10 g sump for 29 g tank

[White-Queen]

Well, it seems I will soon get access (within the next month or so) to another 10g tank and I would like to turn it into a sump for my current 29 g tank (which BTW is doing WONDERFULLY - thanks for all the great tips guys!). So my big question is this...how do I do it!?!? Lol! I have no holes in my tank right now or anything like that, I have a skilter (the bigger double size) which has worked out ok for me at this point, a small heater, and that's pretty much it as far as equipment goes. What else would I need to add and how should I convert the 10g into a sump?

Angela <><
P.S. I would want to locate it in the cabinet under the stand. It would fit great and the back is open to run hoses and lines through.

Basically I just need something I can show my boyfriend so he can put it together and I need to know what equipment (pumps, hoses, etc) I could put in there.

<><

 

[dustint]

I would also like some info on this. My 29 is doing great as well, but Id like to do a sump to increase my filtration and water volume. Would a 10 gallon be big enough to make a difference?

 

[purple_tang2001]

Hey guy's my 10 gallon sump consists of a DIY overflow, in sump skimmer and a Otto power head for a return pump. Works great for me

 

[botp2k1]

The basics of adding a sump/refugium is simple, you can tweak to your personal preference. The following is assuming you do not want to modify your existing tank, drilling holes, fitting bulkheads, etc.

You will need to bring water down with a hang on tank overflow box. Use one with a U tube siphon. This type of overflow box provides the best insurance against failure. Then you need to bring water back up with a pump. Perform a search and find one with slightly more flow than you would need. Use a plastic gate valve on the return to control flow. How you want to divert or direct the output is up to you. Keep the distance and angles to a minimum if possible. A larger sized pump allows you to restrict the output if the flow is too high, if you size too small, you will just have to upgrade later when you realize the flow is not enough. What you want to do with the sump/refugium is up to you, you can add LR, LS, caulerpa, most of your equipment, carbon bags, etc.

 

[Danny B]

Hello. I'm a few stages ahead of you in this process and am just waiting to get my pump to get that water back up to the tank! I bought an overflow box from Jeff at Lifereef (www.lifereef.com). It is the one with the U-shaped siphon tube unlike the CPR design which is different (and a little sketchier from what I hear). You can also buy tubing from him (I bought 4' which should be long enough). That brings the water down to the sump. I'm going to attach the tubing down to the sump to the side somehow (my LFS recommended velcro) because you don't want the tube flying around (obviously). The overflow box (the smaller Lifereef one which should be good for you also) is rated for 700 gph so I bought a Rio 2100 (692 gph) to pump the water back up. You'll also need tubing to go back to your main tank and what is called a J-hook (or something like that). It basically attaches to your outgoing tube and hangs over the edge of your tank so again you don't have water flying everywhere. This project is many months in the making and I think I have my ducks in a row. If anyone has a comment for me I'd appreciate it. HTH - Dan.

 

[White-Queen]

How much would you estimate in cost? Especially if some work is done myself?

Angela <><

 

[Rich-n-poor]

ok you peeked my interest and a 10 gallon will fit inside my stand just measured it today so i might as well try a sump on my 37 gallon. I guess of i really screw it up i can always turn it into a nanoreef which will make my wife happy lol. so someone please take a picture of their setup and post it for us thx
_________________
Stock paintball

 

[White-Queen]

R-n-P,

That is exactly what I was thinking! If it doesn't work out as a sump I can just make a nano reef. Only reason I decided against it was becuase I want to be able to add another to my 29g and I sump, small though it may be, would help stabilize water quality, allow macro algea addition, etc.

Keep the ideas comin' guys!

Angela <><

 

[White-Queen]

Where could a get an overflow box like the one you describe and how would I fit it onto the tank? The siphon tube sucks the water out of the tank into the overflow box? I'm so unsure of techinical things....please give more details! We need a book, "Idiots guide to aquarium hardware".

Angela <><

 

[White-Queen]

Thanks for the pics! I really appreciate the help so far. I'll let you know when I get it up and running. (have to get it emptied and cleaned out first

)

Angela <><

 

[botp2k1]

You can probably get the overflow box and a pump for return flow for around $75-150 depending on which type, etc. Pet Warehouse has the Amiracle overflow box (I think it is the U siphon type - you can call to make sure), Life Reef has one but it is more expensive than most, there is another brand called Oasis. I would avoid the CPR model or anything other than a U tube type.

Be aware that the overflow box does take a bit of room both inside and outside of the tank you will be hanging it on. Also, the sump will never be 100% full of water because you will have some flow back from the return pipe when the pump is off until the siphon breaks on the main tank.

 

[Danny B]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by botp2k1:
<strong>You can probably get the overflow box and a pump for return flow for around $75-150 depending on which type, etc. Pet Warehouse has the Amiracle overflow box (I think it is the U siphon type - you can call to make sure), Life Reef has one but it is more expensive than most, there is another brand called Oasis. I would avoid the CPR model or anything other than a U tube type.

Be aware that the overflow box does take a bit of room both inside and outside of the tank you will be hanging it on. Also, the sump will never be 100% full of water because you will have some flow back from the return pipe when the pump is off until the siphon breaks on the main tank.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Ok...after many months of comtemplation/avoidance, I finally gave the Lifereef overflow a shot in my tank (20 gal.). I thought I set up everything properly (5 gal. sump, Rio 2100 return pump) and gunned it. The return flow was fine but I couldn't get the siphon to start. After a minor flood, I tried it again this time trying to start the siphon in the J-tube using an extra piece of tubing to start it then quickly dropping the J-tube in the box. We kept trying to no avail. I'm about ready to scrap the idea and just go with an H.O.B. skimmer. What am I doing wrong?