Another DIY sump/Fuge question

[dnorton1978]

I have been searching through tons of previous post of DIY sumps, and they are all very helpful except for one problem. I dont see any of the basics.

I was thinking of going and buying an acrylic tank, 40 -50 gallons, but how many baffles should I use, and how should they be spaced. What exactly are the baffles for. I have a regular sump now that has to houses going in delivering water from the main tank. Without drilling the new sump/fuge, how do I make this work.


Lets just pretend that I have no idea what any of this mean, and give me as many details and pics if possible.


If anybody would like to know the reason I want one it is because I need more room for my pumps, skimmer etc. I do want the benefits of a fuge.

Thank you

 

[Anonymous]

I have a plain 50 gallon fish tank for a sump. I glued pvc to make sections in the tank, one where all the pumps would go because I hate when a piece of substrate gets in and makes a ton of noise. I have another section for my filter socks because AC will often escape the sock!

The largest middle section has a DSB with mangroves, lots of macroalgae and a place for seahorse fry!

It just depends on what you want?

You could have no baffles and surround the return pumps with plastic needlepoint net to keep the macro away!

I did make an acrylic sump once, and put 4 baffles in it to make the water go up am down through the baffles to add more o2. It was smaller than I liked, though.

I have also used rubbermaid tubs for sumps, too.

 

[dnorton1978]

I have a plain 50 gallon fish tank for a sump. I glued pvc to make sections in the tank.

Could you explain that for me a little better, the pvc part.

My plans would be similiar to yours. I would like 3 - 4 secitons for the following..

1) A place for Macroalgae
2) A place for my pumps
3) A place for my skimmer


As for the AC, just a place to put it is my only concern. Hopefully this helps you help me better. I am not very handy, that is why I am asking for a lot of details. This will be my weekend project, among others.

 

[dnorton1978]

I would also like a place to keep am actual filter to catch any incoming debris.. Not 100% sure how to place that either.

Was thinking of a pool filter/ bucket type thing with holes all over it. I could put the filter in there, and direct the flow into it as well.

 

[SnowManSnow]

Basically baffles are for 2 purposes.

1 controle the path of water flow
2 bubble traps

For bubble traps I put mine about 1.5 inches apart
I placed them on the drain end, away from the return pump.

I also have a few that section off the return pump.

Theres a big space in between the two areas to allow bubbles to rise and for a possible fuge.

B

 

[Anonymous]

OOPs! I meant acrylic! I actually used plastic needle point canvas so water can flow through...I'll get a pic this weekend?

I use a filter sock with AC from the return from the main display. It mechanically filters everything and when it gets clogged, I can it out and add new AC. I use a lot of AC because I have a heavily planted tank...

 

[dnorton1978]

What is a filter sock? A regular sock attached to the return hose??

 

[mr_X]

here are some designs i have found. i went with the easiest.

 

[mr_X]

and another....

 

[Anonymous]

A filter sock is a cotton bag that you can hang from a hook and fill with AC or Rhowphos or nothing! If you get one, invest in a larger one with a large enough opening you can put your hand in, in case a shrimp decides to go on a joy ride!

I have a few, so I can turn them inside out and throw in the washing machine. I don't use soap or bleach.

 

[dnorton1978]

Thank you MR. X and Areo.

 

[dnorton1978]

The last pic that has the tube connectng the two sumps.



This seems like an easy solution to get a fuge.. Does any one else have something like this, and is it still effective?

 

[Anonymous]

The last pic that has the tube connectng the two sumps.



This seems like an easy solution to get a fuge.. Does any one else have something like this, and is it still effective?

I have had "remote" fuges that were connected to the sump, they work just fine that way. Sometimes you need a secondary source of flow (like a little maxijet) to keep things from getting stagnant, since water does not flow through them as it would if they were in the middle of the sump.

 

[mr_X]

i chose sr5.jpg, but without the bioballs. the second pic. piece of cake and costed me about 100 including the pump, but not including the mud/plants/critters..whatever. i used a 300gph overflow and a 350 gph return and in my opinion it's plenty of flow.
my fuge is almost beside the display though, only about 3 feet high to pump water. i did that because i want to view it as much as the display tank.
btw- it's a 75 display, and the tank i used for the fuge is a 40, and plexiglass courtesy of LOWE'S, cut to order.

 

[mr_X]

here is the amateur version of what you want :lol:

 

[trido]

The last pic that has the tube connectng the two sumps.



This seems like an easy solution to get a fuge.. Does any one else have something like this, and is it still effective?

I do, The only difference in mine is that my return line is split in two and both of my drains feed the sump. If you take a look at page three of my tank build thread there are a couple pics of the plumbing involving the fuge.

 

[mr_X]

Dnorton....hows your progress?
mine is working good, although a bit on the ugly side (as shavo said..."something that looks like a science experiment") it's full of creatures, and my tank pretty much stays zero's across the board with 2 feedings a day. :wink:

 

[xrock06x]

http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

read there marc is good