55g w/ sump

Hello hello
Last night I gave all my freshwater fish/decorations to a friend. Now I have a crispy new 55! It's sitting empty and I would like to start on my filtration and plumbing. I plan on making a simple diy overflow out of lee's specimen containers. I have a 20 long that I got for free to silicon some baffles in. I think I'll need a 550+ gph return pump. But my question is what size PVC should I use for the drain pipe. Also, should the sump inlet be under water or above? Also haven't decided on a skimmer. All help appreciated

 

As for the drain, I used 1.5" pvc and for my return I used 3/4" tubing. I would suggest a little more 550gph return pump as you will lose some of that as you plumb your return. As for a skimmer, I really like the PM Redline series, I got a RL 125 and really like it. I also had an AquaC Remora which I liked too. My drain actually goes under water a bit, this really helps to cut down on noise.

 

You should use at least 1" PVC for the drain pipe. The inlet should be under the tank. You should go with a Rio Hyperflow 17. I have one if you need it. If you need more equipment, just let me know.

 

Ya I'm reefin on a budget. Ive Yet to build my sump bc I don't have a skimmer so idk how big to make my skimmer area lol. I've never purchased one bc my biocube doesn't need one. Honestly I'm not even sure if I could hook one up if it was sitting in front of me. I was told to stay away from the ones that require seperate air pumps. I want to get a blue mandrin so I know I'll need a fuge but I haven't found any good plans for a 20 long. I'll try to sketch up a plan for mine and maybe you could give me some tips.

Thanks for the quick responses!

 

YouTube - Reef Tank D.I.Y. Sump part 1

a link to make an inexpensive sump tank