Building a small sump, worth it?

[seecrabrun]

I'd love input on if building a small sump is worth it on my 29g tank or if it may be more worth than it is worth.

I'd also love any links you can provide for building a small sump and plumbing a 29g standard tank.

I don't have a lot of room to work with under the tank, and I guess I will have to waterproof the cabinet somehow as well? Or is it a good idea to put a solid lid on the sump?

 

[beaslbob]

having an external sump does complicate operations and it also opens the possibiliby for floods.

But lotsa people do use them.

IMHO an in tank refugium might be just a good and a lot easier/safer operation.

my .02

 

[seecrabrun]

One reason I was considering it was because my tank is getting pretty full of machinery

 

[snakeblitz33]

You could use a hand on tank refugium as your main filter and put your heater in it to save space on the inside of your tank.

 

[seecrabrun]

I do have a hang on refugium getting started. I use 2 50w heaters and they are too big for the refugium.

I've been told I need a skimmer and I think that will put me at all ledges except the front covered

 

[beaslbob]

I do have a hang on refugium getting started. I use 2 50w heaters and they are too big for the refugium.

I've been told I need a skimmer and I think that will put me at all ledges except the front covered

FWIW with macros balacing out and stabilizing the system, a skimmer is not needed.

 

[acrylic51]

No lid on the sump.....depends on the amount of space you have under the tank if it's worthwhile.

 

[Skinr1]

I have run a wet/dry for years , never had a problem knock on wood
also im about to upgrade a bigger 1 for my 90gal .
I might sell the small 1 that's running it now

 

[seecrabrun]

what exactly is a wet/dry?

 

[beaslbob]

a wet/dry filter is just a open container where the water runs through the media instead of being forced through in a closed container.

I made one from a wastebasket with the bottom replaced by plastic window screen. And used crushed oyster shells as filter media. Shells cost $7 for 40 pounds or so.

It was at the end of my drain before the refugium. The water just ran through the media into the refugium/sump.

my .02

 

[seecrabrun]

So I'm still thinking about this but I'm looking at doing more of a refugium than sump?

Water would come in and through a sock, then into the tank with the plants, mud, rock, and then be pumped back. I'm running a 29g tank and I don't have a lot of space.

I'm trying to decide should I try to build one to fit in the cubby I have, it would need to be acrylic and I don't know anything about that or where to get it, or it would be a 5.5g tank.

Thoughts?

 

[beaslbob]

you can always use plastic storage containers

 

[steelgluer]

Bigger the better 55 in my basement

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