Want to build an Under-the-stand sump... 60g FW... Ideas?

[eklikewhoa]

The two part they sell for pvc.

[CptCrusty1]

Anyone have any idea what type of glue I should use for the PVC piping?

[eklikewhoa]

Skimmers would be hard to maintain adequate water level and skimmate in a small tank.

Not saying its undoable but it isn't something worthwhile on a small tank.

[CptCrusty1]

I realized I made the 2nd baffle wall too high and had to make some changes... oh well.. .live and learn. If this one works out... I might go to a 20L sump instead of the 10g.

[CptCrusty1]

I could eventually go SW; however, I'd read a couple times that people sometimes put skimmers on FW as well as an added measure.

I'm probably not going make a PVC overflow, rather, a box-style overflow with the grooves and a U-pipe headed down to the sump. I had an idea. I could fill the sump about half-way, enough for the pump to push water. I could have a cross over pipe going form the sump return line to the down-line from the tank. If it's high enough, I could have 3 ball valves, 1 for each pipe. Shut the valve (above the cross over) on the return line which would force water through the cross over. Open the valve on the cross over allowing water to go to the down-line. Shut a valve below the cross over on the down-line which would force water up the down-line filling it with water. Next step is turn it on until water comes out of the down-line's inlet. The pipe would then have water in it and then just close the cross-over and open the down line and return line ball valves. All the lines would then be primed and ready to run.... sounds complicated when I type it out, but feels like it would easy in my head....

[KhmerStyle]

Ok just re read the title there is no use for protein skimmer with fresh water tanks

[KhmerStyle]

To prime it drill a hole at the top connect air hose and suck it is this a saltwater tank? Because you said your going to add protein skimmer

[CptCrusty1]

UPDATE.. Since I ran out of Lexan/Plexy, I sneaked over to Home Depot and picked up another one and started cutting as soon as I got home. Sharp/thick blades are a must for this.

In my pictured (above), on the left I decided I'm not going to use the "sock" to start off with. I'm going to fill that area with surface area stuff (technical term) and above that I'm going to have a sheet of Lexan with holes in it so the water dribbles down through it all over the place.... If that doesn't work out too well, I'll go to the "sock" or a protein skimmer. To make this happen I added 2- 1 inch "shelves" to hold the "dribble plate" so that I can pick it up and clean out the garbage as necessary. I also silicone'd in a couple pieces at the very top that I will punch a hole through to hold the down spout.

While working on the pieces for the down spout, I realized I was cutting the edges very straight so far so I might get reallo stupid and build my own overflow box. I don't have room behind the tank for a double setup, but I can do the single setup in the tank pretty easily. Using white plastic will look like garbage so I'm going to use the lexan. Maybe something thicker, but I don't see how it will be necesary.

QUESTION: How to you prime the pipe going from the over flow to the sump? I don't want to stick my lips on that thing as it's a great way to get sick.

No pump yet..... working on it.

[KhmerStyle]

Sorry but if you're not wanting to add another canister cause of additional equipment inside the tank then you'll hate the look of the pvc overflow.

Just drill the tank.

pcv overflow is kind of bulky IMO.... but good luck keep us updated on your progress

[CptCrusty1]

I'm going to use them in conjunction with each other. The wife will probably complain a bit about the overflow.. but....

I have a plan... LOL just can't bring myself to cutting holes in the tank.. It's like jumping out of a perfectly good airplane or not sucking the heads on mudbugs... it just doesn't make sense to me. I posted a couple links above with some really good information that I'm going to follow.

[eklikewhoa]

Sorry but if you're not wanting to add another canister cause of additional equipment inside the tank then you'll hate the look of the pvc overflow.

Just drill the tank.

[CptCrusty1]

Ok... Here goes.... First shot is from the "front". I based this off of a few plans/photos I saw. I still have to put a lid on the first chamber and a tray that will allow the water to drip through. I ran out of lexan so the last chamber where the pump will be doesn't have a piece yet. Total investment so far is $20. Lessons learned... if you use a caulking gun, start with the outer-most pieces as you'll run out of room for the gun.... LOL

20130206_220909.jpg

[CptCrusty1]

I'll make it for you if you provide the materials...
Tank, Acrylic, PVC - I have the rest...

Panda, I just noticed your offer... I'll take you up on that if I screw this up... LOL....

[CptCrusty1]

Ok... So I found a thread on a Cichlid-specific forum that stated GE5000 is a 100% silicone that some people use for building tanks. Another thread (older) indicated the same. I figured this is the stuff I need, comes in a tube, several dollars cheaper with more quantity than buying the "aquarium sealant." The main thing is that is has to cure for 7 days... ok.. .I can live with that.

I get to Home Depot and tell them the specifics and the guy says "why so specific, can't you just use xyz?" I knew that if I told him what I was doing, he'd become an instant expert. He was being pushy so I told him... guess what. He became an expert. So I asked how many tanks he's built, or owns. Hmmmm I wonder what the answer was. Then he says "if you already have a filter, why do you need more?" I ended up giving him lessons on the nitrification process, creation of the ammonia, water volume vs total filtration, bla bla bla.... mean while, the kid on the next isle said he has a 200 (kid means he's less than 40y/o) and used the same stuff for his sump... SHAZAAM instant vindicification... LOL...


I have some pic's of the start of the process.. nothing beautiful or totally kewl... but, you'll get the idea once I finger out how to put the pictures up here.

[mistahoo]

Re: Want to build an Under-the-stand sump... 60g FW... Ideas?

You'd be surprised how expensive PVC can get once you hit 1"+. But anything under that is going to be definitely cheaper than a canister unless you buy a used one.

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