Sump specs?

I have decided to go with a sump system on my not yet established tank.
I am somewhat of a handyman, and i believe that i can craft one to accommodate.
I was wondering about the specs and general requirements of an efficient sump sys.

i'm thinking of making it so that i can shut it down(completely cut it off from the tank if need be for any reason) for maintenance or what not.


with the sump cut off, the tank would still have the main filtration I.E. backpack or maybe canister

the contents of sump/whatever you put in it, (i guess bio balls) is still not planned out

 

What size tank is it? Most likely you'll want to increase the water volume by as much as posssible. Also its better to do it right the first time so think about possible upgrades, auto-top off, refugium, etc.

I took a 20 gallon long and added baffles. I have a refugium with a 9'' sand bed and some LR in one chamber, the return is filled with bioballs (mostly just cause I had em already) and the skimmer is on the side near the intake. The good thing about DIY is this cost me like $40.

Oh and ditch the canister for the best protein skimmer you can afford.

 

Maximize size of sump you have space for, as what you are looking for is additional water volumn.

Usually contains skimmer and return pump so shutting down is no issue.

Let us know what you figure out.

 

Thanks for the advice.
BTW, Theres an lfs in my area that has a refunge tank in it, the owner is selling the store to some, somewhat ignorant guy. Anyways, its his refunge tank and he has been selling aiptasia, glass, majana anemones and those undesirable polyps out of it.
i was wondering if i made a refunge, would i have a problem with these getting into my tank?

 

i also wanted to drill my tank, for an over flow that fed the sump...

 

Bleach will take care of that stuff. As for sumps check here. Melevsreef.com | Acrylic Sumps & Refugiums

 

Thanks for the great link

 

As Otty would say, "+2 on that!"