(broomer5)skimmer box alternatives

[beginnermatt]

I'm trying to reduce the amount of visible hardware in my tank. I would like to get a pump that will draw water down into my sump. However, I don't want to have the pump in the tank because of heat and visibility. Is there a pump that will draw water and send it down into the sump. I read something about inline pumps but i'm unsure of its function. Thanks for the info.

 

[dburr]

A syphone is used in the tank and the pump is in the sump to pump it back up. You need to get the right size hose for the syphone and the right pump for the GPH you want to do. The syphone is at the water level, as long as you don't break the syphone your golden.
do a search, their tons of info on this, HTH.
dburr

 

[mr . salty]

You definatly need some kind of overflow box here.Just a syphon will NOT WORK.It will be impossible to match the return to it,and cause major problems.Look into the new CPR boxes.They have very little on the inside of the tank...Your only other alternative would be to have the tank DRILLED.

 

[beginnermatt]

Thanks for posting. I decided to build an overflow or should i say look into building one. I was sent a email of a lifereef.com model. This seems good, however I don't know if I can find the materials.

 

[broomer5]

If you're handy with working with acrylic or other plastics, DIY is not a bad way to go.
Personally I decided it was best to purchase the overflow, and try and DIY the rest of the way.
That's just me ....
What size tank and sump combo are you working with here Matt?

 

[beginnermatt]

Well I'm kind of limited here. I have a 33 gal flat back hex tank. The cabinet came with the tank and doesn't have much room. I can fit a 10 gallon tank at least for the sump. I would like to return the water with my magnum 330 canister filter. I may be able to fit a bigger tank once I move the tank to a new location. The back of the cabinet is wide open, so I'll see how much room is available. Can the overflow box be made with 1/8 " acrylic. I think it should be thicker. Thanks

 

[krux]

<a href="http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/diycorner/" target="_blank">http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/diycorner/</a>
here is a good place to start looking into plans and construction tips for most DIY projects. Have fun.

 

[johnnysalt]

Tip #1: Do NOT make the overflow box out of 1/8" plastic! Use 1/4" instead.
Tip #2: If you need to save $$ with this project, look on auction sites and buy one used instead. Most here would agree that an overflow box is one of the trickiest things to diy unless you're GREAT with plastics.
Tip#3: Change your "newbie name" soon.....Next year when you have like 857 posts, do you still want to be known as "BeginnerMatt"?!?
Email me if you want some more diy ideas on your sump!

 

[beginnermatt]

Thanks and Ill make sure to change my name soon.