DIY Sump 10g or 20g tall

[Sperry6591]

Hey, Im new here and would like to introduce myself, my name is Stephen, I have a 37g reef aquarium running a HOB skimmer (Aqua-c remora) my current set up is, 2 ecotech marine mp10's, and 1 ecotech marine radion LED light. Im currently running my system using the Neptune Apex aqua controller. As of right now I have many LPS corals, but have started to get into the SPS world. Im currently in the process of deceiding on a sump for my tank. I will be using the Eshopps f300 overflowbox and am wondering what type of sump would be ideal for this size aquarium (10g or a 20g tall). The dimensions underneath the tank are (L x W x H 24''x12''x30'') limiting the size of my sump. I was wondering, is it better to DIY or should I purchase an eshopps rs75? Does anyone have any DIY plans for a 10 or 20g tall with dimensions? I've been looking into the reef octopus skimmers.. either a NWB110 or 150.. and also a MAG5 return pump.. any suggestions? comments concerns? Thanks!

 

[Sperry6591]

I will most likely be purchasing acrylic from lowes for my baffles.. What type of silicone would be best if I decieded to DYI ?

 

[redfishbluefish]

The only safe silicone from Lowe's/HD is GE Silcone I. The others contain moldicides and could "poison" your tank. The other choice is to go to you LFS and get their silicone.

 

[Sperry6591]

would this work?

 

[Sperry6591]

using the sump without a fuge.. mainly for extra water volume // and equipment. and lack of sump space.. I will be using a Reef Octopus NWB110 skimmer (10.6 x 6.75 x 19.75) as well as the JBJ Ato system in my return section.

 

[Singlefin]

I would go with the biggest sump you can fit. If a 20H will fit, go with that. If you want your water height to be 8", your bubble trap needs to be 8" high, not 7". The bigger sump will add more water volume. It won't add 20g, because it won't be full to the top. Maybe 15g. Things you have to remember, when your power goes out, the system will drain into your sump, so depending on how deep your return nozzle is will determine how much will back flow. Mine dumps about 5g into my sump. I have my return nozzle the shallowest it can be without causing a vortex. If I went deeper, it would overflow my sump. You don't have to have a fuge, but some chaeto would probably help. You also have to see how deep your skimmer needs to sit. If its 6", make it 8" deep and build a 2" platform for it to sit on. Also the space in the skimmer area should fit the footprint if your skimmer, but I'm sure you got that point already. Sumps are very helpful. I just do my 5g water change from my sump and not have to mess with the display. A lot easier for me since I have a net top. One less step. The easier it is to do something, the more likely you'll do it. Good luck.

 

[Singlefin]

Also if you're going with a glass sump, try get glass baffles cut. It silicones better. I've read siliconing acrylic baffles to a glass sump only "wedges" it in there. It doesn't really glue it in place. Glass is cheap. Probably about $8-10 a baffle for 1/4" glass.

 

[fyrfytr]

PM sent...you and I are in a similar boat

 

[EFSleeper]

I would say use a 20 breeder if you can find 1. I'm using 1 on my 55 setup and it's working great it gives you room to play plus leaves you room to add more media or a fuge if you decide too

 

[EFSleeper]

Also yes go with glass baffles it bonds better and requires less silicone to make it stay in place and look correct