DIY Sump/Wet dry IDEA. need feedback.

[iloveoscars702]

here is my sketch

1. intake for canister A
2. return for canister A
3. intake for canister B
4. return for canister B
5. intake/overflow for sump/wet dry.

ok so i want to build a sump for my 125 gal tank. i really need to add more bio filtration in this my tank and this option seems like the cheapest way to go. i'll probably be using a 35 gal rubber-maid tote.

Questions:
1. where should i place the return for the sump?
2. would my overflow work? really its just a continuous syphon. similar to the way canister filters work.
3. if i use 1" piping that would be 600 GPH? so would that mean i have to use a 600 gph return pump?
4. if i use this pump http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4587+9849&pcatid=9849 , the 3000 model, it is rated for 780 gph, how would i equal that off with the rate of the overflow?

 

[iloveoscars702]

BUMP

 

[groovylime]

I'll answer your second question.
No, this will not work... as you say, this is a continuous syphon, not an overflow. This works fine for a canister filter because it is a closed (sealed) system, but for a sump, you'll need a proper overflow. Some people build an external overflow box with a continuous syphon loop to keep the overflow water level the same as that of the tank.
Do some searches for a DIY overflow system.
...good luck with the project, should be fun.

 

[tigrey]

you should have filter pads or something to filter out all the water in the first drawer. the second you can do bio balls and the 3rd scrubbies. you can choose the media you want to use but you should filter the water out before it goes to the media. dont want all this food or crap in there. just my opinion

 

[iloveoscars702]

ok so how can i use a overflow if my tank water level drops because of evaporation.

 

[groovylime]

With eveporation, the water level in sump will drop, not the level in the tank. The overflow height keeps the water in the tank at a constant height.

 

[iloveoscars702]

With eveporation, the water level in sump will drop, not the level in the tank. The overflow height keeps the water in the tank at a constant height.

ooo... ok lets say i buy an overflow rated at 1000gph what size pump should i use for the return? my biggest concern is the sump overflowing and making a mess.

 

[boldtogether]

you should have filter pads or something to filter out all the water in the first drawer. the second you can do bio balls and the 3rd scrubbies. you can choose the media you want to use but you should filter the water out before it goes to the media. dont want all this food or crap in there. just my opinion

^^agreed^^

Filter as much particulate out of the water BEFORE the bio...detritus will clog the bio-media and you will have a stinky, sloppy mess.
Also, like what was previously stated, evaporation wont effect the level in the tank, just the sump...make sure you are checking the sump level because if your return pump runs dry, it will be toast in a matter of minutes whether its a submersible or external.
The overflow rating is for MAX. You will only flow through the overflow that which is pumped by your return. If the return is rated at 1000gph and you return is pumping 1000gph you would be at the MAX and still be fine. Just remember, your pump is rated at a certain gph given a certain "head pressure". It may say 1000gph but if it is only rated 1000gph@ 0 head than you will lose a significant amount of flow the higher the pump needs to pump in order to get the water back into the tank.
Example: My QuietOne 6000 is rated at 1500gph. That is at 0 head. The pump is pumping out of the sump, out of the stand and up to the top of the tank and discharging a mere 1" below the surface of the water, a total of about 5ft. The pump is ACTUALLY moving approx. 1000-1100gph as per the flow chart(pump curve) supplied with the pump. My overflow is rated at 1500gph MAX, but I'm not moving that much through it as the head my pump is restricted by wont allow it. On a 200g tank I am turning the water over approx 5x/hour. It is debatable as to how much is enough but pretty much agreed that more is better. I like 5x because it doesnt cause and stirring on the substrate in the tank that could cause "bald spots" on the bottom of the tank. This can get confusing but it will be easier to understand as you research this mode if filtration more.
Good luck.

 

[Burko]

"ok lets say i buy an overflow rated at 1000gph what size pump should i use for the return? my biggest concern is the sump overflowing and making a mess."

First thing...Why buy, this is DIY...

As for the overflow rate...Choose a pump to suit the turnover required _then_ choose an overflow that has 25% to 50% more capacity.

And leave enough space in the sump for the system to stop flowing without overflowing the sump.

 

[iloveoscars702]

so youre saying that the return pump really determines the gph of the overflow?