DIY sump suggestions

serpentman · 06/18/2006, 08:37 AM

I am setting up an 180gal (72x24x24) tank and need sump ideas. I will be using an Iwaki MD-100RLT (~2000gph @4') to run the system and will be plumbing an separate refugium so flow is not a concern.

At this point, I just can justify the $$ for a prefab sump so I want to go DIY. I don't really have the tools to go acrylic so am left with 2 options: Converting an aquarium vs rubbermaid tub.

Any recommendations? Should I be concerned with microbubbles if I go the tub route?

ek9vboi · 06/18/2006, 08:43 AM

Either is fine. Check here:
http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

If your a person that has access to a machine that can cut acrylic and so on, build the whole thing yourself. If you are like me... buy a tank and just go to ace or something along that line and get them to cut the baffles for you.

BTW your flow through the sump should only be around 3-5 times the flo of your display tank. If you need more flow, use powerheads or a closed loop system. Also, using baffles should take care of the microbubbles and as long as you keep the flow in the sump 3-5 times I don't see why there would be a reason with micrrobubbles. If you have the room then do the rubber main, but if you want it under your tank and in the stand then go for the tank.

serpentman · 06/18/2006, 08:51 AM

I always wondered this. Why is the rule of thumb 3-5x? Is it because of microbubbles? I always thought this was the rule only if you incorporated an in-sump refugium.

ek9vboi · 06/18/2006, 09:00 AM

The flow for refugiums inside the sump if placed on the outside of the tank, the flow can be adjusted with a ballvalve. I am not sure why it is 3-5 times myself, just about everyone and their mother has told me the same.

mdellyd · 06/18/2006, 09:20 AM

I think the idea behind slow flow in the fuge is so that you have a longer contact time for the micro-algae, live rock and live sand if you do all three to do it's work filtering the water.

06/18/2006, 08:37 AM	#1
serpentman part time superhero Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Snowbelt (NE OHIO) Posts: 5,698	DIY sump suggestions I am setting up an 180gal (72x24x24) tank and need sump ideas. I will be using an Iwaki MD-100RLT (~2000gph @4') to run the system and will be plumbing an separate refugium so flow is not a concern. At this point, I just can justify the $$ for a prefab sump so I want to go DIY. I don't really have the tools to go acrylic so am left with 2 options: Converting an aquarium vs rubbermaid tub. Any recommendations? Should I be concerned with microbubbles if I go the tub route?

06/18/2006, 08:51 AM	#3
serpentman part time superhero Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Snowbelt (NE OHIO) Posts: 5,698	I always wondered this. Why is the rule of thumb 3-5x? Is it because of microbubbles? I always thought this was the rule only if you incorporated an in-sump refugium. __________________ BS in Marine Bio ('96), First SW tank in 1992. Current Tank(s) 300g SPS with 90g frag tank and 40 anemone tank - decommissioned 46g LPS/Softy Cube 300g FOWLR under construction - decommissioned

06/18/2006, 08:43 AM	#2
ek9vboi Registered Member. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: South FL Posts: 3,027	Either is fine. Check here: http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html If your a person that has access to a machine that can cut acrylic and so on, build the whole thing yourself. If you are like me... buy a tank and just go to ace or something along that line and get them to cut the baffles for you. BTW your flow through the sump should only be around 3-5 times the flo of your display tank. If you need more flow, use powerheads or a closed loop system. Also, using baffles should take care of the microbubbles and as long as you keep the flow in the sump 3-5 times I don't see why there would be a reason with micrrobubbles. If you have the room then do the rubber main, but if you want it under your tank and in the stand then go for the tank.

06/18/2006, 09:00 AM	#4
ek9vboi Registered Member. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: South FL Posts: 3,027	The flow for refugiums inside the sump if placed on the outside of the tank, the flow can be adjusted with a ballvalve. I am not sure why it is 3-5 times myself, just about everyone and their mother has told me the same.

06/18/2006, 09:20 AM	#5
mdellyd Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 120	I think the idea behind slow flow in the fuge is so that you have a longer contact time for the micro-algae, live rock and live sand if you do all three to do it's work filtering the water.