How To Build A Sump

[shyshko08]

I currently have a 45 gallon saltwater aquarium and I'm currently ready to ditch the canister filter. The maintenance on those things begin to be a pain in the ass. It was interesting and fun at first when I first started the hobby, but it get old fast.
Correct me if I'm wrong but the reason that I want to go with a sump is because there is much less maintenance for it. Is that correct?
Another question before I start building my first sump is what size sump should I get for a 45 gal aquarium. I was thinking a 20 gal. but if I'm wrong let me know.
I'll post more questions as I go along with this mini project but for now this is all I wanted to know

 

[salt210]

is this the biggest that will fit? remember, you have to have room for refugium, skimmer, return pump and other misc items

 

[natclanwy]

There are many benifits to a sump, less maintence is one of them not to mention it gives you a place to put your skimmer, heaters, probes ect... that isn't visible in the DT. They also allow you to maintain a constant water level your DT and its easier to top off and do water changes in the sump.
Sump size isn't overly critical but if you are planning on including a refugium than you really can't go less than a 20g and the bigger the better. I would use the largest tank that you can place in your stand and still have room to work on it.

 

[shyshko08]

Originally Posted by natclanwy
http:///forum/post/3006300
There are many benifits to a sump, less maintence is one of them not to mention it gives you a place to put your skimmer, heaters, probes ect... that isn't visible in the DT. They also allow you to maintain a constant water level your DT and its easier to top off and do water changes in the sump.
Sump size isn't overly critical but if you are planning on including a refugium than you really can't go less than a 20g and the bigger the better. I would use the largest tank that you can place in your stand and still have room to work on it.
I just re-measured under my tank, and it looks like I can only fit a 10 gallon tank under there. a 20 galllon would ALMOST fist its just 1-2 inches to wide. Is a 10 gallon way to small?

 

[natclanwy]

10g isn't ideal but as long as you leave the refugium out you can make it work. You may have to topoff with water daily though since you won't have much room for evaporation.