New Guy Sump Tank Help

daweedski · 07/28/2013, 04:32 PM

Hi I just bought some supplies for my Salt Water Tank, but I do not know how to set up my sump. Here is my idea. My tank is 36 Gallon SeaClear Bow Front and I want a 10 gallon sump tank. I plan of putting coral in after some months. Please Help Thanks
Oh and does the sump need a lid?

daweedski · 07/28/2013, 04:33 PM

Please Tell me if the space is enough for the skimmer and If anything is unnecessary and if you could answer the questions on the pic

Reefmedic79 · 07/28/2013, 07:56 PM

To Reef Central

The sump doesn't need a lid.

If your measurements are correct then the skimmer should fit. Don't know of the Maxi-jet 1100, but if you mistyped and meant 1200 then you are only going to get about 150gph at best out of that return pump and that's without any bends in the line.

daweedski · 07/28/2013, 07:59 PM

Thanks for the input!

Silvergryphon · 07/29/2013, 04:25 AM

Also drop the bio-balls and media, you won't need those and they'll just be a detris trap.

daweedski · 07/29/2013, 11:41 AM

Thanks! Does anyone know where I can get The acrylic pieces to make the sump?

fishgate · 07/29/2013, 12:35 PM

Buy a fish tank and use glass to make the baffles. You can get acrylic at home depot but this will be much cheaper and easier to use an aquarium. I believe petsmart is having their $1/gallon sale right now.

Don't mix acrylic and glass!

daweedski · 07/29/2013, 12:39 PM

The petsmart by me has 10gal for $15. I thought of using acrylic because it is easier to cut. But can I get the glass pieces at Home Depot?

Doogy · 07/29/2013, 01:03 PM

Glass pieces at home depot are usually 1/8", which in my opinion is way too thin. Literally, there are pictures on the internet of this glass bowing and shattering. Other people say, if you keep the water levels close to the same size, it will be ok, but IMO not worth it. I did glass, bought a 55g, bought 1/4" glass (5 pieces 10"x12") for $50. Acrylic is good too, but I don't have any experience with it.

I would do 3 baffles at the beginning so the fuge sand isn't against the first baffle, will also prevent bubbles (although minimal). Also, I wouldn't make the glass go to the top of the sump, you want to allow for overflow when your power goes out or return pump fails etc.. so if the glass goes to the top, then you are limiting overflow mostly to one section. Bioballs in my opinion are not needed, and neither is filter media before return pump, but it doesn't hurt to use.

daweedski · 07/29/2013, 01:06 PM

Thanks! What macro algae do y'all recommend

Doogy · 07/29/2013, 01:12 PM

Chaeto is the easiest to take care of and is doing a great job in my tank. Also, IMO is one of the least likely to spread to main tank.

daweedski · 07/29/2013, 01:34 PM

Thanks all this info will help

07/28/2013, 07:56 PM	#3
Reefmedic79 Life and Reef Saver Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Tavares, Florida Posts: 6,202	*To Reef Central* The sump doesn't need a lid. If your measurements are correct then the skimmer should fit. Don't know of the Maxi-jet 1100, but if you mistyped and meant 1200 then you are only going to get about 150gph at best out of that return pump and that's without any bends in the line. __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸. ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> How much deeper would the ocean be if it didn't have sponges? P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way Sid Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder, 20L Sump, 10G Fuge, JBJ A.T.O, 4" Reef Octopus, DIY Stand & Canopy, RapidLED Dimmable 36 Kit on 3 6" MakersLED Heatsink, MP10es

07/29/2013, 12:35 PM	#7
fishgate Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Damascus, MD Posts: 3,340	Buy a fish tank and use glass to make the baffles. You can get acrylic at home depot but this will be much cheaper and easier to use an aquarium. I believe petsmart is having their $1/gallon sale right now. Don't mix acrylic and glass! __________________ 125RR in-wall, 40B Sump, CS180 BM Skimmer, ATI 4x80 watt, eheim 1262, custom wrap around rock wall, ReefKeeper Elite 120g in-wall, 40B Sump, PC 54wx4, Jabao DC-6000 (full siphon), future seahorse t Current Tank Info: 125g, 120g, 2x40b sumps, ATI 4x80 T5HO

07/28/2013, 04:33 PM	#2
daweedski Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 57	Please Tell me if the space is enough for the skimmer and If anything is unnecessary and if you could answer the questions on the pic

07/28/2013, 07:59 PM	#4
daweedski Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 57	Thanks for the input!

07/29/2013, 04:25 AM	#5
Silvergryphon Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Seattle, Wa Posts: 540	Also drop the bio-balls and media, you won't need those and they'll just be a detris trap.

07/29/2013, 11:41 AM	#6
daweedski Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 57	Thanks! Does anyone know where I can get The acrylic pieces to make the sump?

07/29/2013, 12:39 PM	#8
daweedski Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 57	The petsmart by me has 10gal for $15. I thought of using acrylic because it is easier to cut. But can I get the glass pieces at Home Depot?

07/29/2013, 01:03 PM	#9
Doogy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 135	Glass pieces at home depot are usually 1/8", which in my opinion is way too thin. Literally, there are pictures on the internet of this glass bowing and shattering. Other people say, if you keep the water levels close to the same size, it will be ok, but IMO not worth it. I did glass, bought a 55g, bought 1/4" glass (5 pieces 10"x12") for $50. Acrylic is good too, but I don't have any experience with it. I would do 3 baffles at the beginning so the fuge sand isn't against the first baffle, will also prevent bubbles (although minimal). Also, I wouldn't make the glass go to the top of the sump, you want to allow for overflow when your power goes out or return pump fails etc.. so if the glass goes to the top, then you are limiting overflow mostly to one section. Bioballs in my opinion are not needed, and neither is filter media before return pump, but it doesn't hurt to use.

07/29/2013, 01:06 PM	#10
daweedski Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 57	Thanks! What macro algae do y'all recommend

07/29/2013, 01:12 PM	#11
Doogy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 135	Chaeto is the easiest to take care of and is doing a great job in my tank. Also, IMO is one of the least likely to spread to main tank.

07/29/2013, 01:34 PM	#12
daweedski Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 57	Thanks all this info will help