What Is A Sump?

[Annagh]

Hi All

It has just been suggested that I get a sump for my new 6ft tank. The dimentions of my tank in metric are L 183cm, W 35.5cm, D 50cm, Volume 324.83L (about 85 gallons)

How exactly does a sump work? How big a sump will I need? Can and how do I heat the water in the sump to save on heaters in the tropical tank? I understand from the internet that you can make your own sump? If so, how do I go about it - bearing in mind I'm not exactly the best at DIY!!! (Can't find any plans on the internet)

 

[theotheragentm]

A sump is a low point that a tank overflow can drain down into for filtration, as well as for hiding aquarium equipment. Imagine a second tank underneath your tank with a pump in it. It pumps water up to the main tank and there is an overflow built into your tank that drains back into your sump. It increases the total volume of water for your tank, making parameters easier to maintain also. This guy designs filtration system sumps. Basically you force water to move through each compartment, aerating your water and running through physical and bio filters. You can place the heater in the sump to hide it from hanging on the tank.

 

[ziggyboy]

I have always wondered how the water level is maintained in the sump. If water going down from the tank speeds up or the pump going back up breaks,...then wouldn't the sump overflow with water and drain your tank??

 

[ShoC]

Exactly,
You can have 2 types that I know of,
a Siphon and Overflow,
Over flow can guarantee a volume of water being consistent to that of what the pump can pump up so in an effect you wouldn't have a problem,
Imagine pouring water down a 1in diameter pipe its never going to be more than it can hold and it will never have to siphone so if pump fails Water stop filling the tank,
Only down side is its a surface skimmer not going to clean the bottom of the tank,

Siphon on the other hand can go into the middle of the tank but you need to match the drain rate with the pump rate,
You can on one hand get a power full pump add a loop back so Imagine a vertical pip adding a T back into the sump open/close it to allow water to go back into the sump so a %volume of water is moved back to the sump and some up to the main tank,
So best to get overpower full than under power full else you got a flood on your hands in the sump but yes if your pump breaks your stuffed,
I have been thinking is it not possible to get a Lock Tight sump so if the pump fails the sump fills to a point it cant take no more and the siphon will just remain full of water, (must be possible)


http/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_list.php

Various DIY jobs at the bottom you will find Sumps Using Skimmers.
Im not much help still learning but thats how I best worked it out

correct me if I'm wrong im a Novice