes powerheads, sump pump, etc.

Are you using a PVC overflow or is the tank drilled? The size of the sump pump is going to be determined by how much flow your overflow of choice can handle.

.
Turnover rate is a function of the sump return pump and overflow system but not any power heads or other pumps that do not circulate water to and from the sump.4x to 10x turnover depending on the bioload.

Otherwise nolapete got it right.

Dr Joe

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