thinking of making a sump. Got a few ?'s

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cichlid savage

cichlid savage

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Apr 25, 2006
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The sump is going to be for my 125.
What size should the sump be?
Should I use an old aquarium or could I buy a rubbermaid tub?
What should the turnover be?
Anyone got any plans?
 
1) as big as possible, remember it will need to be able to handle whatever overflows when the pump is turned off. I would recommend 55 gals, but that is just a preference.
2) I like using old fish tanks because they are a nice rectangular box shape and they are rigid. Rubbermade tubs can be drilled easier, though.
3) Minimum 3-5 times per hour. It really depends on tank stocking. I would get the biggest pump you can reasonably afford.
4) There are lots of plans. Try using the search feature.
 
Merbeast;2283339; said:
1) as big as possible, remember it will need to be able to handle whatever overflows when the pump is turned off. I would recommend 55 gals, but that is just a preference.
2) I like using old fish tanks because they are a nice rectangular box shape and they are rigid. Rubbermade tubs can be drilled easier, though.
3) Minimum 3-5 times per hour. It really depends on tank stocking. I would get the biggest pump you can reasonably afford.
4) There are lots of plans. Try using the search feature.
Click to expand...

This means more questions.

1. Can't I do a back flow valve of some sort to prevent overflows? (If not that scrubs this idea as the tank is on an upper floor)
2. Would I have to drill the sump if I use an old tank?
3. The sump will be for my 125 which I will be using to growout some pbass (large bio-load) at 5 times per hour that's 625 gal/hr I was Actually thinking btw 800-1000.

I will need to set this up with the tank up and running hopefully I can get the tank into the stand successfully.

Also I am a working adult so while I may have to save a bit (also paying for a wedding) I plan to buy what i need to do the job correctly.
 
Search in the DIY for Overflow. There are some great designs that require no drilling. They will prevent your tank from getting drained if the power goes out. You can make the sump a wet/dry which does not require drilling the sump either (I think).
 
Why go so high on the gph when you can get the job done with a lower gph? Your just wasting money going with the bigger pump. When it comes to wet/dry higher isnt always better. I'd go with 2-4x for gph. ;)
 
cichlid savage;2283560; said:
This means more questions.

1. Can't I do a back flow valve of some sort to prevent overflows? (If not that scrubs this idea as the tank is on an upper floor)
2. Would I have to drill the sump if I use an old tank?
3. The sump will be for my 125 which I will be using to growout some pbass (large bio-load) at 5 times per hour that's 625 gal/hr I was Actually thinking btw 800-1000.

I will need to set this up with the tank up and running hopefully I can get the tank into the stand successfully.

Also I am a working adult so while I may have to save a bit (also paying for a wedding) I plan to buy what i need to do the job correctly.
Click to expand...

1) Yes, but remember that an overflow is made to drain water from the tank. Once the pump is turned off in my 240, my overflow continues to drain about 10-15 gallons. Normally my pump keeps those 10-15 gallons up in the tank. I have a 40 gallon sump.
2) No, you would have to use a submersible pump.
3) The more turnover the better to a point. Pbass get big and are a large load. 800-1000 gph would be good.
 
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