Sump - design & construction

mkarston · 07/16/2006, 11:02 AM

So, I have completed designing and constructing the 29 gal sump for the 65 gal reef tank Iâ€™m setting up. Overall, I can say I am very happy with the way it came out. Total it only cost me $75 to build between the 29 gal tank itself, and the 5 pieces of Â¼ in glass I used for the partitions, and setup exactly the way I wanted it.

So, what do you guys think? Two things in particular I have concerns about are:

1. The trickle over the bio-balls, as you can see from the pictures, Iâ€™ve built a â€œTâ€ that has several Â½ in holes drilled underneath it to drip over a small about of bio-balls (192 in3 = .83 Gal of bio-ball volume). The thing is that it is directly resting on top of the filter media, and I think I would like to raise it up an inch or two so it doesnâ€™t splash as much.
2. The second thing is the return line from the Mag-5 pump back into the tank. I donâ€™t think it is getting that great of water turn-over, maybe 250 gph. I am wondering if the 90 degree angle that is before the ball-valve is hindering its flow?

The photos are in my gallery, thanks for providing your feedback.

Craig

afex · 07/16/2006, 11:39 AM

i wouldn't recommend the bioballs myself, but those are usually a matter of opinion.

one problem i do see is that your return section is extremely small (both width and height)

are you planning on having an automated topoff system? otherwise i see you topping off water alot.

Mekong · 07/16/2006, 01:59 PM

I wouldnt use clear hose, see if you can get black hose or even better why not just use all pvc?

mkarston · 07/16/2006, 02:12 PM

I know, I know.... bio-balls are a taboo around here. :-) I haven't ever had too much problem with them as long as you don't use too many and you rinse then from time to time. Like I said in my original post, there really isn't all that many of them to begin with.

As far as the clear tube, why is it you wouldn't recommend using this? And is it a problem with the for both the return and the drain into the fuge?

roader247 · 07/16/2006, 03:40 PM

mkarston clear hose can be bad because it will grow algae and will reduce you flow Good Luck

07/16/2006, 11:02 AM	#1
mkarston Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 449	Sump - design & construction So, I have completed designing and constructing the 29 gal sump for the 65 gal reef tank Iâ€™m setting up. Overall, I can say I am very happy with the way it came out. Total it only cost me $75 to build between the 29 gal tank itself, and the 5 pieces of Â¼ in glass I used for the partitions, and setup exactly the way I wanted it. So, what do you guys think? Two things in particular I have concerns about are: 1. The trickle over the bio-balls, as you can see from the pictures, Iâ€™ve built a â€œTâ€ that has several Â½ in holes drilled underneath it to drip over a small about of bio-balls (192 in3 = .83 Gal of bio-ball volume). The thing is that it is directly resting on top of the filter media, and I think I would like to raise it up an inch or two so it doesnâ€™t splash as much. 2. The second thing is the return line from the Mag-5 pump back into the tank. I donâ€™t think it is getting that great of water turn-over, maybe 250 gph. I am wondering if the 90 degree angle that is before the ball-valve is hindering its flow? The photos are in my gallery, thanks for providing your feedback. Craig

07/16/2006, 01:59 PM	#3
Mekong Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: AL Posts: 1,539	I wouldnt use clear hose, see if you can get black hose or even better why not just use all pvc? __________________ _________________________ Current Tank Info: 90g Reef from 2004-2013.

07/16/2006, 03:40 PM	#5
roader247 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Athens GA Posts: 657	mkarston clear hose can be bad because it will grow algae and will reduce you flow Good Luck __________________ Old Enough too Know Better But Young Enough Too Do It Anyway Mark Current Tank Info: 1 75 gallon fish only marine tank 1 55 fresh water tank and 1 29 gallon fresh tank

07/16/2006, 11:39 AM	#2
afex Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 542	i wouldn't recommend the bioballs myself, but those are usually a matter of opinion. one problem i do see is that your return section is extremely small (both width and height) are you planning on having an automated topoff system? otherwise i see you topping off water alot.

07/16/2006, 02:12 PM	#4
mkarston Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 449	I know, I know.... bio-balls are a taboo around here. :-) I haven't ever had too much problem with them as long as you don't use too many and you rinse then from time to time. Like I said in my original post, there really isn't all that many of them to begin with. As far as the clear tube, why is it you wouldn't recommend using this? And is it a problem with the for both the return and the drain into the fuge?