Diy Sump

[jb12288]

I went to pick up my tank from the glass shop the other day because they were drilling holes for bulkheads. Well, when I got there to pick it up they told me they had dropped the tank and broke it, pissed me off. They offered to buy a new one but not drill the holes, so I accepted. I have now decided to to make a DIY sump, here is what I have in mind right now:

A rubbermade container for the sump
I will make my own plastic dividers to put bioballs in the part where the water comes in, a section for liverock, and then a section for the skimmer and the return tube

This is what I am thinking right now. Any additions I need please tell me. I am not wanting to drill any holes so I will have a u-shaped pipe that has a syphon to the sump and then a return hose to the tank. What size return pump should I get for water return to the tank?

 

[andywg]

Not drilling? Then you need to research overflows, and have a larger set of danglies than I do. If your overflow ever loses syphon (such as in a powercut) then you can expect a royal mess.

Drilling a tank isn't hard and I would suggest you look into buying a drill bit, practice on a scrap of glass and do it yourself. Much easier.

I always plan for the worst, and by drilling you remove one mor potential failure point.

 

[BigC]

This is what I am thinking right now. Any additions I need please tell me. I am not wanting to drill any holes so I will have a u-shaped pipe that has a syphon to the sump and then a return hose to the tank. What size return pump should I get for water return to the tank?

I thought it was that simple, and looking for ways round not to drill, Drilling is best, An overflow Box is second best but unsightly, Third is a Syphon which is a big NO - NO, Too many things can go wrong.
I've been on the go with my sump project for many weeks now and I have taken advice from Andy amongst others and listened to what they say, They've been there, done that so when they give advice then it's from experience and they know what they are on about.
IMHO get the tank drilled. If its only for safety sake, (saltwater+ electricity)
Regards
BigC

 

[jb12288]

yea i see what you are saying. i didnt think about the whole power cut and all. i will drill two 2" holes on the bottom of the back glass piece. Then I will need to insert the bulkheads into the holes and do all the plumbing.

 

[Sea Turtle]

I am not sure if you all remember me or not back some time when I was first strarting my reef tank. All I would do is write tons of questions on this forum about drilling my tank. I was very scared to do it. Researching, watching videos on youtube, asking the same questions over and over and over out of fear. I finally comitted, bought the drill bit on ebay and did it one night. I was laughing my *** off afterwards on how easy it was. Drill your tank, you won't believe how easy it is and how much nicer your tank will be, trust me.

 

[SkiFletch]

It's funny how much tank drilling scares people, and I'd hope that these people's oppinions go a long way to convincing you how easy it really is.

Now that you've decided to drill, you MUST drill in the right place. First a question though: the guys who broke your tank, did they manufacture it or were they just hired to drill ilt? Either way, with drilling as easy as it is, it's kinda lame that they're going as far to offer replacing a tank that big (which is EXPENSIVE) and won't put a few holes in it? Wierd.

Anyways, do not drill the bottom of the back glass, that's asking for trouble. You really want to drill it high up. You're going to want to make what's known as a "Calfo Overflow".

Have you decided where your sump is going to be? (under tank, basement, next room, etc)

Also have you decided on what you want your return pump and flowrate should be? You should be looking for about 5x turnover, aka 500gph through the sump.

There's gonna be a lot of questions along the way but we'll get you through this

 

[Adrinal]

Personally I would have gotten my money back and got a pre-drilled tank.

Drilling is super easy though, especially with diamond bits.

and those are cheep now.

try bulkreefsupply.com they should have any size you need.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

So basically if you can drill instead of getting an overflow, do it? I was just about to message you andy and ask you this, might as well ask here since its related I was reading up on melevs on the weirs because they seemed kinda cool with the water being pulled over the glass, but im guessing ill stick to your advice.

 

[SkiFletch]

So basically if you can drill instead of getting an overflow, do it?

Absoloutely

 

[Sea Turtle]

Just build a little dam around where the hole will be with plumbers putty, fill with water and start at an angle so the bit doesn't fly all around. Then, don't push, just let the weight of the drill do the work. You will quickly find out that glass is very similar to stone. Before you know it, you will through. There are a lot of great video's on youtube on how to do it, just search around on the site. Here is one of the good ones I used. Just follow what he is doing.

Also, I saw that you want to use a tuperware container. That was what I was originally was going to use and I also, changed my mind on this and went with a 20 gal tank. I went to a plastic shop and had them cut me out acrylic dividers for the sections and the bubble trap. It works great and it look professional!!!

http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwc3o_rGmLg...feature=related