View Full Version : What is a sump?
Daddys1jenn
05-27-2007, 9:25 PM
Ok so yes I am TRYING to gure all this out. Reading some of the forums they are talking about sumps. Whe I look them up it kinda looks like a canister filter/pump what ever they are called. Are they the same?:help:
Mgamer20o0
05-27-2007, 9:53 PM
a sump is usually another tank but could be a tub or something under the tank. pump the water out of the tank down into it and then back into the tank. its basically a filter. most people put the heaters in there also. there are different ways to set it up like with a wet dry system bio balls sponges.
Star_Rider
05-27-2007, 9:58 PM
sump generally utilize gravity feed(over flows) they are usually wet/dry..meaning the water from the tank passes over the bio media which is in a chamber above the main tank in the sump..the water as it passes over the media is subjected to the bacteria in the nitrogen cycle..sumps are very effective at filtration ..make sure there is a screen, floss. sock ..something to act as the mechanical filter..the tray this usually sits in can also be used for carbon etc.
the sump uses a pump in the return side to pump the water back to the main tank.
Daddys1jenn
05-27-2007, 10:13 PM
is that pretty much what the canister does?
Mgamer20o0
05-27-2007, 11:19 PM
yes in a way. sumps allow for grater volume of water plus faster turn over rate.
nickmcmechan
05-28-2007, 5:00 AM
so can you buy sumps or are they diy?
Mgamer20o0
05-28-2007, 5:06 AM
mostly are diy but you can buy most of it ready to go.
Rbishop
05-28-2007, 9:39 AM
The canister system is enclosed, drawing water thru tubing, thru the media and returning to the main tank. The sump does the same but is open to the air and provides several options such as growing plants.
Rbishop
05-28-2007, 9:41 AM
canisters...
http://www.petsolutions.com/Canister+Filters-C-20-C-.aspx
sumps (pre-made)...
http://www.petsolutions.com/MegaFlow+Sump+Filters-I-15919000-I-C-26-C-.aspx
Daddys1jenn
05-28-2007, 12:26 PM
wow ok thanks now I am gonna have to go look.. yall are AWSOME!
Rbishop
05-28-2007, 12:43 PM
When you review the links, just drop us a line if you have any questions!
Star_Rider
05-29-2007, 11:20 AM
nice sump!!
Daddys1jenn
05-29-2007, 10:20 PM
wow thats cool looking
Mgamer20o0
05-29-2007, 10:59 PM
Sump. :thumbsup:
hey its a sump.
nickmcmechan
05-30-2007, 2:02 PM
so, a sump has greater capacity and therefore much improved filtration in comparison to a cannister
therefore if money was no object, you would chosse a sump every time?
Star_Rider
05-30-2007, 3:55 PM
so, a sump has greater capacity and therefore much improved filtration in comparison to a cannister
therefore if money was no object, you would chosse a sump every time?
on a large tank they are definately worth consideration.
the only drawback that some sumps have is offgassing CO2 in a planted tank..but many designs can be sealed and reduce the loss..those where the bio media and filter floss are in a sort of seperate secion where you can seal the unit.
like the one picured above.
JoeRags3
06-03-2007, 9:54 PM
Do you have to drill into the side of your tank to produce the overflow? or does it work like a siphon?
Star_Rider
06-03-2007, 10:00 PM
Mine is drilled..but there are continuous siphon over flows too.(these hang on the rim ff the tank..there is one box that hangs in the tank and another on the other side where the water drains..
newsom00
06-05-2007, 10:49 PM
it just cycles water