Want to build a 20 gallon long sump

I am currently using a Fluval FX5 for my filtration and want to move to a sump, the next level.

I am looking for the most straight forward way to build it, from the tank to plumbing from pump to overflow box and everything in between.

I have looked all over the place and I see all kinds of ways to do it. I have noticed that people have been saying to make it a three chamber sump but have varied on where the chamber should go.

I am pretty mechanically inclined so building it is not a big problem, it is just getting the right desgin.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

 

How big is you display tank? Obviously, the bigger you can build your sump, the better...more room for pumps, skimmers, etc. Most people who do a 3 chamber sump do a skimmer section on one end, return pump area in the middle and a huge on the other end. Thats how I have mine. It is done this way so that you don't loose a lot of pods and such in the skimmer. There are several links that people have to build diagrams, but the concepts a re usually about the same. Having a bubble trap between the skimmer and return area is something a lot of people do. It s just 3 staggered pieces of glass but in a 20 that may take too much room since space is a premium. I don't have one in my 30 gal. and its been just fine. Good luck and post a pic when your done!

 

Mine is set up the same way. The water in, and skimmer is on the right, return pump center and the fuge/ATS on the right. My waterflow in comes down to a invetered T with half going to the in and half feeding the ATS that runs in the fuge.