Habitat - Indoor :: D.I.Y Below Tank Sump

[awatson88]

Hi,

Other then the above tank DIY sump that is posted has anyone else used any below tank sump for your RES. How effective are they? Is there any need for any other filter if built correctly. Any ideas or pictures to help. Trying to save money and not buy a canister filter.

Thanks,

[maddpnoi]

You'll need a sump (duh), an overflow (you can make or buy one), and a water pump.
Look into how big a pump you need; ie. how big your tank is, your target turnover rate in gph, and your headloss.
You'll probably find that the pump you need will cost you about as much as a suitable canister filter. That's usually reason enough for people to just buy a filter and abandon the idea of a sump.

I say go for a sump if...
a) you can find a suitable pump for cheap
b) you already have some, or most of the materials to set it up (or can get them for cheap)
c) you're planning on overstocking your tank that you'd need more biomedia than a canister (or multiple ones) can fit
d) you REALLY wanna hide your heaters/thermometers/etc.
e) you want your main tank to ALWAYS have the same water level
f) you're REALLY tired of doing water changes with your gravel cleaner
g) you hate canister filters

[robind]

I made a sump filter. Here's a thread with some pics:

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19167

The most expensive thing as mentioned is the pump. You can buy a pump suitable for a 100g tank for about $50. The rest of the cost is (in roughly descending order): overflow box, plumbing, media, tank.

I've since abandoned that design and am now using several 5 gallon buckets. If you're interested in that I can post more pictures/information.

It works well, and keeps my 100g tank sparkly clean.