Sump Question
- Thread starter PteroisVolitan15B
- Start date
Here's a really good site about sumps and a bunch of other things too.
Melevsreef.com | Acrylic Sumps & Refugiums
Lost so info and ideas, some more complex than others.
Chris
Melevsreef.com | Acrylic Sumps & Refugiums
Lost so info and ideas, some more complex than others.
Chris
Thanks for the repies a lot of helpful info there. Thought I was going to get going on the sump today went to get some supplies got to talking to the guy I buy most of my stuff from and he thinks I'd be making a mistake running a sump since my tank isn't drilled, he thinks the overflow boxes are too risky on causing a flood when I'm not home if there is a power outage, He's suggesting I just JBJ Reaction EFU-45 4 stage canister with a built in UV light.Haven't heard much about these filters just wanting to see what any of you all would do as far as still going with a sump or the Reaction canister, Thanks in advance
I think the canister is definitely the wrong way to go. Unless you clean out all the media weekly, you'll end up with more nitrates. The UV really isn't going to help much for the tank.
Overflows can be really tricky to install. And yes, they can leak or cause floods if they're not set up 100% right.
Is there some issue in your tank that you're trying to solve? (High nitrates, etc.)
Overflows can be really tricky to install. And yes, they can leak or cause floods if they're not set up 100% right.
Is there some issue in your tank that you're trying to solve? (High nitrates, etc.)
Currently, I'm using 2 magnum 350 pros, and I'm having to constantly clean them sometimes twice a week, and I'm tired of them really, I wasn't to sure about another canister setup myself, since the tank isn't drilled is there a way to set up an overflow box with little risk of problems? Thanks in advance
I've been running overflows off and on for 9 years without a simgle flood... Just have to pay attention to your tank. 
Look for a design that has an emergency drain and uses U-tubes (instead of C-tubes or single piece).
The other option if you can tear down your tank for a short while (may not be possible) is drill it yourself. Diamond hole "saws" are pretty cheap now a days.
Chris
Look for a design that has an emergency drain and uses U-tubes (instead of C-tubes or single piece).
The other option if you can tear down your tank for a short while (may not be possible) is drill it yourself. Diamond hole "saws" are pretty cheap now a days.
Chris
LOL, so I've never used e-bay... not really sure how to see that item .
But the first thing you need to find out before drilling is whether or not the tanks glass is tempered. If it is, drilling is *not* an option it'll just shatter. A quick e-mail to the manufacturer will clear that up definitively.
Second is to decide what size bulkheads you want. They will determine your lay out and hole size. Find the Bulkheads first! There doesn't appear to be a true standard... and it would suck to drill a "standard" hole for 1" bulkheads and then only be able to find ones larger in your area. These are some sizes for my area
0.5" BH = 1.125" hole;
0.75" BH = 1.5" hole;
1" BH = 1.75" hole;
1.5" BH = 2.375" hole.
Then again, I actually have a 0.5" BH that needs a 2.25" hole...
Third thing is to decide where to put the holes. I was tought at least 4" edge of hole to any tank edge (4" of "meat") but I have seen lots of people do it closer... I wouldn't risk it though. Not for any specific reason, it just doesn't sit well with me.
And fourth is the tool/supply list.
Diamond hole saw
Variable speed hand drill
Combination square (tri square is another name I've heard them called)
Sharpie
plumbers putty or the likes. (something to make a dam for the water around the hole while drilling)
Water source. I'd suggest a helper and a hose... some people use a jug and just pour it on.
some cardboard to catch the plug when it falls out. I just don't like hitting the glass on the other side is all.
So here's a link that has a video, it's on the nav bar for their site.
Glass-Holes.com dope aquarium stuff : Home
MAKE SURE the glass isn't tempered! I can't stress that enough. It's a no- go if it is...
I also just want to say there is ALWAYS a risk the tank will crack. And I have no control over how you actually do it so yeah, normal DIY disclaimer... proceed at your own risk. Just be steady and move slow very little good ever comes from rushing, quality comes from taking your time. Also read as much as you can first, there are LOTS of You-tube vid's you can study as well. ALWAY keep in mind the weight of the drill is doing the work, don't push!
Chris
. But the first thing you need to find out before drilling is whether or not the tanks glass is tempered. If it is, drilling is *not* an option it'll just shatter. A quick e-mail to the manufacturer will clear that up definitively.
Second is to decide what size bulkheads you want. They will determine your lay out and hole size. Find the Bulkheads first! There doesn't appear to be a true standard... and it would suck to drill a "standard" hole for 1" bulkheads and then only be able to find ones larger in your area. These are some sizes for my area
0.5" BH = 1.125" hole;
0.75" BH = 1.5" hole;
1" BH = 1.75" hole;
1.5" BH = 2.375" hole.
Then again, I actually have a 0.5" BH that needs a 2.25" hole...
Third thing is to decide where to put the holes. I was tought at least 4" edge of hole to any tank edge (4" of "meat") but I have seen lots of people do it closer... I wouldn't risk it though. Not for any specific reason, it just doesn't sit well with me.
And fourth is the tool/supply list.
Diamond hole saw
Variable speed hand drill
Combination square (tri square is another name I've heard them called)
Sharpie
plumbers putty or the likes. (something to make a dam for the water around the hole while drilling)
Water source. I'd suggest a helper and a hose... some people use a jug and just pour it on.
some cardboard to catch the plug when it falls out. I just don't like hitting the glass on the other side is all
.So here's a link that has a video, it's on the nav bar for their site.
Glass-Holes.com dope aquarium stuff : Home
MAKE SURE the glass isn't tempered! I can't stress that enough. It's a no- go if it is...
I also just want to say there is ALWAYS a risk the tank will crack. And I have no control over how you actually do it so yeah, normal DIY disclaimer... proceed at your own risk. Just be steady and move slow very little good ever comes from rushing, quality comes from taking your time. Also read as much as you can first, there are LOTS of You-tube vid's you can study as well. ALWAY keep in mind the weight of the drill is doing the work, don't push!
Chris
I thik you're refering to a siphion break. That is completely seperate from the overflow box. But yes! good idea none the less! .
So far as overflow "boxes" have you given DIY a thought? Check out this site. I haven't made one like this yet but the design is sound.
Randy Stacy E
move over the DIY aquarium projects and look under Overflow pages for the DIY one.
Chris
. So far as overflow "boxes" have you given DIY a thought? Check out this site. I haven't made one like this yet but the design is sound.
Randy Stacy E
move over the DIY aquarium projects and look under Overflow pages for the DIY one.
Chris