I need sump ideas

purpletang1

purpletang1

Member
I have a 90 gallon tank and want to add a sump to it. I need ideas on the best way to do it. The cheaper the better, but I still want it to work well too. I need to know everything about sumps, step by step. From what I need, to how to set it up and how to keep it going. I need to know everything. Thanks for the help.
 
V

vince-1961

Guest
There is no way to reply to your query as comprehensively as you request. Best thing would be to start reading all the myriad posts and threads on this site about sumps and sump designs. Then, you'll find that new ideas keep popping into your head!
 
sickboy

sickboy

Active Member
Well, you can buy a sump pre-made, or you can make your own out of any size of tank. Is your 90 gallon drilled? Or will you be using a siphon overflow?
 
purpletang1

purpletang1

Member
My 90 gallon is not drilled. I would have to syphon a pipe back over. My question is, would it be cheaper to buy a sump or make one. And if I was going to make one, would do you just doing?
 
mr_x

mr_x

Active Member
you would need to purchase a hang-on overflow first. and then the largest tank you can fit, in the place your sump will end up(under the tank usually).
it's definitely cheaper to make one, unless you can find a used one somewhere for a good price.
i also think it's better to make one, because then you can make it to your exact specs, instead of having to purchase a skimmer that will fit.
i'd rather purchase the skimmer i want, and then make a sump to fit it.
the larger the footprint the better. you will want plenty of room too keep equipment and possibly a refugium. i suggest a 30, or 40 breeder style tank. those have a nice footprint.
you can make partitions in the tank with glass, or plexi/acrylic sheets cut to size. i actually used cut down plastic cutting boards from walmart. that was the cheapest thing i found.
you need to decide what will be in your sump before you make it. will you keep a skimmer in it? will you keep a refugium in it as well? how about an auto top-off? will you have one of these, or will you be topping off daily by hand?
 
slade1274

slade1274

Member
Cheapest way would be to do an overflow siphon out of PVC and a plastic rubbermaid tote. You will need to do a search on the overflow for the proper design to keep the shiphon with a power outage as well as manage the tank water level.
 
purpletang1

purpletang1

Member
Originally Posted by Mr_X
http:///forum/post/2853502
you would need to purchase a hang-on overflow first. and then the largest tank you can fit, in the place your sump will end up(under the tank usually).
it's definitely cheaper to make one, unless you can find a used one somewhere for a good price.
i also think it's better to make one, because then you can make it to your exact specs, instead of having to purchase a skimmer that will fit.
i'd rather purchase the skimmer i want, and then make a sump to fit it.
the larger the footprint the better. you will want plenty of room too keep equipment and possibly a refugium. i suggest a 30, or 40 breeder style tank. those have a nice footprint.
you can make partitions in the tank with glass, or plexi/acrylic sheets cut to size. i actually used cut down plastic cutting boards from walmart. that was the cheapest thing i found.
you need to decide what will be in your sump before you make it. will you keep a skimmer in it? will you keep a refugium in it as well? how about an auto top-off? will you have one of these, or will you be topping off daily by hand?
Mr. X, you think you could make me a list of things I would need and how you would sit it up? I have no experience with sumps or a refuge.
 
mr_x

mr_x

Active Member
well, i would love to help you. however, i've typed that recipe about 20 times on this forum alone. would you mind using the "search" option up top first to save me some typing?
if you come up empty handed, let me know.
 
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