pre-fab sump vs glass tank

[attempt]

What are the advantages of a pre-fab sump vs a 20 gal glass tank used as a sump? Right now I use a 20 gallon glass tank, I have heater, skimmer and return pump housed in it. Is there an advantage to purchasing a pre-fab sump other than making my pokcets smaller and someone elses bigger?
also for those of you that suggest a pre-fab, tell me some good reasons too, and also web sites of places to purchase them.
thanks!!

 

[Anonymous]

I built my current sump from a 60 gallon glass tank. I just siliconed in the dividers where I needed them.

There was no reason to buy one, and the size I needed doesn't exist anyway.

Jim

 

[Anonymous]

JimM speaks the truth.

The only real benefit to real manufactured sumps is that they are typically made of acrylic, have built-in baffles and bulkheads, some have shelves or holders that hold probes and filter cylinders, and they are easier to drill in the future if you decide to "re-do" things.

It really is just a money issue. Either can serve your purpose.

Louey

 

[srbayless]

Howdy,

Heck, you can even use a heavy duty rubbermaid storage tub. That's what I did on my 55 gallon tank. Like Louey said, the only advantage to a premade sump is the baffles, holders for probes and such, and the ease of drilling (assuming it's an acrylic sump).

I am planning a 120g corner tank from tenecor, and plan on using my old 40g arcrylic tank as a sump. I can just silicone in the baffles and widen the openings at the top with a router since it won't be holding alot of water.

Save yourself the money and use the old aquarium or storage tub.

Scott.

 

[attempt]

what is the exact purpose of the baffles and stuff? In my 20 gal sump it is just 5 walls no baffles or anything. do i need baffles?

 

[jhaag]

The baffles work to remove any bubble you have from your skimmer and sometimes to slow flow down and make suspended debris fall to the bottom. Again, all the purposes depend on the specific design of the sump. I would stick with the aquarium, and maybe silicon in a simple over/under/over baffle combination to get rid of any bubbles you might get from the return splash and/or the skimmer.

 

[JD'sReef]

Pre-Fabed sumps are nice for small tanks. I have a 46 and the bow makes for a small stand where a 10 gallon is all that fit with an external pump. I finally broke down and bought a CPR bio filter and it saved me a load of verbal excerbs.

 

[attempt]

I only have a 40 gallon tank with the 20 gallon sump, and one of the 19" cpr aquafuge's
the only filtration i have is the skimmer and and i use a 100 micron bag to catch anything going through the overflow.
I dont really have any way to run any carbon in my system and it doesnt seem to do so well just laying it in the bottom of the sump. this works ok for the phosguard but not carbon.
i think with a sump it would be easier to add filration media and it work effectivly.. right?
also does anyone here run any type of filtration like a canister filter or anything like that? i was told by LFS it is not needed, everything seems to be doing fine, although when i do water changes my water has a greenish tint to it (tank appears crystal clear though)

 

[cdeakle]

play around with your skimmer a bit, I had a green tint also but with a new kick ass skimmer and a few adjustments no more green....