Being brand new at this, I've been looking at the equipment used for sumps, trying to figure out if I could make one cheaper than buying it. I think I'll be putting it in the basement so space isn't an issue, although it seems I'll have to insulate it. My question is, what is the importance, if any, of using a clear material for the sump? Other than needing a clear top for light to the refugium, is there any reason I couldn't build one out of just about anything that will hold water and equipment without contaminating it?
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Question about sump building
- Thread starter NH Newbie
- Start date
Lots of people just use simple plastic storage bins. I've done this several times. You can also reinforce the bins by using one nested inside another, or build a little wooden box around it. It's pretty easy to grind holes in the side of these for bulkhead fittings for a return pump. Of the five sumps I have, none of them have clear sides, and none were designed as sumps.
biggyclops
Senior Meatologist
+1 on plastic storage bins!! works and heck of a lot cheaper than a 300.00 box!
I'd avoid the 'sterilite' containers for this purpose. Even doubled up, mine got brittle, and split/leaked from the weight of the water
Look into rubbermaid stock tanks.
Sometimes they come up for sale here.They're very strong and work quite well as a sump.
Sometimes they come up for sale here.They're very strong and work quite well as a sump.
What Bob said. I use a 150 stock tank for my 'main' basement sump. I keep a 70 around to move livestock/tanks.
http://search.hardwarestore.com/?query=stock+tank+rubbermade&x=0&y=0
http://search.hardwarestore.com/?query=stock+tank+rubbermade&x=0&y=0
I actually have 2 now,Jay.
I have a 70 gallon for the sump and a 100 gallon I picked up on one of my last purchase trips.I'm thinking of swapping the 70 for the 100 gallon this spring.
I'll keep the 70 gallon for a,"just in case" scenario.
>I'd avoid the 'sterilite' containers for this purpose. Even doubled up, mine got brittle, and split/leaked from the weight of the water<
It's important if you are using something like this to not allow the water level to be too high in comparison with the height of the sump. I'd not go much about 1/2 full so there is less stress. The really rigid plastics might not be as good as somewhat more flexible stuff, but then you will need more reinforcement.
It's important if you are using something like this to not allow the water level to be too high in comparison with the height of the sump. I'd not go much about 1/2 full so there is less stress. The really rigid plastics might not be as good as somewhat more flexible stuff, but then you will need more reinforcement.
