DIY Sump Filter

[mooseythemoron]

Originally Posted by tank a holic
http:///forum/post/3293618
if you have to hide the plumbing you'll need to drill the tank bottom and run it through the glass. which is idealy the preferred method anyway, silicone an overflow box in the corner and you'll never see the pipe, then run your inlet piping in the other corner
I will have one side towards the wall and 3 sides will be open ( visible ) Dont you think, I do all the plumbing on that side - the overflow box and return line ? Will that be OK?
Can you tell me abt the I/O and O/F what size plumbing should I go for? I will get Eheim 1262 for return pumping. Thanks!

 

[mooseythemoron]

Originally Posted by 2Quills
http:///forum/post/3293619
Idealy it would be the way to go, however, most larger glass tanks 55g and above are made out of tempered glass on the bottom. All 3 of my 55G and my 120g have tempered glass bottoms and drilling tmpered glass is a very bad idea. So I had to drill the back for plumbing. If you want overflows with plumbing running out of the bottom then it's best to buy a tank that has them built in already.
Just my .02

What do mean by .02 ?? Im curious I see many guys use that.....

 

[2quills]

Moosey, it's just in expression we use here in the states. When you see people say .02 they are saying they are putting their 2 cents worth of information in. Or in other words they are just stating their own opinion.

 

[beaslbob]

You can make a HOB overflow with pvc pipe.
when I do that I also use either the return pump or a powerhead to suck a little bit out of the highest part. That way the air is sucked out to start and maintain the siphon.
I also add a separate line and valves from the return pump to prime the water trap in the pvc overflow. the turn the valves so that almost all the water is going through the return line and a trickle goes the the water trap.
my .02
woops just my idea. Which most people would not pay $.02 for.

 

[mooseythemoron]

Originally Posted by beaslbob
http:///forum/post/3293873
You can make a HOB overflow with pvc pipe.
when I do that I also use either the return pump or a powerhead to suck a little bit out of the highest part. That way the air is sucked out to start and maintain the siphon.
I also add a separate line and valves from the return pump to prime the water trap in the pvc overflow. the turn the valves so that almost all the water is going through the return line and a trickle goes the the water trap.
my .02
woops just my idea. Which most people would not pay $.02 for.
Beaslbob,
Can you show me how will the PVC overflow look like. If you can get me an image. I will get an idea.
I liked the overflow box as its easy. To construct a weir will be difficult. And I need to hide the plumbing as the tank is going to be a separater between the dinning and living.
P.S When will I be able to give my .02 .... maybe after few yrs

 

[mooseythemoron]

Originally Posted by 2Quills
http:///forum/post/3293828
Moosey, it's just in expression we use here in the states. When you see people say .02 they are saying they are putting their 2 cents worth of information in. Or in other words they are just stating their own opinion.
Cool

 

[beaslbob]

Originally Posted by mooseythemoron
http:///forum/post/3293890
Beaslbob,
Can you show me how will the PVC overflow look like. If you can get me an image. I will get an idea.
I liked the overflow box as its easy. To construct a weir will be difficult. And I need to hide the plumbing as the tank is going to be a separater between the dinning and living.
P.S When will I be able to give my .02 .... maybe after few yrs
I'll take it on account.

anyway, it could be very hard to hide the plumbing if both the long sides have to be visable. Perhaps overflow onone end and return on the other both behind some kinds of cabinent. Or both from one end with the return lines goind accross the top under a hood.
here is a drawing to confuse ya. the pink/purple lines are the prime lines.

 

[mooseythemoron]

Originally Posted by beaslbob
http:///forum/post/3293899
I'll take it on account.

anyway, it could be very hard to hide the plumbing if both the long sides have to be visable. Perhaps overflow onone end and return on the other both behind some kinds of cabinent. Or both from one end with the return lines goind accross the top under a hood.
here is a drawing to confuse ya. the pink/purple lines are the prine lines.
Yes, its very confusing... I'll prbly stick to the overflow box Ok tell me is there anything I need to know abt the overflow box. What I know is... I need to drill a hole on the side and attach overflow box on it. The bulkhead attached to hole will have a PVC pipe attached to it which goes to the sump tank... Correct? Is there anything else i need to know... Pls let me know..Thanks!

 

[2quills]

Moosey, it sounds like you're looking to do an internal overflow...is that correct? Have you purchased the tank yet? If not it may just be easier to buy a tank with the internal overflows already built in.

 

[mooseythemoron]

Originally Posted by 2Quills
http:///forum/post/3293922
Moosey, it sounds like you're looking to do an internal overflow...is that correct? Have you purchased the tank yet? If not it may just be easier to buy a tank with the internal overflows already built in.
Yes, Its internal overflow. I think thats the most easy way to siphon the water from DT to sump... right? I havnt bought the tank yet... Still time...

 

[beaslbob]

You may need to know that if the side glass is tempered you will not be able to drill the glass. It will shatter.

 

[2quills]

Yeah you'll need to varify whether the glass is tempered or not. Usually only the glass pane on the bottom is the one that's tempered. But I had a local fish store guy tell me that alot of the newer tanks are going with all tempered...I don't know how true that is but where ever you get the tank from just make sure you verify with them if the sides and the back are ok to drill.

 

[saxman]

Moosey,
If you're having the tank made, then have it built with a corner O/F and a return in the same corner (that way, the tank maker assumes the risk). For better circulation, you might want to add another hole in the bottom at the opposite end of the tank centered between the width (front-to-back). You can hide this with a pillar of LR if you like, but the outflow from this will need to be near the water surface or it will siphon your tank (unless you use an inline anti-siphon valve in your plumbing scheme).
If you don't go that route (the second return), you can use a Loc-Line Y on the return and aim them for best flow. As much as I try not to use them, you may need a PH (powerhead) of some type to bump of your flow, altho you could have the tank drilled for a CL (closed loop) and not have to worry about flow, altho you'd need to run a second pump.
I know beaselbob likes those PVC O/F's, and they do work, but they're pretty unsightly IMHO. My goal in designing my setups is to have critters and decor in the DT, period, so I go to pretty great lengths not to see the "works" of my setups. However, the ultimate decision is what "works" for any given person, because there are 1001 ways to set up a system that works.

 

[mooseythemoron]

Originally Posted by saxman
http:///forum/post/3294174
Moosey,
If you're having the tank made, then have it built with a corner O/F and a return in the same corner (that way, the tank maker assumes the risk). For better circulation, you might want to add another hole in the bottom at the opposite end of the tank centered between the width (front-to-back). You can hide this with a pillar of LR if you like, but the outflow from this will need to be near the water surface or it will siphon your tank (unless you use an inline anti-siphon valve in your plumbing scheme).
If you don't go that route (the second return), you can use a Loc-Line Y on the return and aim them for best flow. As much as I try not to use them, you may need a PH (powerhead) of some type to bump of your flow, altho you could have the tank drilled for a CL (closed loop) and not have to worry about flow, altho you'd need to run a second pump.
I know beaselbob likes those PVC O/F's, and they do work, but they're pretty unsightly IMHO. My goal in designing my setups is to have critters and decor in the DT, period, so I go to pretty great lengths not to see the "works" of my setups. However, the ultimate decision is what "works" for any given person, because there are 1001 ways to set up a system that works.
Saxman,
Drilling a hole in the bottom of the tank - dont think I'll go that route.
Loc-Line fittings is not available in India. But I can have more PHs thats cool. Can you explain what is CL ( closed loop ) ??
Yeah, true PVC O/Fs are complicating and unsightly.
So, you are saying that O/F and I/F in the same corner of the tank will not have good flow of water in the tank. So I need to work on the return line. I can get a PVC "Y" made on the return I/F ... Will that work??

 

[thelameball2]

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BANG GUY
1. HE IS A DIRTY ROTTON HOBO
2. HE IS ACTUALLY A SHE
3. NEVER MIND SHE IS AN IT
4. HE IS A LONER
5. HE IS GOING TO TAKE OVER THE GOVERNMENT
6. HE LOVES BETH TO DEATH
7. HE THINKS SCSINET IS A RETARD
8. THE LIST GOES ON
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BETH
SHE LIVES IN A DUMP
SHE IS A DUMP
SHE WORKS AT A DUMP
SHE LOVES THE DUMP
SHE IS A 4 HEADED ALIEN FROM THE PLANET ZORCOCK
SHE LOVES BANG GUY
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT SCSInet
HE IS A NUB
HE HAS ANGER ISSUES
HE THINKS HE IS ALL THAT GREAT
HE LIVES ON THE STREETS
SCSINET'S LIFE STORY:
SCSINET WAS BORN ON AUGUST 23, 78BC. HE LIVED IN A CAVE AS A CHILD AND GREW UP TO BE A SASQUATCH. THERE HE ROAMED THE CANADIAN FOREST AS A LONER. LATER HE LEARNED TO SHAVE (FINALLY) AND LIVE AMONG THE RETARD POPULATION. HE SOON LOST HIS TEETH AND HIS IQ DROPPED TO 0.05. SCSINET CURRENTLY LIVES ON THE STREETS OF DC BEGGING FOR MONEY. EVERYBODY HATES HIM!
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BANG GUY
1. HE IS A DIRTY ROTTON HOBO
2. HE IS ACTUALLY A SHE
3. NEVER MIND SHE IS AN IT
4. HE IS A LONER
5. HE IS GOING TO TAKE OVER THE GOVERNMENT
6. HE LOVES BETH TO DEATH
7. HE THINKS SCSINET IS A RETARD
8. THE LIST GOES ON
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BETH
SHE LIVES IN A DUMP
SHE IS A DUMP
SHE WORKS AT A DUMP
SHE LOVES THE DUMP
SHE IS A 4 HEADED ALIEN FROM THE PLANET ZORCOCK
SHE LOVES BANG GUY
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT SCSInet
HE IS A NUB
HE HAS ANGER ISSUES
HE THINKS HE IS ALL THAT GREAT
HE LIVES ON THE STREETS
SCSINET'S LIFE STORY:
SCSINET WAS BORN ON AUGUST 23, 78BC. HE LIVED IN A CAVE AS A CHILD AND GREW UP TO BE A SASQUATCH. THERE HE ROAMED THE CANADIAN FOREST AS A LONER. LATER HE LEARNED TO SHAVE (FINALLY) AND LIVE AMONG THE RETARD POPULATION. HE SOON LOST HIS TEETH AND HIS IQ DROPPED TO 0.05. SCSINET CURRENTLY LIVES ON THE STREETS OF DC BEGGING FOR MONEY. EVERYBODY HATES HIM!
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BANG GUY
1. HE IS A DIRTY ROTTON HOBO
2. HE IS ACTUALLY A SHE
3. NEVER MIND SHE IS AN IT
4. HE IS A LONER
5. HE IS GOING TO TAKE OVER THE GOVERNMENT
6. HE LOVES BETH TO DEATH
7. HE THINKS SCSINET IS A RETARD
8. THE LIST GOES ON
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BETH
SHE LIVES IN A DUMP
SHE IS A DUMP
SHE WORKS AT A DUMP
SHE LOVES THE DUMP
SHE IS A 4 HEADED ALIEN FROM THE PLANET ZORCOCK
SHE LOVES BANG GUY
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT SCSInet
HE IS A NUB
HE HAS ANGER ISSUES
HE THINKS HE IS ALL THAT GREAT
HE LIVES ON THE STREETS
SCSINET'S LIFE STORY:
SCSINET WAS BORN ON AUGUST 23, 78BC. HE LIVED IN A CAVE AS A CHILD AND GREW UP TO BE A SASQUATCH. THERE HE ROAMED THE CANADIAN FOREST AS A LONER. LATER HE LEARNED TO SHAVE (FINALLY) AND LIVE AMONG THE RETARD POPULATION. HE SOON LOST HIS TEETH AND HIS IQ DROPPED TO 0.05. SCSINET CURRENTLY LIVES ON THE STREETS OF DC BEGGING FOR MONEY. EVERYBODY HATES HIM!
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BANG GUY
1. HE IS A DIRTY ROTTON HOBO
2. HE IS ACTUALLY A SHE
3. NEVER MIND SHE IS AN IT
4. HE IS A LONER
5. HE IS GOING TO TAKE OVER THE GOVERNMENT
6. HE LOVES BETH TO DEATH
7. HE THINKS SCSINET IS A RETARD
8. THE LIST GOES ON
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BETH
SHE LIVES IN A DUMP
SHE IS A DUMP
SHE WORKS AT A DUMP
SHE LOVES THE DUMP
SHE IS A 4 HEADED ALIEN FROM THE PLANET ZORCOCK
SHE LOVES BANG GUY
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT SCSInet
HE IS A NUB
HE HAS ANGER ISSUES
HE THINKS HE IS ALL THAT GREAT
HE LIVES ON THE STREETS
SCSINET'S LIFE STORY:
SCSINET WAS BORN ON AUGUST 23, 78BC. HE LIVED IN A CAVE AS A CHILD AND GREW UP TO BE A SASQUATCH. THERE HE ROAMED THE CANADIAN FOREST AS A LONER. LATER HE LEARNED TO SHAVE (FINALLY) AND LIVE AMONG THE RETARD POPULATION. HE SOON LOST HIS TEETH AND HIS IQ DROPPED TO 0.05. SCSINET CURRENTLY LIVES ON THE STREETS OF DC BEGGING FOR MONEY. EVERYBODY HATES HIM!
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BANG GUY
1. HE IS A DIRTY ROTTON HOBO
2. HE IS ACTUALLY A SHE
3. NEVER MIND SHE IS AN IT
4. HE IS A LONER
5. HE IS GOING TO TAKE OVER THE GOVERNMENT
6. HE LOVES BETH TO DEATH
7. HE THINKS SCSINET IS A RETARD
8. THE LIST GOES ON
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BETH
SHE LIVES IN A DUMP
SHE IS A DUMP
SHE WORKS AT A DUMP
SHE LOVES THE DUMP
SHE IS A 4 HEADED ALIEN FROM THE PLANET ZORCOCK
SHE LOVES BANG GUY
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT SCSInet
HE IS A NUB
HE HAS ANGER ISSUES
HE THINKS HE IS ALL THAT GREAT
HE LIVES ON THE STREETS
SCSINET'S LIFE STORY:
SCSINET WAS BORN ON AUGUST 23, 78BC. HE LIVED IN A CAVE AS A CHILD AND GREW UP TO BE A SASQUATCH. THERE HE ROAMED THE CANADIAN FOREST AS A LONER. LATER HE LEARNED TO SHAVE (FINALLY) AND LIVE AMONG THE RETARD POPULATION. HE SOON LOST HIS TEETH AND HIS IQ DROPPED TO 0.05. SCSINET CURRENTLY LIVES ON THE STREETS OF DC BEGGING FOR MONEY. EVERYBODY HATES HIM!

 

[saxman]

Drilling a hole in the bottom of the tank - dont think I'll go that route.
What I was saying is that when you order a tank, you can order it "reef-ready" which means it comes pre-drilled and has an O/F installed in the tank.
If you look at the center of the tank in this pic, you'll see that there is an inlet in the center of the tank which comes in thru the tank bottom next to the outflow hole, and out a BH in the front side of the O/F box:

A CL is simple...you have an outflow which goes to the input side of a pump which feeds one (or more) returns. Since the loop only goes thru the pump, it can't overflow since all you're doing is recirculating the water thru the tank with no sump...it's a "CLOSED" loop of water. Think of the tank as being both the sump AND the DT, and you're pumping water in and out of it with the same pump.

Here's a pic of the plumbed tank (of course, all your plumbing will be on one end):

BTW, in the pic, the O/F hoses are not installed for clarity.

 

[mooseythemoron]

If you look at the center of the tank in this pic, you'll see that there is an inlet in the center of the tank which comes in thru the tank bottom next to the outflow hole, and out a BH in the front side of the O/F box:
Yes, I got the O/F & I/F installation.
A CL is simple...you have an outflow which goes to the input side of a pump which feeds one (or more) returns. Since the loop only goes thru the pump, it can't overflow since all you're doing is recirculating the water thru the tank with no sump...it's a "CLOSED" loop of water. Think of the tank as being both the sump AND the DT, and you're pumping water in and out of it with the same pump.
Ok, its pretty simple. Can I do this? My tank will be visible from 3 sides. I can get 3-4 PHs 1400 gph, What you think?
That black box is a chiller? I will need that too...it gets pretty hot here in summers.

 

[saxman]

precisely, the black box is a 1/3 hp chiller. We run our FOWLR's at about 76*F-77*F. We DO have a coolwater lionfish tank that runs at 63*F, but I think the low temp has been the key to keeping this specimen alive (it's the fish in my avatar).
If you look at the green pump, you'll see that it has nothing to do with the sump. There is a single line out from the tank, and the return is split 3 ways along the lower back of the tank.
As you can see, I use thickwall black hose and threaded connections, as this makes it simple to revise the plumbing if needed. You'll also see that I use true-union valves so i can disconnect various equipment should the need arise. I'm also a huge fan of SCWD's for alternating the flow on my returns. There is little flow reduction as long as you use a pump >500 gph.