new project, need HELP.

[Ancient_Fish_Master]

One thing I always thought would be neat to try was to have canister filters feed the water into the sump. You could load the canister filters with mechanical filtration and that way you can just do bio in the sump. If the canister's didn't have fast enough flow you could always add an overflow and just have a small film of padding before the bio media to keep the crud out of it

i might unload all the bio media of one canister and just use that primarily for mech filtration. ill see how everything works out when i start. i still need to replace my glass covers with acrylic.

 

[jcardona1]

Answers below

alrights guys and gals, winter break is coming up (i get one month off) and this gives me just enough time to start my sump build. i have a 130 gal with two eheim pro II and two AC110 on the tank. i want to get rid of the two AC110 and replace them with a wet dry - sump. so basically i will be taking the whole project the DIY way using a rubbermaid tub (around 35 gal area) and plastic storage drawers, etc.

questions:
1. will a 35 gal tub be just right?
Should be just fine. A good rule of thumb is to have a sump that holds 20-30% of the tank's volume.

2. how big of an overflow should i get or if i DIY it how big should the pvc pipe be?
I would make sure the overflow can flow more than your pump can. Oversizing the overflow will give you a lot more flexibility in the future if you decide to go with more flow. I really see no need to run an overflow at max capacity.

3. how big of a pump should i get? (water will be pumped up to the tank around 3.5 feet)
I usually go for 8x or more turnover (not taking into account head loss)

4. how big should i make the wholes on the drip plate (first drawer)?
This will be a trial and error thing. Depends on the surface area of the drip plate, and the amount of flow. That will determine the size and amount of holes. I don't think there's an easy answer for this one.

5. for the second drawer i plan on putting scrubbies and then the third drawer i plan on putter ceramic media.

6. for the first drawer, would it be ok to put a layer of course sponge and then quilt batting for mech filtration(then the water will drip to the scrubbies)?
Yes, this would be ideal. You want to keep your bio media free of debris and scum.

thanks Colton

 

[Ancient_Fish_Master]

alright thanks jose and everyone else. ill have to start buying my supplies soon

 

[Ancient_Fish_Master]

does anyone know how to cut acrylic without using electric tools?

 

[Cliff519]

does anyone know how to cut acrylic without using electric tools?

I've used a hacksaw for plexiglass before. Not 100% sure how it work on acrylic, but if you have one kicking around you could give it a try.

 

[Ancient_Fish_Master]

i want to use this stuff http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 to replace my broken glass covers (my big aro jumped and killed him self busting three of the glass panels covering the top of my tank)

would a coping saw work? i dont own any fancy electrical tools lol

 

[Ancient_Fish_Master]

another quick question, if i buy a premade overflow will it keep its prime/suction when i turn off the power to the pump?

 

[Ancient_Fish_Master]

also. if i use pvc for my return, what kind of pvc glue can i use that is safe for aquariums?

 

[Ancient_Fish_Master]

bump

 

[Ancient_Fish_Master]

Ttt