Overflow and Sump

[jump629shot]

I was looking to set up a sump for my 54 Gallon Corner Tank so I started looking at sumps and overflow boxes since my tank is not drilled. I think I have came up with what I would need to have an overflow to a sump but was wondering if someone would be able to double check it for me and maybe help me and give me any insight or input. Thanks!

Sump (Eshopps RS-75)
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...m?pcatid=18365

Overflow Box (PF-300) 300 GPH
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...m?pcatid=18358

Return Pump (Maxi-Jet Utility Pump 1100) 294 GPH
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...m?pcatid=18989

Return Hose (3feet)
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...m?pcatid=18365

Outlet (Directional U Tube)
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...m?pcatid=14680

[jasonrp104]

I really don't want to say too much because you are using a different overflow box (I've got the next size up)

Sump: That will work but I'd just get a 10 gallon tank at walmart. ($13)

Overflow: If you can afford it, I'd go with the PF-1000 so you can use one pipe as a failsafe. Use a single U-tube but have one drain pipe taller than the other. ($71)

Return: I'd jump up to the 1800 or the 3000 and put a ball valve on it. It's alot easier to tune the overflow box with a valve on your return ($ 60)

Pipe: I don't know how that stuff works as a return pipe. I just bought the see through plastic stuff at the hardware store for about ($10)

Outlet: I've got that one and it works great

I guess I did want to say alot

[Viajeque]

If I were you I would get a used tank and make your own sump. Its simple get some acrilic glass or regular glass from a hardware store and glue them with aquarium silicone. About the overflow box it does work great, I have that same eshopps model but mine has two outputs. Good luck!

[greech]

Originally Posted by jasonrp104

I really don't want to say too much because you are using a different overflow box (I've got the next size up)

Sump: That will work but I'd just get a 10 gallon tank at walmart. ($13)

Overflow: If you can afford it, I'd go with the PF-1000 so you can use one pipe as a failsafe. Use a single U-tube but have one drain pipe taller than the other. ($71)

Return: I'd jump up to the 1800 or the 3000 and put a ball valve on it. It's alot easier to tune the overflow box with a valve on your return ($ 60)

Pipe: I don't know how that stuff works as a return pipe. I just bought the see through plastic stuff at the hardware store for about ($10)

Outlet: I've got that one and it works great

I guess I did want to say alot

^Nailed it. At least get the PF-800 overflow. The bigger the drain the better and as mentioned even better to have an extra drain.

Edit: Also, if you can fit a larger sump do it. A 10 gallon does not provide much space.

[Floowid]

I will also chime in, get the biggest overflow box you can stand. The 1000 as jasonrp104 suggested is a great idea. Also, ditch the sponge over the drain line, this will clog and flood your house.

Don't bother with the 3 foot return hose, it is guaranteed to be too short unless you are somehow putting the sump behind rather than under the tank. I always plumb my returns using pvc pipe, fittings, and flexible pvc.

I think the eshopps sump looks great. If you can afford it, go that route, if not, you can always make one from an old 15 or 20 gallon tank.

[jump629shot]

thanks guys. i think i'll try to go for a bigger overflow and more powerful return pump. I wish i could get a bigger sump but the space under my stand is not very big at all and this is the only one i think will fit. Would you guys recommend a sump over a protein skimmer or vice versa? Which one would you say is more important?

[greech]

I would vote for a sump with a protein skimmer in it . Did you mean refugium versus skimmer? If so you could do a fuge in your sump and get an external skimmer or maybe a HOB skimmer. Or you could get the in sump skimmer and a HOB fuge. For my money, If deciding between one or the other a good in sump skimmer would get my vote over a <10 gallon refugium on a 54 gallon. JMO.

[jloschen]

i made my own sump and it works great and saved my alot of money

[dryad001]

Im in the process of doing the same thing.

[mdodso00]

Originally Posted by Floowid

I will also chime in, get the biggest overflow box you can stand. The 1000 as jasonrp104 suggested is a great idea. Also, ditch the sponge over the drain line, this will clog and flood your house.

Don't bother with the 3 foot return hose, it is guaranteed to be too short unless you are somehow putting the sump behind rather than under the tank. I always plumb my returns using pvc pipe, fittings, and flexible pvc.

I think the eshopps sump looks great. If you can afford it, go that route, if not, you can always make one from an old 15 or 20 gallon tank.

I also am putting a fug on mine, I used to have the overflow on a freshwater tank and it made alot of noise when the water would go into the drain line. with the sponge out would it make less noise?

[greech]

Do a search for Hoffer Gurgle Buster. Very simple and cheap PVC drain that really helps with noise. Using that combined with a vavle on the return really helped me with noise. Ditch the sponges, IMO.

[Floowid]

Originally Posted by mdodso00

I also am putting a fug on mine, I used to have the overflow on a freshwater tank and it made alot of noise when the water would go into the drain line. with the sponge out would it make less noise?

I would think it would make MORE noise without the sponge, but I have seen on more than one occasion these sponges over the drain line look fine one day, and then they clog up while you are at work and you end up with a sump full of water on your floor. It is my personal belief that there be NO restrictions between the water leaving your tank and entering your sump. Any blockage in that line leads to a flood. I prefer constant noise to intermittent floods.