Want to build an Under-the-stand sump... 60g FW... Ideas?

[CptCrusty1]

I've heard of people using 10g tanks to set up a sump underneath the aquarium. I currently have a Penn Plax 700 (240gph) that is just barely keeping up. I don't have enough room behind the tank to put an HOB to use as a starter box unless I move the tank away from the wall some more...but that sticks it further out into the walkway.

I'd like ideas on what to put in it, maybe some ideas on how to pump the water back up... etc....

Thanks
Crusty..

[mistahoo]

Re: Want to build an Under-the-stand sump... 60g FW... Ideas?

A water pump is really the only way to get water from the sump back to the tank

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[mnemenoi]

Why not add an larger Eheim? DIY Sumps can be costly unless you have all the gear. With just 10 gallons, I think a secondary canister would be a better bet and far cheaper in the long run IMO. A 2215 is only $100 brand new with media at Big als and lots less headache and chance for failure.

[KhmerStyle]

If you want cheap get a power head to push water back and use rubber maid containers to build wet dry look on you tube

[CptCrusty1]

The containers version was "interesting" but wow... it looked like crap...

If I put another canister underneath and run extra plumbing... that's going to add extra pipes to the inside of the tanks making it look "ugly" and I'm certain my wife wouldn't understand.... but that just gave me an idea....

What If I have a container under the stand that has a downspout going to it. I have 2 canisters pulling from the container and pushing back up to the tank... maybe put a "Y" in and one pipe going up. Typical "U" pipe going down to the bucket.... Hmmmm Interesting Idea.....

[CptCrusty1]

Why not add an larger Eheim? DIY Sumps can be costly unless you have all the gear. With just 10 gallons, I think a secondary canister would be a better bet and far cheaper in the long run IMO. A 2215 is only $100 brand new with media at Big als and lots less headache and chance for failure.

I can build up the equipment over time... enough to do it right....
Big filter means less maintenance in my experience....

[Jason]

I would personally get a Eheim 2217 and save yourself the trouble.

Does your tank have a built in overflow?

[New_Cichlid11]

i would personally do a sump out of a 20l or a 20reg tank, supplies are cheap to make the actual sump. The expenses comes when you add the overflow and pump. Anyhow goodluck

[CptCrusty1]

The expenses comes when you add the overflow and pump. Anyhow goodluck

I have to disagree on that one. I've seen a number of designs for overflows made from PVC that would be extremely cost effective. Case in point:

This first one is a diagram mainly, and I haven't figured out out to do all of it yet... but the general parts are really inexpensive.

http://www.angelfire.com/ok/dog1/overflow.html

This one is informational but the novice on this topic gets the general idea:
http://www.cyberreefguru.com/general.../overflow.html

This one is just flat cool! Complete with animated images....

http://www.nd.edu/~lego/grp2/www/reef_diy.htm

For the last one, how much would you spend on PVC.. $5? Maybe $10? Add a couple ball valves for the down line, and the return and you're in business.

Crusty.

[KhmerStyle]

Good luck on the build please post pictures and keep us updated

[CptCrusty1]

I just priced some of the equipment.

10g tank $13 at Wally World
300gph pump $18 ebay.
12x24 sheets of Lexan $13 Home Depot
So far... that costs A LOT less than a new canister....

[Panda]

I'll make it for you if you provide the materials...
Tank, Acrylic, PVC - I have the rest...

[mistahoo]

Re: Want to build an Under-the-stand sump... 60g FW... Ideas?

You'd be surprised how expensive PVC can get once you hit 1"+. But anything under that is going to be definitely cheaper than a canister unless you buy a used one.

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[CptCrusty1]

Ok... So I found a thread on a Cichlid-specific forum that stated GE5000 is a 100% silicone that some people use for building tanks. Another thread (older) indicated the same. I figured this is the stuff I need, comes in a tube, several dollars cheaper with more quantity than buying the "aquarium sealant." The main thing is that is has to cure for 7 days... ok.. .I can live with that.

I get to Home Depot and tell them the specifics and the guy says "why so specific, can't you just use xyz?" I knew that if I told him what I was doing, he'd become an instant expert. He was being pushy so I told him... guess what. He became an expert. So I asked how many tanks he's built, or owns. Hmmmm I wonder what the answer was. Then he says "if you already have a filter, why do you need more?" I ended up giving him lessons on the nitrification process, creation of the ammonia, water volume vs total filtration, bla bla bla.... mean while, the kid on the next isle said he has a 200 (kid means he's less than 40y/o) and used the same stuff for his sump... SHAZAAM instant vindicification... LOL...


I have some pic's of the start of the process.. nothing beautiful or totally kewl... but, you'll get the idea once I finger out how to put the pictures up here.

[CptCrusty1]

I'll make it for you if you provide the materials...
Tank, Acrylic, PVC - I have the rest...

Panda, I just noticed your offer... I'll take you up on that if I screw this up... LOL....