DIY Sump

[Potato Patatto]

Had an 80 gallon reef ready tank and I wasn’t ready to commit to an RO system etc but I did finally set it up. Used the sterilite stackable storage containers with three racks, my false bottom, bio balls, and filter pads.

It is 1 inch pvc for the intake and 3/4 flexible hosing for the outtake. Using the fluval SP2 that is 950 GPH. I was smart enough to use ball valves on both lines as the pump could not keep up with the intake flow. It took some maneuvering but I think I have a good grasp with it now and a steady flow and good water level. The sump itself is just an HDX 29 gallon moving container.

Let me know if I made any potential dangerous mistakes if you don’t mind! Seems the tiger is enjoying the new flow!

FYI this fluval pump is ludicrously silent, if that makes sense.

 

[Preacher]

I will definitely be watching this. I have build where I was going to do the same thing in a 75 gallon aquarium. Looks sweet! Where did you get the storage containers and what are the dimensions?

 

[Potato Patatto]

“Iris USA MSD-1” stackable storage off Amazon, they’re roughly 13x9x6 and come with 4 stackable units so you have some play with a sump. The HDX is at any Lowe’s or Home Depot in the moving sections

 

[Gpdriftwood]

Love it. Nice, simple and effective. That's how I roll! Tank looks great too!

 

[krichardson]

I have thought of using that drawer system in a diy filtration setup myself.Looks nicely done.

 

[Potato Patatto]

I find my sump in a constant state of turmoil. Basically it’s always lowering or rising.. I can’t find the sweet spot. I’m playing with both ball valves to make it right but it seems impossible. When i get the sump water level even the bulkhead is not fully underwater and constantly gargling… please help

 

[Gpdriftwood]

Pump may just be too much for the system. May have to have a smaller pump for your setup. 950gph is a ton on an 80gal tank.

 

[Potato Patatto]

Pump may just be too much for the system. May have to have a smaller pump for your setup. 950gph is a ton on an 80gal tank.

yeah so I reduced the pipe on the overflow from 1.25 to 1inch (idk why the tank came with 1.25 inch intake with a 1 inch bulkhead). I have the intake ball valve all the way open as it’s supposed to be and the outtake valve is less than half open. Given the reccomended flow of 480gph I think the pump is too much, I just figured the valves would alleviate that. I got the sump water level steady to where I’m comfortable but definitely time to get a new pump. Doesn’t hurt to have the pump for the next tank.

 

[Potato Patatto]

A few upgrades.. a smaller stackable drawer system to fit within the sump, cut the cover to reduce excess noise, changed the gph to 660gph so no more drain gurgling