Might add sump........

[oldhead]

I got a 29 gallon tank for free not too long ago and was thinking I might possibly use it as a sump for my 65 gallon. I've already found the acrylic panels and such at my local hardware store. However, I can't seem to find any descent DIY sump building plans on the web. I was eyeing the lifereef overflow box as my tank is not drilled( http://www.lifereef.com/frame.html ). And a Mag 7 ( http://www.marineandreef.com/Articles.asp?ID=124 )for the return. I'd like to do a refugium in the sump also with a small light overtop which I also already have picked out. The refugium area would consist of live ruck rubble, mud, and macro algae.

This is the first time that I've ever looked into something like this so any comments/suggestions are more than welcome. I'm trying to get an idea of what all it will involve to get this going. As I'm not 100% sure whether I'll delve into it or not. Thanks!

[oldhead]

Also, I'm eyeing this guy as possibly being my skimmer:

http://www.reefspecialty.com/Protein-Skimmers-Octopus-Extreme/c21_65/p288/%3Cb%3ENEW%3C%3Db%3E-Octopus-Extreme-Skimmer-Series-160/product_info.html

I have the 300F hang on model now which I wanted to rig somehow to make work but I'm not sure it's worth the time involved as it's about 15" wide from tube to tube.

[Lady Hobbs]

Way over my head! The only thing I know about saltwater is that it helps sore throats. LOL

[oldhead]

Way over my head! The only thing I know about saltwater is that it helps sore throats. LOL


And to empty checking accounts. :laugh1blue:

[labnjab]

And to empty checking accounts. :laugh1blue:

Thats for sure, I've got $700 tied up in my 29 and I'm gonna add to it when I build the sump...lol

[cocoa_pleco]

lol, empty checking accounts is right, my 125g has about $5000 total in it

[oldhead]

Decided to modify the plans somewhat and keep my HOB skimmer. This will leave more room for a larger refugium area. I only need match up flow from a pump with the overflow I'm looking at. Would the pump I posted be a good mate? I'm looking at pumping up about 4 feet.

[cocoa_pleco]

If youre looking to pump 4 feet, and your Overflow can take down approx. 1000gph max, i would go with the 7 pump

you could go less though, with gravity my sumps return gives out only about 150gph

[oldhead]

If youre looking to pump 4 feet, and your Overflow can take down approx. 1000gph max, i would go with the 7 pump

you could go less though, with gravity my sumps return gives out only about 150gph


At 4' the Mag 7 is running approximately 480gph, the overflow is capable of up to 600gph. Is this a close enough match?

[cocoa_pleco]

you dont need to match. the overflow can only take what your pump pumps out, so anything below 600gph works your you. if you got a 780gph pump, it would outflow the overflow and you would flood. the mag 7 is fine

[oldhead]

you dont need to match. the overflow can only take what your pump pumps out, so anything below 600gph works your you. if you got a 780gph pump, it would outflow the overflow and you would flood. the mag 7 is fine


Thanks for the information. So basically as long as the pump is rated lower than the overflow coming from the tank I'm in good shape.

[travie]

So basically as long as the pump is rated lower than the overflow coming from the tank I'm in good shape.

Yes that is correct.

[oldhead]

Question. What are the requirements for the type of silicone used to glue in the acrylic pieces again? If you could tell me the exact brand that would be even better, thanks!