DIY Sump?

[jerrybforl]

I'm getting ready to set up my 90 gallon. It has an overflow system built in it but need ideas on a DIY sump with a 20 gallon. Any ideas?

[Htomassini]

I can help you with that. I have a used sump for a 90 gal with wetdry that I can sell you, or I can help you mod a tank to make the sump, or I can make it for you.

Look at my sump I made for my 210:




Regards

Henry Tomassini

[Gerryd]

JJ,

Henry's seems to work well....there are MANY DIY plans on the web....google returns 10 zillion matches lol

I also know many of the Sterilite or Rubbermaid brand containers can easily be outfitted as a sump....they come in all sizes and colors and are pretty inexpensive....

Glad to hear the 90 is getting some movement..Hope all else is well.

[nipat]

If you already have the tank, Mattenfilter sump may be good idea.
http://markus.bigiel.de/images/filter_1.htm
http://www.akvarista.hu/?oldal=41&ui...gal=1&pic=4891

[Htomassini]

i tried the rubbermaid way but the sidwalls bulge out. The reason I did the sump was to have a section that could hold the water volume that I lost from my main tank (ie a 210 equals 169 real gals of water) therefore i made the sump hold 33 gals of water at any given moment (even with a weeks worth of evaporation)

[jerrybforl]

Guys I already have the 20gallon tank. I got to thinking about what if the power goes out. Will the tank empty onto my floor? My buddy has a wetdry and was showing me his setup but he didnt know the names of the parts (plumbing) to get. Also, are there large check valves for a power head? Say the power goes out and it wants to back siphon, is there a check for that? As far as google, Gerry I looked it up and didnt find any kind of plans. So many things I need to learn about this sump business LOL. All comments and info is much needed and appreciated.

[Htomassini]

thats easy. On the return hose from the pump in your sump going up to the return in your tank above you would install a "check valve". Home depot sells them but I prefer the ones that lfs sell because they are clear and you can inspect them. In addition, drill a 1/16 hole at the bottom of the elbow pvc fitting that hangs in your tank on the return, this is called a siphon break and it does exactly that. In the event that you check valve gives out or is stuck that little hole is enough to stop the water from back siphoning. The other thing to keep in mind is that you will only drain as low as your return, so if you have a spout only an inch below the water line, the water would drain only up to that point (provided you dont have a check valve and shiphon break).

Let us know what else you need to know.

[jerrybforl]

Does anyone have a general plan? Pics? I've never set one up before and I'm trying to imagine what you guys are talking about. Also, my friend mentioned that there is a pvc pipe that elimnates the gurgling noise from the siphoning section in the overflow. Does anyone know that name of it? Again thanks for all the advice!

[Htomassini]

Yes it's called a durso standpipe. Send a pic of your overflow please front and overhead and the sizes of the bulkheads.

I know you live s fla, I'd be happy to help you set it up when u are ready.

I still remember when I got my 90 and I had to figure everything out and make a bunch of mistakes.

We are all here to help you out

[jerrybforl]

Thanks so much Henry! I will do that very soon. As far as the size of the bulk heads I have no clue LOL. How does one go about finding this out? Thanks for all the help!