I HATE my DIY SUMP

[bleublaze55]

Forum,
Please excuse the over dramatic title of this post but I really feel like the DIY sump I built is useless. I recently built a 120gal tank for my plants and Discus. The tank is stocked full with pretty easy going plants and big health discus. The sump was built so I would have a larger water volume and have the option of customize the filter setup in detail. I realize sumps and planted tanks do not go well together but I have seen enough people on this forum do it with good results.
So let me explain my sump. Starting with the drain, there is a Durso pipe drain setup with a 1.25" pipe leading into a 1" fitting for the bulkhead. The 1” pipe bends at x2 45 deg angle joints, then splits before emptying into two large-micron filter socks. The sump then takes the water under the first baffled, through the media padding (the type changes frequently), then drizzles over the third baffle into the bio media (which I’m pretty sure could use A LOT MORE FLOW). The last movement is into the last chamber by passing through the BIO chamber from top to bottom. The heaters are stationed at both ends for maximum effectiveness and space. There is a CO2 reactor, (that I’m pretty sure isn't working the way it is supposed to) in the last chamber directly above one of the two 700gph pumps. The CO2 is massively flowing (through the bubble counter) in which I know is one of my largest problems. (The drop check with the proper fluid reports about a semi greenish yellow, so I know my CO2 level isn’t too high.)

NOW the reason I hate my setup is as follows
1) The water is not getting clean enough
2) Lots of tiny debris floating around my tank
3) Lots of build up in the sand because of the overflow is the only filter method
4) The loss of CO2 is extremely high in my thoughts.
5) My Bio media is probably .25 the capacity because of lack of flow

PS. one benefit of the Durso pipe is that there is lots of oxygenation from the dump so my discus have lots of fresh O2 to breath. and dont worry about my valve its all the way open

SOOO I need help, please help me figure out how i can alter my sump to make it work how it should/I want/ properly.

 

[bleublaze55]

here are the pics

 

[bleublaze55]

This sump even looks worse when i take pictures of it!

 

[jcardona1]

in red

NOW the reason I hate my setup is as follows
1) The water is not getting clean enough Finer filter socks

2) Lots of tiny debris floating around my tank Finer filter socks

3) Lots of build up in the sand because of the overflow is the only filter method Finer filter socks

4) The loss of CO2 is extremely high in my thoughts. You need to use something like the Herbie or Beananimal overflow system to reduce all the gurgling and splashing. The Dursos won't do anything for gurgling. That is what is gassing off most of your co2.

5) My Bio media is probably .25 the capacity because of lack of flow If you have 0 ammonia and 0 nitrites, then your sump and the bio media is doing it's job, and doesn't need to be changed. You can make it a better mechanical filter by using finer filter socks, but unless you're showing ammonia readings, not much needs to be changed.

 

[kevinfleming21]

Ding ding^^^ also, might want to add a powerhead closer to the bottom to kick debris up to the overflow.

 

[bleublaze55]

YA im thinking about getting one to kick up the debris.

And i have two type of mechanical filtration, filter socks and padding.

AND my baffles break often. because i noticed that when i stop the sump to do a water change, for whatever reason the water temp drops dramtically, then that all gets pushed back into my tank when it turns on again.

 

[pjsmetana]

If you are in Orange County Florida, and not NY, CA, or w/e, I could come help you make this thing better, or take it off your hands

 

[ntboy09]

u need more bio-balls and ceramic rings, also bio-balls works better dry

 

[Cowboy Chris]

If it works Don't fix it. My Diy sump i had looked dreadful but it worked, a bit noisy at times...

Good luck

 

[gavigan1]

I just switched my Filter socks to a 50 micron stuffed inside a 100 micron sock and this helped my mechanical filtration situation.

You could do away with your baffles if you went with a smaller micron filter sock.

I had my sump returns T'ed but did like all the noise so ran them seperate. Look into the herbie and beananimal methods as JC suggested.

I split my tank returns 4 ways. 1 of them returns water in the lower water column to keeping debri from settling. You may increase your size of your pump to maximize turnover.

good luck