Sump Design

[yannifish]

I have a 55g tank, and am currently using a Tom Aquatics Rapid Pro PS4 filter system, but am not overly happy with the funtion of the filter, plus the skimmer does nothing. So, I am going to build a sump, but use some of the components of the filter to cut down costs. I'll be keeping the overflow, return pump, and auto top off.
So, here is the design. I'll purchase a ten gallon All-Glass tank, and a five gallon All-Glass tank. The five gallon will be a fuge, and the ten gallon the sump. Water will drain into the ten gallon from the DT, and in the sump will be the heater, skimmer, and return pump, all on the same level, no baffles. The return line will have a split, with the main return going to the DT, and the side return going to the fuge. I will install a bulkhead in the 5g as close to the top as I can, and this water will drain back into the sump. The auto top off will be attached to the sump via a bulkhead.
Hope that makes sense.
I have a few questions.
1) Can I drill an All-Glass aquarium?
2) What kind of a drill bit do I need?
3) How do you drill an aquarium?
4) How close to the rim of a tank is it safe to drill?
5) What kinds of plants should I keep in the fuge?
6) How much lighting do these plants need?
7) What kind of substrate in the fuge?
Thanks!

 

[2quills]

Check out a site called Glassholes...they sell everything you need to drill your tank. They even sell complete kits that come with everything you need and have an instructional video of how to do it.
I wouldn't drill the bottom of a glass tank though unless you can verify that it's not tempered glass. On the bottom of my 55G for instance there is a sticker that says "this bottom is made with tempered glass". The back or sides shouldn't be a problem because these are rarely ever made out of tempered.
Plants, lighting and substrate is probably all a matter of personal choice for what you want to achieve with your system. I myself will probably use a mixture of substrates in my fuge with some cheato macroalgea and probably a reletively inexpensive pc light.

 

[2quills]

I.E. IMO and I'm sure some others would agree...it's probably best to split your drain line to supply your fuge instead of the return line...that way you can feed your fuge with dirty water, it will be more beneficial for your plants and whatever critters you put in there.

 

[yannifish]

Originally Posted by 2Quills
http:///forum/post/3278604
Check out a site called Glassholes...they sell everything you need to drill your tank. They even sell complete kits that come with everything you need and have an instructional video of how to do it.
I wouldn't drill the bottom of a glass tank though unless you can verify that it's not tempered glass. On the bottom of my 55G for instance there is a sticker that says "this bottom is made with tempered glass". The back or sides shouldn't be a problem because these are rarely ever made out of tempered.
Plants, lighting and substrate is probably all a matter of personal choice for what you want to achieve with your system. I myself will probably use a mixture of substrates in my fuge with some cheato macroalgea and probably a reletively inexpensive pc light.
I would only be drilling sides. I'll take a look at that website.
Originally Posted by 2Quills
http:///forum/post/3278605
I.E. IMO and I'm sure some others would agree...it's probably best to split your drain line to supply your fuge instead of the return line...that way you can feed your fuge with dirty water, it will be more beneficial for your plants and whatever critters you put in there.
That makes perfect sence. Thanks. I'll get more return that way too, and more overall circulation.

 

[gill again68]

You really want that circulation in the fuge to be gentle. If you are looking for some designs check out melves reef for stuff. Really good site.
+1 on 2Quills thoughts!

 

[yannifish]

How gentle is gentle?
50gph?
I'll be sure to have a ball valve to control to the fuge.
Also, what are the basics on keeping a fuge?

 

[2quills]

+1 on Melevs Reef...awesome site with tons of great info about sumps, designs, overflows and all kins of stuff.
I think the ratio you are looking for is apporximately 75% of the drain water going to your sump/skimmer and 25% going to your fuge (or as close to that as you think you can get). The slower the water travels through your fuge then the more time your macro's/plants will have the time that it takes to do what they do best.

 

[beaslbob]

I like keeping it simple and inexpensive.
1) I would use the pvc overflow.
2) 30g plastic storage containers were $10 a year or so ago at wall mart
3) use a smaller container as the sump.
I also use a wastebasket with the bottom replaced with plastic window screen as a wet dry. I use crushed oyeter shells as the filter media.
I put the container in the stand pointing for and aft so the back stuck out behind the stand and the drain was directly below the overflow.
I used play sand, chaeto, caulperas in the refugium.
So total cost was on the order of $50 plus the return pump.
or even simpler just put egg crate in the tank 3" in front of the back glass and add utility fixtures behind the tank pointing forward. The the area between the tank and glass is an in tank refugium.
Just my .02

 

[yannifish]

I already have an overflow that works well, thanks to some simple mods discusses in another thread.
I am considering plastic containers. But I want as little as possible in the tank.
Thanks!

 

[beaslbob]

I am glad the overflow is working.
And understand keeping the tank clear. Afterall that is the idea of an external sump to begin with.
Lets us know what you decide and how it works.
my .03

 

[acrylic51]

I'd vote against the plastic containers.....might work fine, but over time I bet you'll have an issue.....Where they honestly meant for that purpose? Easy solution a small tank or even easier build a small acrylic sum, that is super easy to drill if you choose an external pump. I understand the PVC overflow, but honestly can't fathom why? Simple is drill the tank to me and the room and just the PVC hanging off the tank isn't appealing and the room it would take up behind the tank if you had to have it tight to the wall???? Just my thoughts.

 

[beaslbob]

FWIW
I have been runn a $5 plastic container on my 55g over six years now with no problems.

 

[yannifish]

I'll let you all know how everything goes once I get started, which should be next week.
I have an overflow that works very well, and can not drill my dt because it is filled with water.
I will most likey go with glass tanks, simply because I like them better.
All tips welcome, especially when it comes to drilling the tanks.

 

[yannifish]

Originally Posted by acrylic51
http:///forum/post/3279445
I'd vote against the plastic containers.....might work fine, but over time I bet you'll have an issue.....Where they honestly meant for that purpose? Easy solution a small tank or even easier build a small acrylic sum, that is super easy to drill if you choose an external pump. I understand the PVC overflow, but honestly can't fathom why? Simple is drill the tank to me and the room and just the PVC hanging off the tank isn't appealing and the room it would take up behind the tank if you had to have it tight to the wall???? Just my thoughts.
What kind of problems would I encounter with plastic containers as opposed to glass?
I'm just not sure about drilling glass. The plastic is so easy to drill...

 

[acrylic51]

There are just to many stories of plastic containers giving way. I'm not say they can't hold up but they are cheapy IMHO. Why even consider or possibly put yourself in a situation to bring your tank down. Just my .02

 

[yannifish]

True enough.
How hard is making an acrylic sump?

 

[acrylic51]

EASY.....are you handy??

 

[acrylic51]

No seriously it is very easy, and anyone can do it with following simple steps....You can get all your pieces cut, and the edges finished at the plastics shop. If your measurements are correct, you would just need some WeldOn 4, a couple framing squares, that I like to mod to make them easier for glueing up, and some twisty ties off the bread or trash bags.
You assembly the sides first and then you glue the completed side assembly to the bottom. Simple in that order.....Drilling bulkhead holes or what not is done with basic hole saw bits from Lowes, HD or any hardware store.....

 

[yannifish]

WeldOn 4 for glue? Okay.
How difficult is it to cut the acrylic?
I'm not sure I have a plastics shop where I live. We don't have a Lowes or HD. Will any hardware store have acrylic sheets? Or Walmart?

 

[yannifish]

How much does a sheet of acrylic cost?
How would you suggest I might change my plans if I were to build an acrylic sump?