To Sump or NOT to Sump

[ChrisRD]

I checked out Durso's AGA Standpipe design. Although it looks great, the bottom of my tank is tempered. So now what? Is there a modification that would accommodate for tempered bottoms?

As Dan and Steve suggested - I would drill it through the back glass. Tempered glass cannot be drilled, so the bottom is not an option.

I just recently setup a 50 gallon that was drilled through the back glass. I built a small acrylic overflow box for it and used an external version of Rich Durso's standpipe to plumb it to the sump. This setup works well and is very quiet.

I think this is the thread that Pojohnny was talking about. There's a pic of what I ended up doing on my 50 in here as well as some other ideas: http://reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=19157&highlight=

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Wolfman! that's the one

 

[tizme]

drill through back glass like Steve said. It will serve the purpose as long as you drill as close to bottom leaving at least 2" away from all sides. The side panels most likely are not tempered.

Yep, that's my plan now. I want as little visible as possible. The acrylic overflow would be an eyesore. I heard of diamond drill bits working well, but am not willing to risk. I'll be doing a mod of the Durso design. Drilling on the bottom back wall will accommodate the inside overflow box and using an elbow will allow easy connect with the sump underneath. Not my first choice, but.... Thanks for ALL the great input.

Best wishes!

 

[suckair]

I am considering a total redesign of my 120 so I can go sps. I have decided to run 90% closed loop and use inline heaters. I am going to run a very small sump for my skimmer but don't plan to use the standard sump design. If I could figure out a way run the skimmer without one I would do that too!

I am doing this for a few reasons but the big one is head pressure. You get more flow with low head pressure and you then have the option of running very efficient pumps. This is a good thing

So... if anyone knows how I can run my skimmer without a sump please let me know!

Randall

PPS when I tear down my 120 for refit I will have 4 dolphin 1200 titanium pumps to get rid of

 

[JohnD]

Tizme,

Where are you in NJ?

I am in the process of planning for a 135 RR Oceanic come this spring and have done some thinking about drilling my own tank, building my own stand, etc.

I have come to the conclusion that I am not really interested in saving some money by drilling the tank myself. (You may be interested in that or you may want to go to a glass place and have them do the drilling.) The reason for that is, I do not have the equipment nor the desire to mess with something like that. As for me, I will get the tank factory drilled. I am not beging negative, but only wanted to give you a suggestion. Your situation is probably different.

Back to your main question: sumps are the way to go - more water volume, place to put "stuff", place to raise pods, etc.

HTH

 

[brokekyle]

So... if anyone knows how I can run my skimmer without a sump please let me know!

sure you can but it's ugly as sin!!!
use a submersible pump to feed the skimmer. mount the skimmer above the tank and run the skimmer return to the tank..

 

[ReefLion]

suckair,

Head pressure issues can be alleviated by adding a closed loop system. You might be adding a bit to your overall costs, but IMO a sump is definitely worth it.

Tim