SUMP, Make or Buy?

[lilmojo79]

I am looking to make a sump for my new 65 gallon reef tank, but it looks that it could be as cheap to buy a new one. Any thoughts?

 

[lilmojo79]

I forgot I want a decent pump not a RIO! Heard some horror stories and I am not willing to gamble hundreds of dollars to save $30-$50.

 

[johnnysalt]

As "cheap" is relative to some people, what dollar amount is cheap to you?! What brand of sump are you considering?
Let me know.....you might could EASILY beat it by diy! We'll show you how!

 

[lilmojo79]

I was thinking of spending around $200-250 at the very most. The Amiracle and Maxi Reef are the ones I was thinking of purchasing if I didn't DIY. They would be around $200-225 including overflow, sump, and pump. That is if I used a Mag Drive 700 as the return pump. Do you think I could beat these with DIY?

 

[lilmojo79]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I have a 10 gallon tank already. Is this big enough, would I be better off using a 20?

 

[diatom]

lil~
the 20 would be better, especially if you are looking for the benefits of a DSB.
The playsand you bought will be fine. Grain size is more important then composition of the sand. Contrary to Johnny is alluding to this silca sand will not cause an algae bloom.