i've learned alot frome these forums . so i thought i'd contribute some of my diy projects to pay back the favor. i made the overflow from 2 radio shack abs project boxes, some inch 1/4 pvc pipe and 1/4 inch plexiglass. i used 2 - 3/8" nylon bolts and tapped the plexiglass so i can raise and lower the water level in the tank. i drilled the top of the "U" and connected it to a "tom's airlifter" to ensure siphon after power failures.it hasent lost siphon at all. the sump is a glass 10 gal that i had laying around. i siliconed plexi dividers into it and used a rubbermade 1 gal clear jug to house the bio balls.i used rock and, gravel and the filter pads from my old 29 gal to "season" the filter. it has cycled in 1 week (ams 0, nitrite 0 ) i also used cycle. the pump is a rio 2100 it is super quiet. all my plumbing is rigid 1 1/4 pvc. the stand is homemade out of 2x4s and sanded plywood from the local hardware store.
