How Small Can A Sump Be

[Daveo026]

Hi all.I have a 33l tank and wondering if its even possible to turn it into a sump

 

[techen]

Yes, very easily to turn it into a sump. Just depends what your after?

 

[Daveo026]

Not really sure I've never had one I guess just one thats has some rapid growing algae or plant to help keep nitrates down

 

[techen]

You don't really need a sump for a tropical, Unless you wanted to start marine. It means you have to drill your tank to get the inlet and outlet fitted.

 

[Daveo026]

Nitrates come out of my tank at 50 so I have a prob with them and on a water metre so ro unit isn't an option looking for a different ways of helping with it I keep tank clean as and I'm under stocked so looking for as many ways as poss before adding more fish

 

[DrRob]

Sumping freshwater is still helpful at times. Particularly for heavy, messy feeders.
 
It also doesn't necessarily need a drilled tank if you go with an overflow system.
 
The issue with small tanks is that they risk overflowing if the power is turned off for any reason, as the pump stops and back fills with gravity from it's pipes and the overflow keeps running until the tank drops below it's level.

 

[Daveo026]

Overflow sounds about what I need then. Just need to learn how to make it and can I hide my heaters in it. Sorry for questions I really have no idea about sumps