Now i have a extra 5g tank. I dont want to put it to wast in the closet where it will collect dust. So I want to trun it into a sump. Is this possible? Can I use my FilStar XP1 with this system?
Sump for 20g
- Thread starter Kasakato
- Start date
Yes and yes, though it may be more expensive than you thought.
You will need a return pump and an overflow box. (or drill a hole in your tank)
You will need a return pump and an overflow box. (or drill a hole in your tank)
Drill, how hard is it?
The overflow box sounds good but its like $150. How can I "do it myself?"
Do you have any ideas on how I can go about this? Will the FilStar repalce the return pump?
The overflow box sounds good but its like $150. How can I "do it myself?"
Do you have any ideas on how I can go about this? Will the FilStar repalce the return pump?
Do a search for 'amiracle overflow' They are pretty simple U-tube overflows that use to sell for under $40, Im sure theyve increased price a bit, but they should still be rather cheap.
Overflow boxes are fairly difficult to assemble yourself, and I wouldnt recommend it for someone who hasent worked with acrylic before.
Your canister filter can not be used as the return pump, the pumps in canisters are not made to operate against any significant head (restrictions) and a 3' pumping height will likely make the unit stall out. There are a good number of smaller pumps and powerheads that can easily pump 3'+ however, and generally dont cost more than $25.
Overflow boxes are fairly difficult to assemble yourself, and I wouldnt recommend it for someone who hasent worked with acrylic before.
Your canister filter can not be used as the return pump, the pumps in canisters are not made to operate against any significant head (restrictions) and a 3' pumping height will likely make the unit stall out. There are a good number of smaller pumps and powerheads that can easily pump 3'+ however, and generally dont cost more than $25.
What about using a HOB filter as the overflow? Just a random idea but you could drill a hole in the bottone of it and stick a pipe in that hole directing water into the sump.
Wouldnt work. As soon as the return pump stops the water would back siphon into the tank, and when the return pump started back up, the water would not overflow back into the sump. Leaving you with 5 gallons of water on the floor.
I ment keep the HOB filter on and let it suck water into the box. The water would then go down teh pipe and into the sump. If the power was to go out teh return pump would stop and so would the HOB overflow.
er, and when your return pump stops, your HOB filter keeps sucking in water until your sump overflows.