Simple Rubbermaid Sump

[Aquafreak]

Here's my first design of a simple Rubbermaid sump. I believe it covers all of the basics, but I would love for you all to comment.

 

[rallysman]

The first problem is keeping the mechanical from clogging. If the mechanical media clogs, say hello to a wet floor.
Also, it's not really a wet/dry. With that style all of the bio will be submerged. It'll still work, but not as well as a wet/dry.

 

[Aquafreak]

Thanks for the input. I actually forgot to add two more tubes towards the top of the containers to act as an overflow incase the mech gets clogged. I didn't really design it as a wet/dry, but what could I do to incorporate the wet/dry into this design?

 

[rallysman]

Here's a quick and dirty revision of what could help. The red arrow indicates where the water would go if the mechanical media clogged. The moved connector would allow water to drip down over the bio media in the second chamber.

 

[Aquafreak]

Would a drip tray still be practical when moving 1500gph? I see how this would work much better.

 

[rallysman]

Absolutely. You may have to experiment with the size of holes to let the water flow through, but 1500gph should be no problem whatsoever. I'm guessing 1/8" holes in the drip tray would work well.

 

[Aquafreak]

Any other suggestions? Does the amount of bio seem adequate for a 300 gal tank with cichla stock?

 

[rallysman]

I think so, depending on type of media. From what I understand, the industry standard is 2.2g of bioballs per 100g of tank. So to me it seems that 22g of bio media will be more than enough, provided it has a large surface area.

 

[Aquafreak]

Rubbermaid and scrubbies....a match made in heaven! Thanks for the help!

 

[rallysman]

Rubbermaid and scrubbies....a match made in heaven! Thanks for the help!

No problem! I can't wait for others to chime in with more revisions. I posted my ideas 9 minutes after your original post, so not a lot of thought went into it haha.