The next big project we are going to start is a sump. So...here come my questions:
The sump needs to house my filter and skimmer. We have the 25 gallon we could use, but prefer not to...we also have a 5 gallon tank I mix my water in, and all kinds of buckets. What should we use? I lean towards just buying a 10 gallon aquarium, because I don't think the 5 will be nearly large enough, plus I rather like having it to mix my water in
The downside is to fit a 10 gallon, or even the 5 gallon, under my 29, we have to buy a new stand, and that isn't going to be cheap or feasible at this point. Jack might be able to build me one, however...which is a definite option (not one I have run past him though
).
I know we will need a return pump, and I have found all kinds of sites describing how to plumb it. We do not need anything fancy, we honestly are only building it because we want a glass top for the new lights when they come in. So, besides the actual container to turn into the sump, and a return pump, what do we need to buy? The more specific you can get with me the better, we will find something similar if we cannot find exactly what you all say to get (when Jack and I get our brains going together, we can figure anything out lol) I would like a good list of what we need to plumb it, and anything essential to put it. I will likely buy some LR to toss in, but plan to hang the HOB filter on it rather than construct some filtration inside...
Another thing: Jack does not not not want to drill the tank. I don't really want him to do it either, so that isn't a big problem...but how do we rig it for the glass top without drilling the glass? I would guess off the top of my head we will have to either drill the tank, or cut the glass top?
Oh, and I believe the last question...do we need an overflow box? I don't have the mental capacity right now (Jack has been in the field all week, I am exhausted haha) to sit down and read article after article then decide who is right. I trust you guys at this point, and we will pretty much do whatever you say we need to do.
We refuse to buy a premade sump, because they are ridiculously expensive. Here is a summary:
1. what kind of container to use
2. list of supplies to build the sump and plumb it to and from the tank
3. drill the tank, cut the glass top, or something else
4. overflow box
TIA
I am going to take a nap with the babies now so I have some chance of surviving the rest of the day/week!