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View Full Version : 75G tank with 40G sump journey, a novice perpective



Pompadour Discus
11-08-2016, 03:32 PM
This is my journal about an absolute beginner learning and struggling while developing a passion for discus keeping as a hobby. I have very little knowledge about plumbing or sumps. But I do have a love of DIY and I am a creative person by nature. I have never taken on a project like this let alone even held any pipes in my hands. So you can see why this task is a little daunting. But I want and love discus so much that I willing and ready to do this. Unfortunately my new husband is not handy at all. I own all of our tools and he just held a drill for the first time yesterday, lol. I wish at least one of you lived in MI so I could get someone over here to at least see if I got the right items and have things in the correct order I am so afraid that when I finally get this set up I will flood the house or never get it going right. Well enough of the monologue.... here is what I have purchased so far

1.Aqueon 75gallon-display tank

2.Aqueon 40gallon- sump tank- I measured inside dimensions L 35 & 3/16", W 17 & 3/8", H 14 & 1/2"

3.U tube Return- QTY 1- https://www.amazon.com/Tube-Return-Misc/dp/B00A7ZQVA6/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1478631709&sr=8-5&keywords=U+tube+return

4.Rock Background Recommended by a YouTuber- https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Rocks-Flexible-Aquarium-Background/dp/B005GZ1XH8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1478632013&sr=8-6&keywords=Universal+rock

5. Aqua Pump 782 GPH- https://www.amazon.com/Rio-Plus-2500-Aqua-Pump/dp/B0006JM0GM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478632159&sr=8-1&keywords=rio+plus+2500+pump

6. Aqueon 3OZ. Silicone- Plan to use this smaller container for the baffles that are to tightly spaced to glue using the caulk gun. https://www.amazon.com/Aqueon-100165003-Silicone-3-oz/dp/B0002ASD2K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1478632265&sr=8-3&keywords=aquarium+silicone

7. Gordon Glass CO. aquarium silicone 10.2 oz.-https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Aquarium-Silicone-Sealant-Cartridge/dp/B00EZB1QQ2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1478632265&sr=8-4&keywords=aquarium+silicone

8. Eshopps Dual Drain Overflow Box, pic only shows one drain but it actually comes with 2. https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=eshopps+aeo11010

I am purchasing products as I learn what I need and have researched the best options. My next purchase will hopefully be the heaters. I am still researching which heater brand is the best and the watts I need, I believe I should be ok with 2-250watt heaters but want to be sure. I am not sure about lighting just yet amongst other things. of course I am leaving the worse for last the plumbing. I have no idea what size pipes I need and hate to make the trip to home depot in this state of mind. I hate the look on the employees faces when they have to help another clueless woman on a project they believe she has no business attempting :( but I will get it over with soon.

I guess thats it for now..... I will update as I can and hopefully get the uploading pics issue sorted so I can show you my progress.

Aja.

Ryan925
11-08-2016, 04:14 PM
Look forward to seeing your progress. I have a 75 g display tank and just bought a 40 breeder to build my sump. I also will be using a dual outlet eshopps overflow.

Sounds like our setups will be quite similar

Pompadour Discus
11-08-2016, 04:16 PM
Look forward to seeing your progress. I have a 75 g display tank and just bought a 40 breeder to build my sump. I also will be using a dual outlet eshopps overflow.

Sounds like our setups will be quite similar

AWWWWWW if only we lived near each other we could help each other out, although I probably would be more of an hinderance. Also I forgot to put that I am tiling the bottom of my tank and keep it BB. Have to update that

Pompadour Discus
11-08-2016, 04:17 PM
I forgot to add this to my post I plan to have a bare bottom tank and tile the bottom with tile I have purchase from Home Depot. http://www.homedepot.com/p/MS-International-Desert-Trail-12-in-x-12-in-Gauged-Slate-Floor-and-Wall-Tile-10-sq-ft-case-SDESTRL1212/202508372?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%7cG%7c0%7cG-VF-PLA-D23-Tile%7c&gclid=CKiOidH8mdACFQkHaQodHyAIyw&gclsrc=aw.ds

Pompadour Discus
11-08-2016, 06:54 PM
So I finally decided on my lighting thanks to the King of DIY.
I will purchase later tonight -
16.4ft 5M Waterproof Rope Lights 300 LED with remote - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01JLRFYBW/ref=pd_gwm_simh_0?pf_rd_p=e5f333cd-ffc9-4dad-8b68-fea2bebaf632&pf_rd_s=blackjack-personal-2&pf_rd_t=Gateway&pf_rd_i=mobile&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=HDWJR94FXFGQR8KQ6BSH

And attempt a DIY using his instructional video- https://youtu.be/_EYC3obFY4w

I am kind of excited about this project seems more obtainable and I can't wait to see the end results :)

Jenene
11-08-2016, 09:19 PM
So I finally decided on my lighting thanks to the King of DIY.
I will purchase later tonight -
16.4ft 5M Waterproof Rope Lights 300 LED with remote - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01JLRFYBW/ref=pd_gwm_simh_0?pf_rd_p=e5f333cd-ffc9-4dad-8b68-fea2bebaf632&pf_rd_s=blackjack-personal-2&pf_rd_t=Gateway&pf_rd_i=mobile&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=HDWJR94FXFGQR8KQ6BSH

And attempt a DIY using his instructional video- https://youtu.be/_EYC3obFY4w

I am kind of excited about this project seems more obtainable and I can't wait to see the end results :)

Welcome Aja!
Love all the links for your project. I saw the King of DIY's video on those lights (love his videos) and we actually have those under our fireplace mantel to light up the stone. They are really cool that you can mix the colors and control them with a remote. I give you a lot of credit treading into unfamiliar territory and doing your research. Enjoy the process and keep us posted.

Pompadour Discus
11-10-2016, 03:01 AM
Welcome Aja!
Love all the links for your project. I saw the King of DIY's video on those lights (love his videos) and we actually have those under our fireplace mantel to light up the stone. They are really cool that you can mix the colors and control them with a remote. I give you a lot of credit treading into unfamiliar territory and doing your research. Enjoy the process and keep us posted.

Thanks! I bought most of the supplies today and will get the rest in the morning. My heart is hurting at the moment because I just saw a post on Craigslist for a 125g custom tank with stand, hood, sump, and its already plumbed and beautiful and I soooooo want it bad, but of course can't afford it. He wants $1400 or OBO and its beautiful and I wish I could make an offer. It would mean I could get started a lot sooner and I could use what I bought to setup either a QT tank or grow out tank. So heartbroken right now.

Pompadour Discus
11-14-2016, 12:38 PM
Hi everyone, update on sump progress. I spent daysssss designing this 40G sump literally researching every step, checking books, forums (mainly here), websites and YT. I think I came up with something doable for my limited experience which is to say none, no experience at all. I posted this in the beginners thread hoping to get advice and tips, I didn't get as much as I thought I would. Maybe I posted in wrong area or maybe my sump is just fine. I really hope so, because I will be getting glass cut very soon. I'm making the calls today.

Lighting-*Philips 75-Watt*Agro Plant Light BR30*Flood Light*Bulb
http://www.homedepot.com/b/Electrica...tialmax&NCNI-5

75-Watt Incandescent Clamp Light
http://www.homedepot.com/p/75-Watt-I...0PDQ/205139241

Baffles- Smoked Glass
Haven't called around for prices just yet.

Filters-
For filters I planned to start from the top just under inlet pipes in first baffle, first with coarse mechanical media, fine mechanical media, chemical media, then biological media.

1. Fluval External Power Filter Pre-Filter Media
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CZXZEU

2. Fluval Foam Filter Block
https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Foam-F...GJ3G8ZQ1DWA5NJ

3. Fluval Fine Filter Water Polishing Pad
https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Filter...21C6EBWRSM6RM8

4. Seachem Purigen for Freshwater
https://www.amazon.com/Seachem-11601...eachem+purigen


5. Seachem PhosGuard
https://www.amazon.com/Seachem-67101...sguard+seachem

6. Fluval Bio-Foam
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Refugium-

I plan to float the following plants in the water:
*Chaetomorpha
*Ceratopteris- (Water Sprite)
*Anubias Barteri

I also want a few CUC fishes/invertebrates, Not sure what I want yet, open for any suggestions.

Between 3rd and 4th baffle-
Bags of Seachem Matrix resting on top of an egg crate.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004PBD4J4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1479141396&sr=8-3&keywords=seachem+matrix

Return section-

Heaters-

Purchasing 2- 250W*EHEIM Jager Aquarium Thermostat*Heater
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I6U23C...I7YKN6UB&psc=1

Inkbird ITC-308S 1100W Pre-Wired Digital Dual Stage Temperature Controller, Outlet Thermostats with 12" Stainless Probe Sensor
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A51OLR6...I1MEEM1H35NU67

Pump-

Rio Plus 2500 HP Aqua Pump, 782 GPH

https://www.amazon.com/Rio-Plus-2500...479096872&sr=1

103927

kris2341
11-14-2016, 12:51 PM
chaetomorpha wont grow in freshwater, just a warning!

Pompadour Discus
11-14-2016, 01:27 PM
chaetomorpha wont grow in freshwater, just a warning!

OK thanks!! Do you know a good freshwater plant to put in my refugium?

kris2341
11-14-2016, 01:53 PM
water lettuce or water hyacinth i think would work

or hygrophila

Pompadour Discus
11-14-2016, 03:43 PM
water lettuce or water hyacinth i think would work

or hygrophila

Thanks! I will google those now!

100fuegos
11-14-2016, 03:56 PM
Few suggestions based on my own experience.

1. Ditch every filter media mentioned and replace it by poret foam and poret foam only. Start by 10 ppi on top, then 20 ppi and last 30 ppi. You will not need anything else. Do not seat the last piece of poret foam on the bottom of the sump, make a base out of egg crate at around 1 or 1 1/2 inches from the bottom.
2. Ditch the las baffle to the right. It will only create bubbles that your pump will suck and send right up to your tank.

kris2341
11-14-2016, 04:58 PM
yeah i just noticed your filter media setup, ditch most of that and just have poret foam (or any other reticulated foam of proper pore size, poret is quality stuff), the matrix(or other bio media, matrix is just pumice stones), and maybe the purigen if you really like it. i personally like purigen but its not mandatory by any means.

rickztahone
11-14-2016, 05:13 PM
I can't recall if you posted on my thread or not seeking advice, but if it wasn't you, go check out my build. The sump layout I have is one that I would recommend anyone with a FW tank to emulate. I love the layout and it makes easy to get to stuff if you have the height clearance on your stand. My stand is short but if you plan around this, you will be good.

Pompadour Discus
11-14-2016, 08:43 PM
yeah i just noticed your filter media setup, ditch most of that and just have poret foam (or any other reticulated foam of proper pore size, poret is quality stuff), the matrix(or other bio media, matrix is just pumice stones), and maybe the purigen if you really like it. i personally like purigen but its not mandatory by any means.

Hi thanks! Is there a reason why your think I shouldn't use this media , I thought they were rated well. And yes I definitely plan on keeping the matrix and purigen. I wasn't so sure about the rest of it, just seen a lot of people using it and saying good things. But I could go either way with the filter in the first chamber

Pompadour Discus
11-14-2016, 08:46 PM
I can't recall if you posted on my thread or not seeking advice, but if it wasn't you, go check out my build. The sump layout I have is one that I would recommend anyone with a FW tank to emulate. I love the layout and it makes easy to get to stuff if you have the height clearance on your stand. My stand is short but if you plan around this, you will be good.

I just wrote this long reply and it didn't post :(
Well I was trying to say I saw your post, I definitely like your setup but I think its much more advance than my skill set will allow. It seems like an overwhelming project. Something I will definitely attempt on my next tank after I have gained some experience from a more basic design. Also what does FW stand for?

kris2341
11-14-2016, 08:49 PM
you're raising fish, not coral... and you're using tap water likely so phosguard is literally throwing your money away. reticulated foam is the most durable mechanical/biological filtration media around so you only need that one with a dedicated bio media

Pompadour Discus
11-14-2016, 08:49 PM
Few suggestions based on my own experience.

1. Ditch every filter media mentioned and replace it by poret foam and poret foam only. Start by 10 ppi on top, then 20 ppi and last 30 ppi. You will not need anything else. Do not seat the last piece of poret foam on the bottom of the sump, make a base out of egg crate at around 1 or 1 1/2 inches from the bottom.
2. Ditch the las baffle to the right. It will only create bubbles that your pump will suck and send right up to your tank.
Hi thanks for the advice! Is there a reason why I shouldn't use other filter media? Also my last baffle was set up to actually be a bubble trap which I mimicked from other designs I've researched or seen from other experts on YT including the King of DIY. So is it more a problem that I may have not spaced it correctly or is the design they created flawed?

rickztahone
11-14-2016, 08:51 PM
I just wrote this long reply and it didn't post :(
Well I was trying to say I saw your post, I definitely like your setup but I think its much more advance than my skill set will allow. It seems like an overwhelming project. Something I will definitely attempt on my next tank after I have gained some experience from a more basic design. Also what does FW stand for?

FW = Fresh Water. I know it looks complicated, and I thought the same before I actually did the project but after/during it, I didn't feel it was overly complicated.

Pompadour Discus
11-14-2016, 08:52 PM
you're raising fish, not coral... and you're using tap water likely so phosguard is literally throwing your money away. reticulated foam is the most durable mechanical/biological filtration media around so you only need that one with a dedicated bio media

Ahhhhhhhh OK!! And yes I will be using aged tap water. I only picked phosguard because someone mentioned using it in another post. But I'm all about saving money so thanks again!

100fuegos
11-15-2016, 04:19 PM
Hi thanks for the advice! Is there a reason why I shouldn't use other filter media? Also my last baffle was set up to actually be a bubble trap which I mimicked from other designs I've researched or seen from other experts on YT including the King of DIY. So is it more a problem that I may have not spaced it correctly or is the design they created flawed?


That last baffle will make the water over flow and fall directly next to the pump creating bubbles. The second last baffle from right to left will actually act as a bubble trap forcing the bubbles to go up and not to the pump. And you don't need other media other than poret foam.

Pompadour Discus
11-16-2016, 02:45 AM
104045

Here is updated version with changes!

kris2341
11-16-2016, 02:59 AM
swap the places of seachem matrix and seachem purigen.

replace the bio rings and bio foam with more seachem matrix, no point in having so much bio media variety when it all does the same thing. save money and get a bigger size of seachem matrix.

Pompadour Discus
11-16-2016, 10:56 AM
swap the places of seachem matrix and seachem purigen.

replace the bio rings and bio foam with more seachem matrix, no point in having so much bio media variety when it all does the same thing. save money and get a bigger size of seachem matrix.

Okay, I only added the rings because someone in this post suggested it, but I get what you mean. Thanks!! Oh and I will remove the last baffle I just can't erase it out of my drawing and I don't have white out.

Pompadour Discus
11-22-2016, 01:15 AM
So happy today, I went shopping for a stand for my tank. I needed a sturdy stand to handle all the weight, but was still in my price ranged. I shopped all the LFS's and the cheapest one I found was a basic steel stand with no shelving or doors or anything really, for $104. So I decided to visit Salvation Army to see if they had anything that I could use. And I found the perfect piece! It is the perfect size and has doors to hide the sump and is open in the back to allow plumbing. The best part is it was priced at $90, on sale for 50% off and I talk the manager down to $37 bucks!!! I just painted it black and it looks awesome, I will post pics soon :)

Pompadour Discus
11-22-2016, 01:30 AM
104202

This is a pic of it before the paint job.

two utes
11-22-2016, 03:55 AM
That's a really nice stand and your tank will look really nice on it, but if l were you l would make sure its strong enough to hold the weight of your tank. Maybe reinforce the insides with some heavy timber and l would also put more support underneath rather than just having only those four legs in each corner. Looking forward to seeing the finished product. Good luck with it.

Pompadour Discus
11-22-2016, 11:36 AM
That's a really nice stand and your tank will look really nice on it, but if l were you l would make sure its strong enough to hold the weight of your tank. Maybe reinforce the insides with some heavy timber and l would also put more support underneath rather than just having only those four legs in each corner. Looking forward to seeing the finished product. Good luck with it.

Thanks! Good idea, especially about the legs I was wondering same thing my self they seem kind of wonky. And one of the legs is chipped.

rickztahone
11-22-2016, 02:52 PM
Thanks! Good idea, especially about the legs I was wondering same thing my self they seem kind of wonky. And one of the legs is chipped.

Is this a steel stand?

Pompadour Discus
11-22-2016, 06:33 PM
Is this a steel stand?

No its solid wood! The stand that was made of steel I did not purchase. It looked like this:104221 but was bigger made for a 75 gallon.

I just painted my new wood stand that I got for $37, bought one can of paint for $3.16 and had one about half full left over from another project. The pictures don't do it justice it looks so much better!
104222
104223

rickztahone
11-22-2016, 07:31 PM
Very nice. I have done a lot of tank stand painting over the years and I will say that staining is my absolute most hated...

Pompadour Discus
11-24-2016, 08:24 PM
So I finally finished my aquarium light! Took forever since I have been working a lot of hours and I had to wait for a part. And I didn't have any of the proper tools.

So I pretty much just followed the King of DIY YouTube video to make this, it was super easy.
https://youtu.be/_EYC3obFY4w

I did have a few problems, the sticky back to the leds weren't actually sticky so I had to get some non-toxic glue and tape it down until glue dried. The rain gutter end caps are hard as heck to attach to the rain gutters. The drill I have sucks balls so I had to go to my dads house and use his saw and drill. So many issues, but its finally done. I have a very nice remote and it is super bright thanks to the reflective tape.104260

I have a video I recorded of the lights working on my phone but haven't figured out how to upload videos on here yet that aren't YouTube.