FINALLY built my sump !!!

[mikegronholz]

Yep, finally accomplished it !!! No more bubble in the tank !!! Need more powerheads though !!! All the junk (skimmer, UV and all that I was using as water movement also. Seems that my return is just a tad bit faster than my intake to the sump (like 1/2g every 12-13 hours). The sump is a 20g Long tank with 40 LS in it. It houses the skimmer, UV, and a small whisper for the addition of chemicals and stuff. My "to" pump is a small 175gph powerhead and the return is my Fluval 404. Now I know that every ounce of water going to the tank is clean !!! It is REALLY cool.
I'll try to take pics tonight so you can all laugh. I woke up every 2 hours last night to double check the water levels. The fun of testing.

 

[tigershark]

Where did u get the design from? Do you have plans I could see? I am thinking of tryin to make one for my 55Gal.

 

[broomer5]

Seems that my return is just a tad bit faster than my intake to the sump (like 1/2g every 12-13 hours
Mike,
If you're saying the level in the sump drops about 1/2 gallon or so in 12 hours - this may be due to evaporation.
The sump is where you will "see" the loss of water from evaporation - and is where you can add your top off water.
Just thought I'd mention this.
If I misunderstood your meaning - sorry about that.

 

[sal t. nutz]

Broomer,
I think he is committing the biggest no.no of sumps. He has a pump pumping water into the sump, and another pumping back to tank.

 

[mikegronholz]

It's a "non"RR tank. What other option is there to pumping ? I am using a VERy small (175gph) power head pumping into PVC through a valve to the 20L tank. Then instead of throwing my Fluval away, I'm reusing it in a creative manner...I thought. Maybe I am seeing evaporation, that would be COOL !!! I've been sweating all day hoping that I don't walk home to a flood !!!

 

[broomer5]

Thanks Sal T. Nutz
I gotta get these eyeglasses fixed LOL
Yeah Mike, Sal T. is right .... 2 pumps spell trouble.
What if one craps out while you're away from home ?
Look into an external overflow w/prefilter like LifeReef.
Better safe than wet.
Overflows - Read Me

 

[mikegronholz]

Cool, that seems easy enough !!! Already have the plumbing, just need the box...and the cost is ........

 

[jumpfrog]

Mike; don't know if you gave up on this or not.
Lifereef single overflow runs around $100 shipped. Can't go wrong with it. Excellent workmanship and Jeff the owner is top rate.
Good Luck!

 

[mikegronholz]

I got a duel overflow hang-on and a mag5 for the return. My fluval has (what I consider) a major design flaw !!! The "intake" can only suck water STRAIGHT up for about 12" in 1/4" tube, then it MUST flow down (gravity). Well, since a 20L is lower than the Fluval, a problem arose....quickly !!!
No water went anywhere, but disaster was VERy close.