Formula for Sump Size?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Here's a very inexpensive way to build a filter. Mine is an over kill but that is just how I usually do things.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=348253

A ten gallon sump sounds pretty skimpy for your tank, but it will do the job. You can get by with significantly less than what everyone is using.

Using some HOB filters as a model, you can get by with .361 gallons of dense bio media (scrubbies are suitable). Using the same principle, 13 bio-balls is sufficient to filter your tank. Keep in mind that with such a small filter, you are limited to the 'pet shop' rule of one inch of fish per gallon.

If you ever get down to the Orlando area, I have an unused 55g.
 
Just a thought, you could also use the sump for mechanical filtration and use an under gravel filter for the bio.
 
That is quite an amazing sump CHOMPER. I'm going to look more detailed into that thread in just a moment.

What exactly do you mean by using a HOB as a model?... I was going to use scrubbies since they're easily obtainable at the dollar store and I've heard they work identical to bio balls. What exactly do you mean with saying the sump would do mechanical filtration and the under gravel for media? So the sump would be empty of media?

I never even thought of an under gravel to run with the sump. That's actually an excellent idea. I have to research it though because I've never used an under gravel filter and know nothing of how they work. Do you need to run a hob with under gravel?

You've got to be kidding me with the unused 55 gallon in Orlando? Awesome... I literally went through Orlando coming back here from Melbourne this weekend. Damn...

No worries nes. Yeah I looked today and 106L was the largest there. I believe that's like close to 30g but I really do like the drawer one because it seems you're cutting out the siliconing walls up part and let me tell you I'm having a hell of a time getting no leaks in the sump I'm making right now...
 
If you haven't set this up yet, do it right the first time.
I'd modify your stand design so that you can have a larger sump.
Having a door on the side of the stand so that you can easily slide the sump in or out is what I did. Instead of making it a hinged door, use 4 cabinet door magnets to hold it... then you just pop off the whole door to get access.

As others have said, a 10 gallon sump will not have enough volume to handle the tank backflow when the pump is turned off. You can do a quick volume calculation to see how much extra volume you will need in your sump:
(distance in height from your overflow weir to the bottom of your return) x tank width x tank depth front-to-back
 
I haven't set it up yet but as you can see the stand is pretty much 100% done minus a few tweaks like outer walls and that last wrap around on the left side. (ran out of wood)

Let me tell you though at this point after this mornings water test I'm sooo sick of re-siliconing these acrylic walls that I believe I'm going to go make a replica of chomper's sump with the rubbermaid except only do two drawers instead of three. (figure it might fit inside the stand that way) and if it doesn't fit then it'll go next to the stand. I'm sick of siliconing these damn walls.
 
For the stand, if you put a piece of plywood on the bottom, you could loose that center cross beam and have much more room for the sump.
 
I am putting plywood on the bottom for a shelf but as far as that center beam, that guy isn't going anywhere. Yes it would provide me much more room but it is definitely needed for the weight this stand is holding.

I just broke down the 10 gallon and took the walls out and razor-ed out the silicone. At least the tank came clean 100% so it can be used for something else fun. I'll start a replica of chomper's design as soon as I get payed. His design really is pretty damn flawless and cost efficient.

You definitely said it right though groovylime. If I don't have it 100% set up yet why half ass something I'm going to have to fix in the future. This way I'm not going to have to continue working on this setup forever if it's right the first time. ;)
 
I scratched the 10g and started the sump CHOMPER so generously showed me his diagram for. Also finished most of my stand. The sump will fit perfectly under my stand. Here's some pics of tonight's work.

1224101559.jpg

1224101602.jpg

1224101628.jpg

1224101703a.jpg

1224101730a.jpg

1224101730a.jpg

1224101805a.jpg

1224101806.jpg
 
Freaking awsome!!! Your attention to detail is impressive.

By the way, I like that table that you were working on. I have a thing for medieval/rustic things.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom