Sump return for non-drilled tank?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
gangster

gangster

Arapaima
MFK Member
Apr 17, 2008
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Im thinking of adding a sump to my packed 120 to make filter maintanance easier.

How can I set up a reliable return w/out drilling my tank? Im gonna add an overflow box(rated @ 1600gph), and have that drain into a 55g sump. And then pumped back in usin a quiet one 4000 pump. Now how can i get my return line to stay put?
Any help will be appreciated. Thanks:)
 
I'm using a Quiet One for my return too for my sump, i just plumbed the return using 1" PVC and it just runs out of the sump, up the back of the tank and over the top. I drilled one hole in the top for the pvc to go into the tank.. Oh yea make sure you use a check valve so everytime the power goes off the water doesn't back flow into your sump from your return..
 
I never took any pics, but mine stays put because my return goes maybe 3" inside the tank so that holds it in place.. I plumbed it pretty tight so it doesn't move barely at all..
 
I was going to upload some pics, but doesn't seem to work -- maybe related to server upgrade. You can see what I did in the middle of this page, though:

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218083&page=8

Basically, running a flexible tube from pump up back of tank and bending over the rear lip. I use suction cup tube guides (like the kind that come with canister filters) to hold the return tube in place in the tank with a plastic elbow at the tip to help direct the return flow into the tank. I punctured some holes in the tube near the elbow as a siphon break.

I also wanted to keep the tube in place along the back and reduce the work needed by the suction guides so I rigged up a HOB tube guide consisting of a hang-on-door hook (from Target) weighted with a rock and then plastic zip ties holding the tube to that.
 
Couldn't you just have a return run down a back corner and feed into the water and thus having no noise impact? This is what my canister filer does. (Although I have it splashing into the water to create a waterfall effect)
 
PVC for returns all the way! i hate using flexible hose. here's how i set it up on my old 210g



 
^^^Thanks Jose! Always coming through:) I figure I might as well add a way overkill sump to my 120.....then after a month or so I should have a new 180+ built.
 
sponger_2;4104758;4104758 said:
that quiet one 4000 wont pump anywhere near enough flow to test the 1600 gph overflow. run 2 of them at least.
Click to expand...
two 1000gph pumps on a 120g?? i dont get what youre saying and why you recommend two pumps :confused:
 
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