Trash can sump design quick questions

[Reedmaster16]

I am in the process of building a sump wet/dry out of a brute trash can and had a few quick questions.

1) Will having the return line from the pump to the tank go through the middle of the sump cause any major problems? I dont want to have to put a bulkhead on the bottom of the trash can because the plastic is difficult to get a good seal.

2) What do you recommend I put on top of the upper egg crate to distribute the water evenly over the scrubbies.

3) Is the spray bar distributing the water from the overflow a good idea or should I just have the water pour out with a 90 degree pvc elbow instead to avoid any flow restriction.

Thanks
Reed

 

[B_IN_SD]

A bulk head fitting on the bottom of the can would be a little more easy IMO. The trash can is flexable enuf to seal with the fitting and gasket. You will have to watch out for plug ups with the spray bar depending on the hole size of the bar.

 

[burningchef]

I agree, it would be much easier to clean if all the pvc was on the outside of the can.

 

[wcc963]

for the spray bar i'd build something like this instead of the single bar for better coverage. the "IN" comes from the tank (obviously, lol ) the other end you can cap or even have another in line, or just make it a complete loop... or even an overflow it the pressure keeps building up

 

[bosanova]

I am in the process of building a sump wet/dry out of a brute trash can and had a few quick questions.

1) Will having the return line from the pump to the tank go through the middle of the sump cause any major problems? I dont want to have to put a bulkhead on the bottom of the trash can because the plastic is difficult to get a good seal.

2) What do you recommend I put on top of the upper egg crate to distribute the water evenly over the scrubbies.

3) Is the spray bar distributing the water from the overflow a good idea or should I just have the water pour out with a 90 degree pvc elbow instead to avoid any flow restriction.

Thanks
Reed

i ve made several over the years using brute rubbermaid from home depot ,with up to four 1and 1/2 holes at the bottom ,since i my overflow was tremondous, never had i experienced leaking probs from the seals ,

 

[Oughtsix]

I would use a drip plate instead of a spray bar. And I would put a bunch of poly fiber on top of the drip plate. OR better yet I would put a tie on filter sock over the end of the supply line from the aquarium instead of the poly fiber batting (Washable vs disposable). The filter plate will better distribute the water over the scrubbies and the fiber / sock will filter out debris before it hits your scrubbies and gunks them up.

I like your design of NOT having a bulkhead... but I have never built a sump in a trash can before so others who have will probably have a more valid opinion than I do.

I would also add some air stones in the bottom of the trash can to keep a constant supply of fresh air rising up through the scrubbies while the water is trickling down through the scrubbies.

 

[Reedmaster16]

Great that helps a ton, thanks so much for the suggestions and extremely helpful replies from everyone