Sump - where do I start?

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kevin007

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 25, 2008
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Toronto
I created a thread before on options for a 180 Gallon tank, one idea was to use a sump, but I have NO plumbing skills. I doubt everyone is a plumber but some still use sumps, so I might give it a try. I'll use my 55 Gallon tank as a sump as well as one FX5.

Where do I start with this? I've been searching this forum and doing tons of reading. What are some good sites to visit? What kind of designs are there? Do i have to silicon anything in the tank? I might use it for fish again in the future. Can I make a part of the sump into a fry growout tank?

Thanks
 
look at the thread Diy sump media ? in setup and filtration. i just built a sump might give ya some ideas.
 
Dr Joe;2739092; said:
Plumbing skills can be kept at a minimum if you purchase a overflow box ( http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~overflow_boxes_cpr.html ) rather than making one (tho it's really not hard ( http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101156 ))

Here's two searches to get you started...

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/search.php?searchid=4254959

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/search.php?searchid=4254979

Let up know what you decide ;),

Dr Joe

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Click to expand...


Those searches should be sticky lol I was searching "diy sump" and some other things but it would give me general posts that just so happened to have either the words DIY or sump in it...
 
Nah, one FX5 is not enough.

I planned to get 2 FX5 and 1 2217 to run on the 180G earlier, but I'm exploring my options. I wrote off using a sump pretty much immediately. + The electricity bills...egh

I'm going to do some research. How likely is it for the PVC pipes to leak? Would it be wise to hire a plumber to help?

I have a spare 55 Gallon, that is the main reason for doing this.

my options now are:

1) 2 FX5 + Eheim 2217
2) Sump + FX5 + 2217
3) Sump + 2 2217s

The only reason why I am running a 2217 for sure is because I already have it.

The tank I will buy is most likely drilled or have an overflow box. If it doesn't then I'll write off the sump idea, but it probably will. One of the main reason is to use a part of the 55G as a fry tank. The tank will be HEAVILY stocked with mbunas, so the extra volume would help dilute the waste.

I'm worried about accidents though, ie: leaks, over flowing, etc etc. I do NOT want 230G of water on the ground.

Back to reading!
 
If you set up the bulkhead/overflow box properly the sump will not overflow if the power goes off and if you use pvc pipes and use the right glue it should not leak and the return pump should not use any more power then the canister setup you are looking at. If you go option 1,2 or 3 seam a bit of over kill and will coast more to run than the sump alone. I run a sump for extra water volume and larger amount of media and a small canister just to help pick up rubbish off the bottom.
 
If your worried about electricity use this compare...

http://www.handymath.com/cgi-bin/electric.cgi?submit=Entry

or the hard way

http://www.absoluteponds.com/electric-costs.htm

System 2 or 3 (with 3 if one filter fails you know what to repair on the other one and you only need 1 extra set of filter materials and rotate them while cleaning).

As far as leakage goes, all the systems have a chance of leaking. Canister connectors break, seals leak...go to the LFS or look online to see what parts are available... that is mostly what goes bad.

Maintenance and knowing your system is the best way to prevent most problems.

Hope the reading is going well ;).

Dr Joe

.
 
Thanks for the replies!

I forgot an option 4, which is a sump + one 2217. lol I'll most likely go with that. I really like the water changing function of the FX5 though. If I could, I would swap the 2217 for the FX5 in the future for that feature alone.

I was looking at sump ideas at this site http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html and most saltwater sumps have refugiums, I'm change the design a little bit to make the refugiums into a fry grow out tank, hopefully 2 chambers for different sized fry.

Do you think plumbers know how to work with aquarium sumps? I rather be safe then sorry.
 
kevin007;2742224; said:
Do you think plumbers know how to work with aquarium sumps? I rather be safe then sorry.
Click to expand...

no they dont, unless their into aquariums. ive been a plumber for 9 years and was lost when it came time to build my own sump setup. everything i learned was on this site pertaining to aquarium plumbing. of course i did undestand it better than a complete plumbing noob though.
 
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