making a sump????

[erhodejr]

I am looking into building a sump system for my tank, I have no problem building it but I dont know how, I know how to build the overflow and pump back to the main tank. but I dont know what to put into the sump itself, I was going to use a 20 long tank as the sump for my 40, :help: but what do I put into the sump for it to work properly, I would also like to install or build a skimmer in it as well.

 

[thegrog]

A pure sump contains the skimmer, heater/chiller so you don't take up room in your display tank with these seemingly unsightly things.
A refugium contains live rock and macro algae to act as a biological filter to remove waste products from the water as well as provide a safe haven for pods and other micro-inverts.
Many (myself included) design a hybrid sump/refugium that not only contains the equipment but a chamber for a deep sand bed, live rock and macro algae. There is a seperate chamber for the skimmer and another for the return pump.
Do a search as there are tons of design on the board to choose from.

 

[acrylic51]

Yeah you can check out melevsreef.com and get tons of good ideas and building tips!!!!! Well worth the visit to the site

 

[erhodejr]

I tried the site and it didnt come up