Sump

[Nemo2010]

Alright you guys talked me into it... I am stepping away from the cannister that is running my 75g and building a sump system... I already have the 30g long tank for the sump just wondering how to build it.. I mean i see some that are just for equipment and some with plants and all in them.. What should i do? Given that its a 30g i assume i have room for a nice sump but i have no clue thats why i need you guys lol..... If you can let me know what to put in it and some good articles on how to build it that would be great. I watched the youtube video on Do It Yourself sumps which is nice but im not drilling as i need to use an over flow box is what i was told. SOOOO what size over flow should i get (800gph) or more? and do i need a pump that does 800gph or do i use smaller? also what type of protein skimmer should i use... You guys have been doing this for a LONG time so what you tell me is what i do and what you tell me to get is what i buy :). Thanks for the help.

 

[Bluespace]

Check out some of the build threads. Tons of info and options on what you can do. I'm sure some of the "EXPERTS" will chime in soon. Good Luck!!

 

[Bluespace]

Here's how mine is setup.

Left Side

Right Side

Full Shot

 

[Bifferwine]

What Bluespace did is probably the most basic and easiest way to set up a sump. It has 3 compartments -- the first (where the water enters) will hold your skimmer, heater, and other equipment, the second is a refugium that holds sand, rock and macroalgae, and the third holds the return pump.

 

[PRC]

Here's a pretty popular video and it's what I used to make my sump/refugium. There's a part 1 and part 2.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxnugJGiT3o"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxnugJGiT3o[/ame]

 

[crazy cajun]

yep thats the same video i used the only thing is that i wish i would have put a higher baffle for the return pump so you dont have to add water as often, but i guess i can extend my baffle a little higher,

 

[Hiker4twenty]

Sump looks nice Crazy! What model octo skimmer is that?

 

[crazy cajun]

2010 Octopus EXT 160

 

[Hiker4twenty]

That's what I thought. I looked just like mine, but I couldn't read the label in the pic. How do you like it? I don't have mine set up yet.

 

[crazy cajun]

its only been in use for 3 weeks now, they say it takes a few weeks to fully break in and i dont have much of a bio load on it since my tank is new and only 2 damsels and a clean up crew but it does suck out some stuff im sure it while do great once i put more fish and corals in it, my tank is a 90 gal with the 30 gal sump so the oct 160 should do a good job

 

[sen5241b]

Do not throw away your canister filter. In an emergency it can really be a life saver if its filled with the right kind of media and used on a temporary basis.

 

[dcantucson]

+1 Sen
They can also be used to vacuum out gunk on occasion. Keep it.