I'm going to rip my hair out!!!

[bluemerle]

So..I have a 55g that I want to build a refugium/sump for. Spending three days reading DIY's etc I'm at a loss. Seems every one I read or view on video does not apply to my set up in one way or another.

I don't have a drilled tank and cannot drill it as it is full. So I know I need an overflow box but how big of an overflow box? How big of a siphon hose for the box? I want my new set up to house everything but my power heads (I want my HOB skimmer & thermometers off of my tank). Since I can't seem to find a standard tank to fit under my cabinet I think I'm going to have to have one built using acrylic, how big how how high baffles etc do I need?

I guess what I'm really getting to is..is their anyone in NH area that would let me come take a peak at their set up or walk me through the build? I'm kinda a hands on type of gal so seeing something in person makes the light bulb come on if you know what I mean, I can do all the reading but still it doesn't make sense.

 

[Sherri]

I have an extra sump that I used under my 65g --- more than happy to show my set up but there may be folks closer to Raymond that can help.

 

[UncleJT]

Adding a sump to an already setup system is always a challenge. Just getting the sump in the stand of an already setup system is the biggest chore. Let's check something real quick though first. How much space do you have between the back of the tank and the wall? This is going to determine what size overflow box you can fit and if you can fit one in the first place.

 

[bluemerle]

Adding a sump to an already setup system is always a challenge. Just getting the sump in the stand of an already setup system is the biggest chore. Let's check something real quick though first. How much space do you have between the back of the tank and the wall? This is going to determine what size overflow box you can fit and if you can fit one in the first place.

Hi JT....I have 5" to play with.

 

[delta]

Adding a sump may be a pain but it can be done. There are a few ways you can accomplish it including removing a peice of the stand for a short time period with some support while you work.

You can drill the tank and use a retro oveflow box like the ones they sell at glass-holes.com. Granted you know the risk if you make a mistake But you never know some of the more expereinced tank drillers might have no fear of that. Hopefully they will chime in.

 

[UncleJT]

bluemerle: Excellent. 5" is great. For an overflow box, I'd recommend a CPR CS100 unit but make sure you combine it with an Aqua Lifter vacuum pump as it will help to create the siphon again if the power goes out. If you need links for these items, let me know. For a return pump, you'd want something that does around 300 to 400 GPH at 4' of head pressure. Do you have the ability to take a picture of your stand for me so we can start looking at sump options? You are also going to need a new protein skimmer so be prepared for the cost of this. A HOB skimmer like you already have isn't likely going to fit properly on a sump.

Greg: Unfortunately her tank is already filled with water and livestock. I can't consciously recommend drilling it as is. I know there are some crazy souls out there who do this and, although I've drilled tanks myself in the past, I can't see doing it. Just the grit and debris alone could be trouble for the livestock let alone the potential for breakage.

 

[UncleJT]

Slight correction to my post above. Although the CS100 would also work, I actually wanted to recommend the CS90 model. Silly fingers.

 

[bluemerle]

bluemerle: Excellent. 5" is great. For an overflow box, I'd recommend a CPR CS100 unit but make sure you combine it with an Aqua Lifter vacuum pump as it will help to create the siphon again if the power goes out. If you need links for these items, let me know. For a return pump, you'd want something that does around 300 to 400 GPH at 4' of head pressure. Do you have the ability to take a picture of your stand for me so we can start looking at sump options? You are also going to need a new protein skimmer so be prepared for the cost of this. A HOB skimmer like you already have isn't likely going to fit properly on a sump.

Greg: Unfortunately her tank is already filled with water and livestock. I can't consciously recommend drilling it as is. I know there are some crazy souls out there who do this and, although I've drilled tanks myself in the past, I can't see doing it. Just the grit and debris alone could be trouble for the livestock let alone the potential for breakage.

Thanks so much JT....Yes links would be great!!!The skimmer I have can be used as an HOB or in the sump so saving some cash there although I eventaully want to get a larger skimmer at some point.

I'll take pics in the morning and post them or pm whichever you prefer, not sure if anyone else cares to follow or not.

Thank you so much for all of your help.

 

[bluemerle]

Adding a sump may be a pain but it can be done. There are a few ways you can accomplish it including removing a peice of the stand for a short time period with some support while you work.

You can drill the tank and use a retro oveflow box like the ones they sell at glass-holes.com. Granted you know the risk if you make a mistake But you never know some of the more expereinced tank drillers might have no fear of that. Hopefully they will chime in.

Is anything easy? The problem with the stand is the width of it, I only have about 10" inside the stand...Someday, when I upgrade this will all be done before hand.

 

[UncleJT]

Here are links from Marine Depot's website. Linking from here because they have a nice video of the overflow in action. You may be able to find one locally at one of the shops in Salem or Nashua.

CS90 Overflow

Aqua Lifter Pump - Do not setup a siphon overflow box without one, you'd be playing with fire.

MaxiJet 1800 Return Pump

 

[JayM]

get a few totes.

drain the tank 1/2 way down

drill it

add an internal overflow

tie it into your new sump

overflow boxes are a flood/mess waiting to happen.

 

[UncleJT]

There is some merit to what Jay is saying. If there is any possible way to drill your tank, I would recommend you do it. However, a properly setup and maintained overflow box with an aqua-lifter pump can be reliable but one mistake can be very costly.

For a 55G tank that you plan on upgrading? I wouldn't bother with either route to be honest. I'd just try and be patient and take the money you'd spend on this temporary fix and put it towards your new tank.

 

[IPWitan]

How much money are you looking to spend? Rubbermaid tubs work well as a sump too. In lieu of baffles, you can put a smaller rubber maid inside another to create chambers. Usually, you can bend in one of those tubs under the tank. It may not be pretty, but it will save you 300+ bucks.

Just a though.

 

[Takara]

Here are links from Marine Depot's website. Linking from here because they have a nice video of the overflow in action. You may be able to find one locally at one of the shops in Salem or Nashua.

CS90 Overflow

Aqua Lifter Pump - Do not setup a siphon overflow box without one, you'd be playing with fire.

MaxiJet 1800 Return Pump

Is the aqua lift to recirc to prevent it from running dry?

 

[UncleJT]

Is the aqua lift to recirc to prevent it from running dry?

It encourages constant siphon.

 

[Joel A]

It encourages constant siphon.

and restarts siphon after a power outage

 

[UncleJT]

Yeah, props to Joel for backing me up.. I had actually said just that in post #6 of this thread so I thought it was, therefore, redundant.

 

[Arthur1]

That's the problem with 55s no width and thin glass. I would venture myself as well, drill it and install an internal overflow box. Have the sump custom made it shouldn't cost much as long as you can fit it under the stand without having to remove the aquarium. The easiest route though would be to get the overflow/aqualifter combo and go from there. Its a straightforward approach column A or column B lol

 

[bluemerle]

Just for giggles this one kind of caught my eye

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdpaQ_A-tqk

 

[bluemerle]

Stand pics

Here is my stand...I have 10 1/4" inside depth but we'll call is 10" even. Don't mind the mess inside the cabinet..lol..and yes I need to top off today as well.

Inside: