A Sump Question For A Friend

[DallasCowboys]

Hi there

My friend has just brought a 55 gallon tank that will be in her garage on the opposite side of the wall to her lounge where her marine tank is to be situated when she moves, the 55 gal is for a sump and as this is the first time shes used a sump has asked me if i would try and find any helpful advice besdies what shes already read, ie how to make the sump with the different section, and to channel the water in and out best, and also how to do water changes from the sump if possible, If theres anyone on here that wouldnt mind spending a few minutes of their time just to give some useful advice then id be most grateful.

Thanks Luke

 

[robbhp]

To fit baffles is very easy, just see how wide tank and tall you want your baffles. Then take that down to your local glass shop. They will then cut it to size for you (may also be worth getting the top section polished so to avoid those nasty cuts when going in to your sump). Then you just need some fish safe silicone to stick it all in place.

Water change from the sump is a bit harder to do, but can be done. The one problem that you will find is the sump in normally very close to the floor. This is bad news if you want to use the siphon method. Putting this to one side, all you need to do is turn of your sump to tank return pump, and slowly let the sump fill with water. Once filled (i.e. water has stopped coming from the display tank) mark a fill line on the sump (marker pen or something like that). You can proceed with your water change, once finished just make sure to fill the water back up to the fill line, you placed on the sump before( if you fail t do this last step your sump will run dry as it will pump what water it has into the display tank) . The next time I build a sump I will be fitting a tap fixture on the front side, so that all I have to do is let my sump fill with water from the display, then open the tap and let it all come running out . This I what I would also recommend too yourself, that is unless you do have a raised sump.


many thanks Rob

 

[SkiFletch]

Your biggest challenge IMO is sorting out the overflow from the display tank. Since I assume you're from the States, and probably Texas, a Durso standpipe is likely out of the question (tank bottom is probably tempered, thus can't be drilled). I'd therefore look into what's commonly called a "Calfo Overflow" system. Long story short, you drill the back of the tank a little below water level, install a bulkhead fitting with a "Tee" on the back and an elbow pointing down in the front. Then you cap the top side of the tee and drill a small hole through it to allow air to pass. the bottom side of the tee is piped out to the 55g in the garage. Lastly you cover the elbows inside with an internal box or "weir" that keeps snails out, and voila, you've got an overflow. The size and number of holes is determined by the flowrate through the sump (usually 5 times the display tank volume).

Then you select an appropriate return pump, use check valves and holes just below the water level to prevent back-siphons. Glue the whole thing up, cross your fingers and turn it on

As for the sump itself, melevsreef.com can help there

 

[DallasCowboys]

hi thanks for that, No im not from the states lol i wish especially texas, No Im from coventry, United Kingdom, Im just an NFL fan and my fav team is Dallas Cowboys.

 

[SkiFletch]

hi thanks for that, No im not from the states lol i wish especially texas, No Im from coventry, United Kingdom, Im just an NFL fan and my fav team is Dallas Cowboys.

You poor soul; How old were you when you gave your soul to the Devil... I mean Cowboys

Honestly though, bing from the UK, you can consider a Durso Standpipe if you wish, don't overlook that possibility. And despite the fact that you root for the Devil, I'll be happy to help you and your future fish/corals out with any info/questions you have.