Diy Sump For Nano Tank

[@ombomb]

Well not really, DIY, but if I by a small tank (10g) what steps would I need to tank to convert this into a sump / refugarium for a nano reef?

I am assuming that I would need a couple of bits of glass siliconed in as baffle bars, two powerheads to move the water into the refugarium and then out through the filtration section.

My major concern is how to make sure the flow is correct and there isn't more coming into the sump than going out?

Any help / walkthroughs appreciated.

 

[littleimp]

You never use a pump to get main water out of the tank into the sump/fuge!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If the tank isn't pre-drilled you can either buy or make an overflow box that hangs on the back. This works the same as any weir & will only drain the main tank to the level of the overflow box. You can compensate for this in the sump by having the water level as such it won't overspill onto your floor should it ever happen, it will believe me!!

For the sump you need 3 basic chambers.

1. First chamber where the water flows into, you could elaborate into this & build a section inside the first baffle to accomodate ssome filter wool.
2. Next chamber is where you have your deep sand bed & you grow algae/cheato to help with your nutrients.
3.Last chamber is normally where your return pump sits.

You can use any water tight container as a sump, lots of people have got away with using big tupperware containers & stuff like that!!

If you don't have the room you can lose section 2 & incorporate it into section 1.

 

[@ombomb]

That makes sense imp.

Having had a look round, I'm leaning towards creating the overflow in tank, probably by siliconing in a couple of pieces of acrylic / glass with the outpipe inthere. Having had look at some plans, it's clear how it works, as keeping the outlet above the intake means the water level in the sump can never get too high.

 

[emo]

That makes sense imp.

Having had a look round, I'm leaning towards creating the overflow in tank, probably by siliconing in a couple of pieces of acrylic / glass with the outpipe inthere. Having had look at some plans, it's clear how it works, as keeping the outlet above the intake means the water level in the sump can never get too high.

I haven't done it myself... yet, but apparently when using acrylic it is best to use acrylic glue. I've heard Weld On #16 mentioned loads for acrylic DIY, however I don't know if you can get that over here, there will be something similar if not. The purpose of the acrylic glue is that it actually melts the acrylic, and when it cures it forms a strong bond. Silicone will not affix itself to acrylic very well, unless it's surface has been sanded a little.

 

[Matthew5664]

you can use Polystyrene cement, remember the stuff you used from Beaties on you Airfix modles

 

[@ombomb]

you can use Polystyrene cement, remember the stuff you used from Beaties on you Airfix modles

Really?

I'd of assumed that it would have something nasty in it which could cause problems. Having said that, I supposed once it sets, it's set.

 

[Matthew5664]

Work exactly the same as acrylic glue be melting the polymers and then they bond together.