Sump Help- let me see your sumps
I have 55 gallon tank I’m going to be setting up.
Looking for suggestions on sump design. Who's got pictures?
I have thought about buying a 20 gallon long but thinking it too shallow and will have issues
So think about a 30 gallon to get 16” depth.
I have 2 sumps and there both different. One is in a tub, 17"x26" by 12" deep. The return pump and skimmer are on one side. I have about 4" of live rock on about 1/2 of it. the various algae grows and clings to the liverock. for lighting i am using a 45 watt 6500k photographers bulb in a cheep hardware store reflector. This is on a 50gal breeder with a 3" substrate over a screened egg crate to make a low oxegen zone. Its simple an works.
The other one is a 55gal under a 90gal tank. I have 12 layers of fiberglass screen (for a low oxegen zone) covering the bottom,with a 1/2" of substrate over that. I have a "critter home" under the return pump. Its a box with 1/4" mesh screen pieces, various size lengths and diameters of plastic tubing and pvc. there are 2, 1/4" mesh dividers about 3" apart filled to the top with ruble to keep the algae away from the pump and spread out the return flow. Lighting is a 150 watt,14k mh. This one has been set up for 1 day.
I'm ready to get this thing started, if I go with 20 long I can keep current stand. If I go with 30, I need more Height so I will Build a new stand.
20 long would be perfect but still afraid not enough depth? 12" total (some of the skimmer asking for 8- 9.5")
20 Reg doesn't l leave me enough room for all the compartments.
The key to not overflowing the sump is to make sure it isn't full so that wen you lose power the overflow doesn't overfill you tank. I don't have a problem when I lose power, I think I left the water level about 3-4" from the top so I don't get overflow.
This is my sump. 3 chamber 1: fuge macro algea, rock chunks, sand, crabs. 2: skimmer also where I put a filter sock with carbon when I want extra mechanical filtration. 3: return pump, thermometer prob, 2 heaters. I run a very basic "noobee" system with no bells and whistles yet. Hope this helps feel free to ask for more details if they would help you.
Heidi