The Puffer Forum

So I have given it thought and I think I may try a sump after all. My first question is I have been hearing a lot about homemade sumps. Should I, being someone who does not yet know entirely how a sump works just buy one. I do not entirely understand how a sump is installed either, could someone explain to me how this is done?

build ... any old tank or tub can be converted into one. If you buy one it is going to cost big $$

There are lots of DIY plans on the net. It is not as difficult as it seems. Basically it is a very large filter. It increases your overall water volume in the tank, while keeping the more unsightly filter parts out of sight.

Yep,...I say build it yourself.

Pick up a HOB overflow box, small used aquarium, return pump, cut some hoses to fit, make sure to drill a siphon break into the return hose just below the water line (prevents back-flow if power goes out to pump)

There are tons of designs for DIY sumps on the net, look over the options, ask other reef-keepers for opinions, then get some glass pieces cut to fit the flow path, and silicone them into place. Voila.

I know I'm over simplifying a bit...I just wanted to give you a break-down of the major steps. Designing the flow path will be the biggest choice, make sure to leave room for a skimmer (if you are planning for one) and a heater, too

Here ya go: http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

Thanks guys. I thinking of using the 20g.L my GSP is in now as the sump. If that is going to be to large to fit in the stand I could use a 10g.

A sump is to serve any purpose you want.

Many are divided permanently into sections for various media, to accomplish filtration without the small volume restrictions of HOBs ar external canisters. That is the likely the most frequent use.

But for SW, more sumps are or should be used for live rock and/or macroalge growth,and/oor for a DSB or plenum, and to hose (and conceal) the skimmer out of sight.

A sump is just another water-holding vessel which is used in conjunction with a display tank. The exact use is entirely your choice. The majority of my tanks have sumps, whether FW, BW, or SW. They are used in a variety of ways to assist in the upkeep of the display specimen(s) and their tank. It may be above or below the display, beside or behind it - position is not critical.

The critical areas are the total flow through the system, its rate (which depends on the particular use) and safety from overflow of either vessel whether power is on or off.

HTH

I suggest building it yourself...

My only piece of real advice, is to make sure you buy a good pump!

Type into youtube "diy sump set ups". I spent a week doing that and finally got the hang of what all a sump can be used for and how to make one.

A sump is really the way to go....I bought mine.