Sump for a FW tank

S

Sly_Marbo

Say Hello To My Little Friend
Dec 31, 2005
71
0
0
Escanaba, Michigan
As the name says, I'm building a sump for my 75 FW. I currently have a 300gph overflow (I know it should be more gph, but i bought it used for $15, can't pass that up:)) The problem I'm having is deciding on a good return pump with the right gph. I've opted not to have any powerheads in the tank, because I plan on having the return pump create the water movement. As of now I'm planning on a 10g sump sitting in a stand 4 feet high (maybe a bit lower) and the tank is 21'' tall. I dont' really want a mag pump (Price and common complaints of noise) so I've chosen this (Not bought yet) http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=8164&N=2004+113041, the model 1300. I've done the head loss calculator on reefcentral, and the flow seems to be good. Any one see any problems with this?

sump7sw.png


Rough design, hows it look?
 
Design looks good.

A 75g is a large tank. I would upgrade to a 29g sump tank if you can, as I find a larger sump is usually for the best. If you decided to go with the 29, it would also allow you to add alot more bio balls and other media. You can also hide your heater in your sump for a more clutter free tank.

I know your overflow is rated at 300 gph, but 300gph for a 75g is just simply not enough (I'm running a 400gph Emperor on my 29g growout for fry. Ya it's slightly overkill). Unless you are going to be running additional filters, I recommend you find a higher rated overflow. If you don't your going to be doing water changes like 4 times a week.

more gph = cleaner tank = happier fish

Also remember to have a check valve on the return hose to the tank. Don't want the power going out and siphoning half your tank water back into your sump and flooding it. :sad:
 
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another overfloew is not needed, just get some pvc and add a second overflow tube(the one that brings the water over the tank rim). simple.
 
Even with another overflow, or simply another overflow tube, your water circulation will be limited by your pump size. As I said I feel 300gph is a little on the light side. The 2300 model is only $19.99 ($5 more then the 1300) and nearly doubles your gallons per hour.
 
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