Overflow/sump setup questions

rocker92

rocker92

Shine On You Crazy Diamond
Sep 29, 2008
1,921
0
0
30
Minnesota
at some point, i would like to setup a tank with an overflow, and a sump, but im not sure on what equipment i will need.

here are two overflows im looking at getting, but how should i plumb it down to the sump? should i use flexible tubing, or should i use PVC? also, are these good overflow boxes?

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3642

or

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=18358

also, how should i do my sump? the tank will either be a 20gal long, or a 40 breeder, so im thinking of using a smaller aquarium, and making my own sump. is this a good idea?


also, what is the difference between a sump and a wet/dry filter?
 
I have used both styles of overflow box, and I like the second one better. The first one really requires the use of a powerhead or aqualifter to constantly suck air bubbles out. The U-tube style, has enough flow through the siphon tube that any air that gets in there immediately washes right through. I had 4 of the CPR style ones running at a time, and over time have replaced them all with the U-tube style.

As far as getting water from the back of the overflow box to the sump, it doesn't much matter. I use vinyl tubing off the box and into PVC which runs into the sump, so a combination of both, which gives convenient disconnect points if I have to take it apart.

Making a sump is easy, I've made a few. Look at some designs and figure out what you want it to do, and you can get glass cut for baffles and silicone it in.

A sump is just a remote tank that can contain all sorts of sections and suit many purposes. A wet/dry filter is usually part of a sump, but there are "sumps" that are basically just standalone w/d filters, without any room for other equipment.
 
Sploke said:
I have used both styles of overflow box, and I like the second one better. The first one really requires the use of a powerhead or aqualifter to constantly suck air bubbles out. The U-tube style, has enough flow through the siphon tube that any air that gets in there immediately washes right through. I had 4 of the CPR style ones running at a time, and over time have replaced them all with the U-tube style.

As far as getting water from the back of the overflow box to the sump, it doesn't much matter. I use vinyl tubing off the box and into PVC which runs into the sump, so a combination of both, which gives convenient disconnect points if I have to take it apart.

Making a sump is easy, I've made a few. Look at some designs and figure out what you want it to do, and you can get glass cut for baffles and silicone it in.

A sump is just a remote tank that can contain all sorts of sections and suit many purposes. A wet/dry filter is usually part of a sump, but there are "sumps" that are basically just standalone w/d filters, without any room for other equipment.
Click to expand...

:iagree:This is about the best answer you will ever find.

A sump or w/d should be the largest tank possible. Reason: the greater the amount of water, the less impact a small error will make.

It will also afford you a place away from the main tank to perform a host of other activities with out disrupting the appearance or activity of the main display tank.
 
you can buy the overflow boxes for 1/2 price brand new on ebay they sell both types i buy all of mine off ebay and i use both styles and like both styles so i dont have a favorite on overflow boxes.
In fact i buy all the parts needed off ebay to build my own wet dry filters - good luck and have fun!
 
what is the point of baffles, and how should i place the media in the sump, and have water flow through the media instead of around it?
 
Baffles are used for dividing the sump up into different sections. What media are you planning on using that will need to be replaced? How you want the water to flow will depend on the media type.
 
i was planing on using some type of fliter floss, and a foam block. along with ceramic rings, bioballs or pot scrubbies.

the filter floss will most likely be polyester or the filter floss that you can buy in sheets and cut to size.
 
bump
 
For a wet dry, you will want some sort of way to get mechanical filtration, and some way to drip the water over the biomedia. The mech can be accomplished by running the tank outlet into filter socks, or just using some sort of filter pad directly over the drip tray. Then you'll want the drip tray over the biomedia, and a section for the return pump.
 
so a wet/dry is a bit simpler than a sump?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom