how to make a sump
- Thread starter kmc150
- Start date
sorta kinda. depends on what kind you get. Some siphon, other like the one i use deals with the water level. when the water level is a certain height it just falls down a little tube into the sump which is then pushed up by the return pump. By pushing the water back up that maintains the water level which keeps the whole system working.
but that all depends on if you have predrilled holes or a sump ready tank. If not you have to use a siphon system.
kmc150;4157698; said:
kmc150: to get some more ideas of how the sumps look in real time, there are also some good ideas of sump filtration systems on video, on UTUBE. You may want to check those out as well. Once you log onto the UTUBE home page, just enter the topic of sumps or sump filtration systems in the "subject" box, and it should bring them up for you on the right side bar of your screen. I hope this is helpful to you. Happy surfing!
youtube is your friend. Also, look for as many photos on here as possible. They're fairly easy.
Water flows into sump, pump pumps it out. In between you have bio media. It can be as complicated or simple as you want it.
I would suggest using filter socks first in the equation, that'll get rid of most of the crud. Throw in a few sponges or other media afterwards, and have your bioballs/scrubbies/etc last. That way they're not collecting all the crud. Then if you want to to get high tech, throw some plants in. save the last section for your pump.
Water flows into sump, pump pumps it out. In between you have bio media. It can be as complicated or simple as you want it.
I would suggest using filter socks first in the equation, that'll get rid of most of the crud. Throw in a few sponges or other media afterwards, and have your bioballs/scrubbies/etc last. That way they're not collecting all the crud. Then if you want to to get high tech, throw some plants in. save the last section for your pump.
A rubbermaid container,a coarse tomedium coarse mechanical filter padding and a milk crate full of bio-media in a laundry bag such as bio-balls,bio-bale etc. is all you really need if your just making a sump for bio-filtration. If you plan an compartmentalizing to accomodate a protein skimmer( salt water) then I would suggest buying one used at first. See if you like the set-up and then go from there. Some of the best design/setups are the most simple. Simplicity lends itself to easier maintenance and less hassle setting up. Just make sure to plan ahead and choose a suitable return pump as that is the most important part of a sump IMO, that and the overflow.
