sump question

[dug5921]

i am looking into building a sump for my 75gal. its been up and running for a couple of months now, so drilling is out of the question. this is my plan (so far):

30 gallon rubbermaid (not sure about how to make the baffles yet)

cpr overflow (600 gph)

rio 3100 pump (900 pgh@0 head)[i'm figuring about 5 feet of head, which should drop that down to 500 gph or so, and i don't want to mess with bulkheads, so i want a drop in pump]

already figured out how to rig up my prism skimmer to work in sump

flex tubing all around to cut down head pressure


so, what do you think?? i am open to all suggestions.

also, what to you think of csl power compacts? will they work for stony corals??

 

[Shaner]

From my past expierences I would recommend getting a hardsided sump (something from an Agriculture/Feed Store) if you are planning on attaching rigid structures..i.e. baffles. The flex in the siding from a normal rubbermaid can disturb the glue/sealent used. This also allows you to drill and attach bulk heads if needed or if you want to add items in the future.

 

[howie099]

Easy as pie. I use rubbermaid containers all the time. Just run the line from the overflow to the Rubbermaid; you will not need baffles;just keep the water level above the overflow line to get rid of the bubbles. Just put the return pump on the opposite side of the container so you will not get any bubbles and run it to the tank. That is it. I have on on my tank with the pump mounted outside with a bulkhead in the side so my pump will not make anymore heat in the tank. Those MHs do enough on there own

 

[dug5921]

anyone else?

 

[SPC]

Dug, I would use a regular 29 gallon aquarium. It is much easier to work with and not very expensive, finding used ones is fairly easy also. I would not use the Rio, if you do a search on this board or others you will see the problems people have had with Rio. A Mag 9.5 is a good substitute for this pump.
I don't keep stony corals but I don't think the light you metioned is near enough for them to thrive.
Steve

 

[dug5921]

SPC:

thanks for your advice. i have been leaning more towards a tank-type-tank, and away from the rubbermaid. i think it will be sturdier, and easier to work with (since i will not be drilling holes. as for the pump, the mag isn't much more expensive, and gets alot more recommendations around here. what do you think of the cpr overflows?? anyone else have opinions??

 

[SPC]

I personally like the Marineland SOS overflow and had good luck with it. Its never talked about much on the reef boards however, could just be a marketing thing.
Steve