I'm sure this is probably been discussed. But I'm lazy I didn't want to search lol. I just upgraded to a 125g. I'm using 2 cascade 1000 canisters currently, its working very well actually. But I have a spare 20L that I'm kicking around the idea of using as sump for the 125. I have a few questions, I've never used/done a sump before. I understand the concept... Would a 20 gallon sump be enough or more beneficial then my two cannisters? If so I plan on doing a non-drilled setup, is there a common way to do the overflow? Lastly pump size? Thank you in advance!
Sump questions?
- Thread starter TMC194
- Start date
If you don't want to drill your 125 then I would not bother with a sump; just stay with your canisters. Siphon overflows are a hassle and an easy way to cause a flood.
If you decide to drill your 125 then the 20L would make a fine sump.
Sump vs canister in my book really comes down to which would be easiest to clean and will be cleaned the most often. I like sumps because I design mine so I can pull the filter material, rinse out all the detritus and replace it easily in a few minutes. I also like to design my sumps to give plenty of air/water interface surface area to oxygenate the water. They also allow me to get the heaters out of the main tank but this can also be accomplished with inline heaters on the canister.
If you decide to drill your 125 then the 20L would make a fine sump.
Sump vs canister in my book really comes down to which would be easiest to clean and will be cleaned the most often. I like sumps because I design mine so I can pull the filter material, rinse out all the detritus and replace it easily in a few minutes. I also like to design my sumps to give plenty of air/water interface surface area to oxygenate the water. They also allow me to get the heaters out of the main tank but this can also be accomplished with inline heaters on the canister.
The size of the pump you should get will depend on the size of the return compartment of the sump if you are getting a submersible model. If you want an external inline pump, then it will depend on the amount of space in the storage space with the sump tank.
If you have a relatively small tank, like a 30-gallon or so, and your sump capacity is 10-gallons, then you should probably get a small submersible pump.
It is also important to remember that an inline pump will require some extra plumbing to allow the water to pass in and out of the pump from the outside. Many people are able to do this themselves, but if you are after easy installation options, a submerged pump might be best for you.
If you have a relatively small tank, like a 30-gallon or so, and your sump capacity is 10-gallons, then you should probably get a small submersible pump.
It is also important to remember that an inline pump will require some extra plumbing to allow the water to pass in and out of the pump from the outside. Many people are able to do this themselves, but if you are after easy installation options, a submerged pump might be best for you.