Time for the sump...

[nero6370]

O.K. I'm done (I think) with that tank leak (see other thread); so I took a few shots of the sump I plan to use. It's a 50 gallon Rubbermaid container. The larger Sterilite is 58 qts; this will get filled with scrubbies. The smaller Sterilite will have my filter pad and possibly a layer of activated charcoal beneath it. I feel pretty good about my design so far, but I am always open to suggestions. BTW, the tank is a 180.

 

[T]

hey im not sure about this buy u might wanna rise the bottom basket up a lil or the very bottom of the scrubbies will be submerged and wont be as effective as if it was above the water. but that is a really good design.

 

[MilitantPotato]

Is the bottom container going to be submerged?
If not, I'm not seeing how the 2nd half of the bio chamber will get water to drip over it.

Looks like a great setup, where'd you get that grid material at and is it coated metal or plastic?

 

[Dr Joe]

Looks GREAT, I wouldn't change a thing...except... Will the grating fall if the bins bulge from water pressure?

hey im not sure about this buy u might wanna rise the bottom basket up a lil or the very bottom of the scrubbies will be submerged and wont be as effective as if it was above the water. but that is a really good design.

Why do people think scrubbies don't work under water yet ceramics do? Partially submerging scrubbies is fine, they get their oxygen from the water just like ceramics do.

Is the bottom container going to be submerged?
If not, I'm not seeing how the 2nd half of the bio chamber will get water to drip over it.

Looks like a great setup, where'd you get that grid material at and is it coated metal or plastic?

My questions too...

Does the bottm bin have holes in the bottom?

Dr Joe

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[MilitantPotato]

Why do people think scrubbies don't work under water yet ceramics do? Partially submerging scrubbies is fine, they get their oxygen from the water just like ceramics do.

I posted a response to your question regarding this in the other thread.
I've been hoping to get some criticism on my theory from ya regarding that post.
But in short, I assume ceramics, sintered glass, etc. media has an advantage since it has higher surface area compared to scrubbers in a given volume which helps make up for the lack of oxygen available to submersed media.

But scrubbers are cheaper and with more room, more can be used, so I guess it's a balancing act.


Good call on the bowing from water weight.
Plastic/rubber coated metal might rust over time (My dishwasher has) and I believe that's the same type of grid material you're using

 

[nero6370]

O.k. let me see; first, thanks for all the repsonses. I really enjoy getting feedback, especially with questions that may open new doors for me. I will try to answer all the ?'s posed to me- the larger chamber is not open at the bottom; the front edge of the container is cut out (look closer at the pics- 2nd one I think), so as the chamber is filled the scrubbies are saturated and then the water flows through the cutout and fills the return part of the sump. The grate is wire mesh with a vinyl coating; picked it up at Good will. The mesh keeps all the scrubbies where I want them and is wired to the container. I had not thought about the h2o pressure bowing out the sides( thanks Dr. Joe!), but I am ready to run some wire across the top of the big container just in case. I am not sure but I would assume water level should not exceed the top of the bio container before it is returned to the tank. I put valves on the intake and the return just in case I need any adjusting.

 

[nero6370]

I decided to add this overflow "baffle" (would that be the correct description?) to one corner. I would have done both but did'nt have a big enough piece of plexi-glass. Oh well, one side will have to do; I just can't will myself to make one more trip to Home Depot, the Home Store, Good Will, Wal mart, or any other @%$*&% store!! This idea popped into my hairless head when I was looking at the All-Glass aquarium website. It looked pretty simple, so I said, "why not"? If it'll help get some of the gunk out of the lower depths, it's worth the extra effort.

 

[Dr Joe]

Your doin' great there!

If the tub bukges to much try a snug fitting frame around it made of 2"x2" wood to girdle it. (No screws thru the tub, just a tight fit)

I've used the grating for years without a problem, and on another project had it rust in 3 weeks...Just make sure there are no cracks in the coating (I'm sure you know this) I used the liquid vinyl for coating tool handles for repairing cracked spots or re-dipping the whole this with good success.

Whe people start asking me questions vs the guys in the orange vests, I know that I've been in the stores too much too!! ( already know where things are better than most of them now).

By doing only one overflow 'baffle' you'll be able to see if it is working the way you want it to...(see there was a reason you didn't have enough plexy to do both!!)

To keep anything from overflowing never put it on a carpeted surface (carpet pulls water right out of the tank ) .


Side note: MP I want to get back to you on that, it's a good discussion and I need to review your other post (can't believe I missed it sorry).

Keep up the good work nero, waiting for the pic of you setting back with something cold, enjoying this thing .

Dr Joe

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[nero6370]

Finally!!! She's up and running!!! I added my substrate (pool filter sand), plants, and a piece of driftwood last nite. But I just could'nt stop til the fish were in... I had added my salt, stress coat, and stress zyme a couple days earlier, along with my heaters, so I knew the water was ready for them. I am going to add alot more scrubbies; have to wait for walmart to restock- I bought all they had and it still wasn't enough. So my 2 pacus are out of the tank-tub and in their new home. I will post pics of them in the photo lounge. My jag and temensis are on the way; as soon as they get here my o's go in the 180 with the pacus and the new guys go in the 75.

 

[MilitantPotato]

Looking very nice.

Just another observation on the sump.

If water enters the top of the bio area, then exits from the top also, there may be a problem. If the media is stuffed in there and offers some restriction, the water will exit the container without penetrating the bottom levels of media.