sump question

[BadOleRoss]

I try to always save glass for viewing fish. I'd rather use cheap opaque containers for sumps.

Thats me seconding the use of a rubbermaid tub, the only real trick is sometimes they need some external support to stop them from cracking/bowing. Another cheap option is to use stock tanks from tractor supply/farm store, they were designed to hold water on their own, and are fish safe.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/livest...nt/stock-tanks/oval-stock-tank-40-gal-2229846

It's funny you say that. I just got under my tank todays and added supports on both side of the containers to keep them from flexing out.

 

[Pharaoh]

Yep, just use what you have. 29G are typically easy to come by and I like being able to look inside the sump to check for wandering fish and such.

Make it like this, just down-size it to scale.

 

[Clay]

Pharoah, I'm not sure I understand the pic.

If the water enters on the left side through the filter socks, does it just pass by the bio media? If so, this in an inefficient way to use bio media. Filter socks are great for many applications, but I don't think they are efficient in your setup.

Or does the water enter in the middle and trickle over the media in the center? If so, what do the socks do?

 

[Pharaoh]

Pharoah, I'm not sure I understand the pic.

If the water enters on the left side through the filter socks, does it just pass by the bio media? If so, this in an inefficient way to use bio media. Filter socks are great for many applications, but I don't think they are efficient in your setup.

Or does the water enter in the middle and trickle over the media in the center? If so, what do the socks do?

The water enters on the left through the filter socks where the debris is removed. It then overflows over the drip plate and through the bio media. Then, under the divider into the pump section. There are dividers in the sump that direct the water flow. This setup is probably the most effective I have used to date.

 

[Clay]

Ah, Isee now. I didn't realize it flowed up and over the drip plate (from the pic). Makes sense now.

 

[nes999]

i think your need a bigger sump the smaller of a tank. in terms of ratio. on the 1,000 gal plywood im building im useing a biotower and 300gal rubbermaid sump. but on my old 55 i used a 55gallon tank. on craigs list you find 55's for free rarely but it happens maby buy one? or go for a stock tank from TSC.

 

[Pharaoh]

i think your need a bigger sump the smaller of a tank. in terms of ratio. on the 1,000 gal plywood im building im useing a biotower and 300gal rubbermaid sump. but on my old 55 i used a 55gallon tank. on craigs list you find 55's for free rarely but it happens maby buy one? or go for a stock tank from TSC.

Why do you think this? From what factual basis are you presenting this argument? The only benefit this would serve is the a larger total water volume making the system a bit more stable. But with proper husbandry, this is not as issue.

 

[nes999]

i ment in terms of ease of mantence. the sumps a little larger so its easier to work in.