Building a sump. Confused!!

Okay, I've decided to build a sump for my new 90 gallon because I would like all the ugly equipment hidden. I've been looking online and on 3reef trying to research building a sump. I feel confused.

I know I need a smaller tank (but what size?). And PVC piping, and tubes...but what exactly? I don't know where to start! lol

If anyone could help, I would really appreciate it. Really!

Oh and yeah, an overflow box? Please explain.

 

I just went through the same learning curve. Check out this link.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/refugium/please-grade-my-sump-design-homework-77868.html

First question that I would ask you is what all do you plan to put in there?? Skimmer? Heater? ATO?? Refugium?? Anything else??

Once I figured it out it was pretty simple. Now just working to get rid of the remaining bubbles getting through.

Hope that helped.

Mark

 

Read this, KC.

Then this, this, and finally, this.

 

Generally the tank you use for sump is going to be as large as you can fit. I would say you cant really go too big. You will need an overflow box. For this i would recommend a brand called eshopps its what i use and have to problems. you will also need a return pump you will probably want something that will overpower whatever your overflow can handle, Then you would dial it down using a ball valve. and from here you would just need pvc and glue to set it all up. the pvc would go from your overflow to your sump and from your return pump to your display.

 

I will check out that link. Thanks. I feel so lost - and it's making me not want to start! lol

I plan on putting the skimmer, two heaters and a filter in there. Having a refugium would be cool, but if it makes it harder to do, then it's not necessary.

I want the easiest possible design, and that does the job well.

 

Thaaaaank you!!!

I'm going to print these off and read them tonight!

 

Welcome!

 

How do you decide what size overflow box to buy? I looked up the Eshopps boxes, and I see they are rated by gallons, but is it better to go with one rated for a lot more gallons than you have, or does it not matter?

 

I think you generally want 7 to 10 times your water volume for flow. So for my 55 gallon tank I bought a 300gph overflow. This would work fine for yours as well i think.

 

It doesnt matter. You could run the smallest model with no problem.