sump design / info

[NeiMan]

Can anyone point me in the direction of Sump Building info ? What to include, how many baffles etc etc. I know theres loads of different ways of doing things so just some general info or pics or links would be great.

Many thanks

[Wes]

http://melevsreef.com/category/articles/diy/sumps

http://melevsreef.com/articles/constructing-acrylic-sump

[NeiMan]

Thanks for that Wes, I've kept marines before and made my own sumps - never kept discus so really wondered what goes where and whats needed. Filter socks etc or bio rings etc. Thank you for the links


http://melevsreef.com/category/articles/diy/sumps

http://melevsreef.com/articles/constructing-acrylic-sump

[Wes]

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?118508-Lets-see-those-sumps/page2

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?117743-75g-Acrylic-tank-w-40g-sump-(Journal-build-thread)

Keep it simple -filter socks some poret foam for chambers, media and a pump.

[Boyd Luth]

While utilizing the above links. I enjoy browsing Craigslist, and after spotting a deal on any sump, I just modify them :-)

[Jack L]

http://www.swisstropicals.com/

i thought there was sump designs on there, but didn't see them tonight.


if i were doing one now, i'd just use a tank and poret foam. i have not seen ANY benefit of any other thing i've added.

but this my current configuration http://forum.simplydiscus.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=92221&d=1448737901

[farebox]

Just cleaned out my 20G long diy sump and reconfigured it using the following items: For mechanical filter, Aquamaxx 100 micron pad from marine depot.com, blue 10 ppi poret pad mounted horizontal. Next filstar xp3 filter basket filled with 2ltrs. seachem matrix biomedia, followed by 20 ppi ,30 ppi, 45 ppi poret pads and finally an synfil filter mat, all from swiss tropicals.com. Also running an mr-1 media reactor filled with 250 ml seachem purigen media. Last thorough my emperor aquatics 40W smart uv lite sterilizer. Bottom line since I've overstocked my 125G tank with 16 discus, I try and provide able filtration with 50%+ water changes every 3 days. Check video: https://youtu.be/ICtJ9lgjDKo

[NeiMan]

Thanks Wes, Boyd Luth, Jack L, and Farebox. Do you all use filter socks or just pads and foam or a combination of both ?

[Jack L]

i stopped using filter socks

switched to 3 stage poret foam then through matrix then through floss

this floss is what i'm currently using http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NF2V70W?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00
it is twice as thick and last longer than pinky floss. it costs more but i can go longer before i have to replace it

but, i may abandon floss altogether and put more foam in that area, less maintenance the better for me.

[Jack L]

Roland, watched your sump update, question, if your overflow plugs, or slows. will the sumps pump drain your entire sump into you display tank and overflow?

[farebox]

Been using this system since 08/2014 without any problems, I turn off my return pump at least 3 x daily during feeding times, starts right back up each time, no siphon lost so far. Quote from Lifereef.com: "NOT A SINGLE SIPHON LOSS IN 26 YEARS! NEED WE SAY MORE? YES, BECAUSE YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT MAKES A SAFE AND RELIABLE PREFILTER BOX VS A CHEAP COPY OR POOR DESIGN......" If your tank is not drilled or do not want to drill, this is the best way to go. Also very easy to clean.

[Magoo40]

Roland, watched your sump update, question, if your overflow plugs, or slows. will the sumps pump drain your entire sump into you display tank and overflow?

The answer is yes it is a possibility because the poret foam dividers do not create baffles as such creating a smaller volume of water in the return pump chamber the pump would continue to pump until the entire volume of the sump has dropped to the suction point of the pump.

[Jack L]

this got me thinking and looking at mine. it only holds about 6 gallons in the pump chamber but just that looks enough to overflow the display tank if the overflows plug