Sump

[Brydon]

I've read about a sump ,but I don't know alot about it.I want to set one up for my tank. Ive got a 500 liter tank. Its 1m by 1m by 50cm on a stand which is 1m by 1m by 1m. How do i set one up.

[speedz]

thanks for asking this question, i want to know if its useful in a freshwater tank also

[Brydon]

Pleasure. I don't know much about a sump at all. So any info will be appreciated.

[wito-zn]

A sump can be used for any tank but it is mainly used for big tanks like 1.5m and above. A sump is really just a big canister filter with different compartments for filter media. When setting up a sump there are different ways of making the water enter the sump. One ways is called an overflow. You have a small sectioned off place in your tank that works like a water fall but this can be a bit of a mess in power failures and then using water pump to pump the water back to the tank. You could use a water pump to pump the water to the sump but you then have to hide the pump in the tank which then takes away one of the reason for using a sump. When you use a sump you can put your heaters and hang over filters in the sump to create less clutter in the tank. But when putting your heaters in a sump it will use more electricity because the water does cool down when being moved to the tank. A sump can get expensive because of all the filter media you will need to use (like bio balls). If the person has a smaller tank it is better to use a canister filter as it is easier to keep clean. There is a whole lot more advantages and disadvantages just Wright freshwater sump in Google and there will be loads of info. Even search through the forums and you will find info.

Hope this helps a bit:cool:

Here is what my sump will be like for my 2m
http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?t=868&highlight=sump

[Zafgak]

Hi all, the sump lecture is well on its way - A LITTLE PATIENCE !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Brydon]

Thanks
for my tank will it be best to make a sump or geting a external filter.

[Kuhli Loach]

I would go for a sump - think it might work out cheaper than a external filter req for that size tank with much more filter media - and gives you a place to hide all your hardwear.

[Brydon]

Can you explain how exactly i make one. Thanks

[Brydon]

I went on google and searched all over for a sump. I found alot of information of salt water aquarium sumps, I found a few on freshwater aquarium sumps.Ive sort of put a few ideas together but im not sure if ive thought of everything.
I want to have 100l sump(90l 40h 30w),with about 5 dividers. The first divider i want two fill up with bio-balls, the next one ill put filter floss, the next one ill put a layer of sand and plants and let bacteria and algae grow in there or ill breed shrimps.Then the next divider (don't know what else to put in, any ideas.)Then the last one ill put my filter(what would the best one be) ,heater and return pump(what would the best one be.)I want to house two oscars and a few compatible tank mates(any ideas). If there is anything im forgeting, please tell me.

[Zafgak]

Brydon -swop the bio balls to where the filter floss goes and filter floss to bio balls - The floss gets rid of the particulates ( gunk) which means your bio balls do not get gunked up...( hows that for SERIOUS technical speak ) :0

why are you putting a filter in your sump ??? The sump IS the filter.

your return pump should pump more than 3 times the volume of the tank in an hour, remember to calculate the head loss.

[Brydon]

Oh ok thanks i will do that. What is head loss

[Zafgak]

head loss is how far the pump must pump UP into the tank

[Brydon]

How do i calculate that, and i just thought of an0ther queastion whats the best way to get the water from the main tank to the sump.

[Henk Hugo]

its normally on the side of the box of the pump that you buy....

[Brydon]

What will be the best pump for my tank and where can i get it in ct and what the price

[Zafgak]

Brydon - To get the water from the tank to sump - The norm is to create an overflow box and drill the tank 40mm... If this is not an option a 100mm standpipe and 40mm siphon will work. Just get the design right.

"I REALLY MUST FINISH THE SUMP LECTURE" :)

The pump yo gonna need will need a minimum flow of 1500L/hr at a 1,5m head-

How soon do you need it ???

[Brydon]

Thank you very much.
Ill need it in about a month or two.

I dont want to drill, so ill use a sandpipe and siphon.

[Zafgak]

Just contact us when you need the pump

[Henk Hugo]

Zafgak! you are due here in 16 mins dude :D driiiiiiiiive

[Brydon]

How much will it cost?
,because if you have then ill come get one sooner. Thanks

[Zafgak]

Brydon send me a pm and we can discuss - no commercial trading on general thread

[Brydon]

Would I be able to use the sump as a filter for two tanks

[Sean J]

If the 2 tanks are supposed to have exactly the same water parameters and conditions, then yes you can...

[Brydon]

Ok, thank you

[Zafgak]

Brydon - a shared filter can also mean shared sickness !!!! just be careful with what fish are in each tank. Once you share a filter a QT tank is a MUST......

[Brydon]

ok thanks:bigsmile:

[neilh]

First filter with filter wool/floss/batting and sponges. Basically a massive prefilter to stop the big gunk coming through like mulm,uneaten food, plant debris etc
Second, third and fourth compartment bio balls, ceramic rings, purigen, volcanic rock etc
Fifth compartment return pump

Where are you planning on putting your heaters?