DIY sump , help!!!??

[Skaapietjie]

Hi all!!

I know there is lots of info regarding my topic , but i must be missing something..
I want to build a sump for my 1.2m (approximately 250L) , but i cant info with regards to how big the sump must be , how strong the pump must be to keep up with the cyphon , etc.
I was wondering if any of the more experienced oakes who have done this before can give some advice..
If anyone has a link to a site that shows step by step how to make the sump and overflow , it would be much appreciated..
Tanx =)

[jedigenie]

I struggled with a lot of what you are going through and here are some of the things I have learnt.

1) As a good guideline your sump should hold atleast 10% of your tank volume in filter media. So for your 250l tank you should have minimum 25l of filter media
2) Allow for plenty of space in your sump for overflow water in case you lose power
3) Make sure your intake pipes have a larger diameter than your return plumbing (eg on mine I have 40mm intake and 20mm return)
4) Its a good idea to install stopcocks on both sides of the plumbing (intake and return). This can be used to regulate flow.
5) Get a nice size return pump, for your tank look to at least a 2500litre/hour pump. Remember that bends and height will reduce the flow rate.
6) Keep it simple, your aim is to filter water and dedicate your efforts to that end. Extra features may be nice but more features = more complications.

As a good reference read the question that Zoom posted in the "ask the professor" section. http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?6105-Filtration-rates-flow-and-other-questions

Here a lot of questions will be answered and features a great sump/overflow design that I am using to great success.

[Skaapietjie]

tanx jedigenie , il be sure to read that link , and keep it simple.. My biggest worry is power failure

[fiberoptic]

tanx jedigenie , il be sure to read that link , and keep it simple.. My biggest worry is power failure
Thats a easy fix Skaapietjie. Install overflow with empty sump and pump off. When overflow stops you can fill sump and turn on pump. this way sump cant overflow. Word of warning test overflow outside with two buckets one tank height and othersump height as it can become messy

[fiberoptic]

all of this is dependent on using the design suggested by jedigenie and not a straight siphon as that is a disaster waiting to happen