20 gallon sump on 55 gallon tank?

[clownfanatic55]

What do you guys think about this? It is a 20 long aquarium, since everybody seems to use sumps for better filtration..could this work?
What do I need in order to set it up as a sump? I know I need a HOB overflow filter, but what else?

 

[xcali1985]

depends are you going to make it into a fuge also?
how much equipment are you planning on housing? skimmers, heaters, filters, etc.
if you can list the equipment ill make a drawing of how your baffles should be installed.
has this tank been setup yet? if not look into getting it drilled, will save you time and money as you wont have to worry about siphon breaks and pumping sump water back into your tank. I had that happen with my 55. Disaster!
If your going to run just a sump you only need 2-3 baffles to separate the skimmer from the return pump to keep micro bubbles out your tank. With a 20 long you can get creative with the setup. ill show you mine. Ive since added 2 heaters one in the refuge and another in the return chamber.

 

[clownfanatic55]

I think I am just going with the sump, just need to know exactly how to set it up and what equipment is required to start it up. I have my 55 already set up with a plain HOB filter on it. So I will have to go with the HOB overflow for this one, I am new to the whole sump thing and have no clue how to do it. Sorry

 

[xcali1985]

Originally Posted by Clownfanatic55
http:///forum/post/3158625
I think I am just going with the sump, just need to know exactly how to set it up and what equipment is required to start it up. I have my 55 already set up with a plain HOB filter on it. So I will have to go with the HOB overflow for this one, I am new to the whole sump thing and have no clue how to do it. Sorry

Not a problem, ill list the things you need. then ill post a mock up of it.
Tank
Baffles (3 pieces of acryllic) height depends on whats needed for your equipment to run at optimal performance. One of the 3 will be 11 7/8 x 11 inches. That will be the middle one. All the pieces will be 11 7/8 inches in width to fit into the tank smoothly.
Youll need aquarium safe silicon, I also used krazy glue gel to hold the acrylic in place for a few mins then siliconed the edges. A silicone beader will help keep it nice looking but can be done with the tip of the silicone tube if done right.
Youll need a pvc piping and a return pump.
Your HOB overflow probably comes with flex hose, I would replace that with PVC attachments. As the overflow(intake) line will need to sit slightly below the water level to prevent crashing water sound.
Mockup drawing coming soon.

 

[xcali1985]

As promised.

 

[clownfanatic55]

Alright thanks! I appreciate it! I hope this works well as i plan it to. It would be nice, plus I need a stand to hide it all away. I have a stand but I just want a canopy stand. So much stuff for a hobby! lol LOVE IT

 

[xcali1985]

As i would drill two 1/4 inch holes in the pipe about 1/2 an inch over the the water level on the intake to prevent a gurggling noise this will allow the aire to escape through the holes and not all the way up the pipe. You install the first hole 1/2 inch about the water and the second 1/4 inch about that. Because when the air gets pushed out so does water and this way of a lot of water is going through the hole the second will act as a backup. Thats how i have mine installed. That gives the ripple effect you see in the picture.