What can I use for sump

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bonita69

Guest
Ok the 10g is a tad to wide to fit. So what else can I use can I use any type of rubbermaid?
If I used to 5g and joined together what size bulk head and where to make the whole side top or side bottom?
 
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blackaero1

Guest
I've seen rubbermaid containers used as sumps. If you have the funds you could talk to Sean at SP Aquatics off Rosemont Rd. His shop is in the back of Jeff's Reefchief. Not the cheapest option, but he can build you a nice acrylic sump and he'll build it to whatever design you want. Let me know if you want his number.
 
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nereef

Guest
a rubbermaid would work fine. so would a 5 gallon tank. the problem with using really small sumps is that they are easy to overfill in a electrical outage.
 
mscarpena

mscarpena

Member
Use a backflow preventer if you are worried about overflows. Check out US plastics on the web. They sell all sorts of stuff that could be used as a sump.
 
trippkid

trippkid

Active Member
I used ones I got from Wal-Mart, I think the brand is Sterlite. Have been using them for about 3yrs now, no problems. The hard thing with plastic is that is it hard to have baffles(I don't use them in my sump). Not much sticks to the plastic, can't use silicone like in the glass tanks, does not bond. Here are a couple pics of my sump setup.




Good luck, I hope you can find what you need.
Matt
 
dragonboy

dragonboy

Active Member
I ran into that kind of problem before when my cabinet doors are too small to fit a sump in there. One thing you can do is put it off the side and build like another cabinet around it so its hidden. Its better to have a nice size sump better to do your water accumulation as well as filtering. But if you can get a rubbermaid containers in there then use that instead.
 
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bonita69

Guest
This is for my 45g so you think I would get that much drain back when power goes out
 
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blackaero1

Guest
amount of drain back would be largely dependent on location of the siphon break holes in your return line. The closer to the surface, the less amount you will have drain back into your sump. One way vavles are an option, but I would never soley rely on them as they do fail from time to time.
 
earlybird

earlybird

Active Member
Originally Posted by blackaero1
http:///forum/post/2502202
amount of drain back would be largely dependent on location of the siphon break holes in your return line. The closer to the surface, the less amount you will have drain back into your sump. One way vavles are an option, but I would never soley rely on them as they do fail from time to time.
Right also how high you have the teeth from the OFB comes into play.
 
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bonita69

Guest
I was going with the 1/8 for the return, but will play around with the overflow Box. I will have a skimmer to so that would come into play a little.
I am thinking of 2 rubbermaid type and join together, otherwise Im looking at buying a new stand that would fit a 10g.
The 10 would fit if the 2 middle support beams where on the outside or flush on the inside.
 
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bonita69

Guest
Originally Posted by earlybird
http:///forum/post/2502247
how about a new stand/table next to the tank?
I thought about that as it was a good suggest. Anything that would look good and fit my taste would cost more than a nicer build stand.
ERRR speading 300 bucks to fit a $12 tank we have problems
 
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dennis210

Guest
bonita - if you are going to add a sump - ADD A SUMP! I don't think you would be happy with a 5 or 10 g model down the line as either one only will run 1/2 to 2/3 full. A 29 g tank is the smallest tank size I have come up with to make a viable sump system out of. By the time all equipment is moved out of the display tank and placed into the sump things will get cramped even in a 29. Section off 8 inches for first filtering chamber, blue filter pad dripping down onto more LR. Double wall as we discussed on your other build. 8 inches on other end for return pump, with a double wall prior to it. That leaves only about 8 inches in the middle to put a skimmer, heater(s), filter, etc. It's tight but it can work well. As for how to do it, find a small enclosed nightstand or endtable you like, beef up the bottom, set it next to tank, and drill holes in the back of it to place plumbing lines through. The top makes a nice plant stand next to tank. In the meantime plan ona new stand and what the heck a BIGGER system!
Dennis
 
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bonita69

Guest
Originally Posted by Dennis210
http:///forum/post/2502898
bonita - if you are going to add a sump - ADD A SUMP! I don't think you would be happy with a 5 or 10 g model down the line as either one only will run 1/2 to 2/3 full. A 29 g tank is the smallest tank size I have come up with to make a viable sump system out of. By the time all equipment is moved out of the display tank and placed into the sump things will get cramped even in a 29. Section off 8 inches for first filtering chamber, blue filter pad dripping down onto more LR. Double wall as we discussed on your other build. 8 inches on other end for return pump, with a double wall prior to it. That leaves only about 8 inches in the middle to put a skimmer, heater(s), filter, etc. It's tight but it can work well. As for how to do it, find a small enclosed nightstand or endtable you like, beef up the bottom, set it next to tank, and drill holes in the back of it to place plumbing lines through. The top makes a nice plant stand next to tank. In the meantime plan ona new stand and what the heck a BIGGER system!
Dennis

ERRR... This is for my SH tank, most just run canister filters for these set ups. I wanted to do a sump fuge I just thought it would be so much better.
What about getting a 55g stand would that look out of place with a 45 on top. mayne put some plants on each side to balance it?
 
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dennis210

Guest
ROFL - so sorry but post didn't mention SH tank. Anyway yes to above on all counts (55 stand, 45 centered with plants, etc) still luaghing at myself for missing that one!
 
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bonita69

Guest
hehe that is ok

anyway did drawings how do you think this would look honest?
with a 55 stand I will have about 6" on each side. Here is an idea pic.
How big of a sump can fit under a 55 stand? could I just do another 20L for this application?
 
natclanwy

natclanwy

Active Member
Originally Posted by bonita69
http:///forum/post/2503341
hehe that is ok

anyway did drawings how do you think this would look honest?
with a 55 stand I will have about 6" on each side. Here is an idea pic.
How big of a sump can fit under a 55 stand? could I just do another 20L for this application?

With the 55 stand that I had, had plenty of room lengthwise but it was only 10 inches wide and there are very few tanks that are 10" wide so make sure you look at the width of the stand from front to back. Also you may run into problems putting a shorter tank on a 55 stand mine had all of the support around the edges if you put shorter tank on it may not distribute the weight very well and put alot of pressure on the center of the stand.
 
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bonita69

Guest
I was thinking the same thing so I also looked at the 50/65 stand.
I just don't see why I could not join 2, 5 gallons together with a bulkhead.
 
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bonita69

Guest
I was thinking the same thing so I also looked at the 50/65 stand.
I just do see why I could not join 2, 5 gallons together with a bulkhead.
I can fit this set up under, but will this work?
 
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