Sump

[Inno]

Think a 10g sump would be suitable for a 45g tank in regards to the backflow/overflow upon shutoff? I guess I just need reassurance as I usually go for a a certain percentage, which leaves me 4+ in. during shutoff :s

Thank you :D

Hey, also, what insump pumps do you prefer for returns?

[eleyan]

It depends on how deep you place your return pipe/nozzle in the main tank. In my case, I have my return right at the surface of the water, so when I turn off the return pump, the water level in the main tank droppes only by about 1/2 inch. This ends up raising my water level in the sump by a couple on inches. (my tank is 72G and I have a 20G sump). If you end up sumberging your return too far down the water level of the tank, then a lot more water will get syphoned out, and might overflow your sump. A solution to this is to drill a very small hold at the top of you return, to break the syphon in case of a power out. I think 10G will be fine if you don't keep your water level in the sump too high and use the small hole at the return to prevent too much water from beeing syphoned. you can do a quick calculation to figure out how much water will get syphoned:
if your tank is 20" tall (guessing and 45G, then each inch of water is about 45/20 = 2.25G. If you can work yor return position to only allow for about an inch to get syphoned then you will only fill up 1/4 of your sump, that means if your regular sump water level is at 50% of the 10G, you will end up with 75% in a power outage.
Regarding the pump, I have a mag-7 and its working great.

[wkopplin]

I would go with a 20L if you have room.

[Inno]

Thanks eleyan. My main concern was the overflow as I will have to judge the slots accordingly, but as you said the returns can be adjusted for flowback :)

I would go with a 20l too wkopplin, but unfortunately I am not willing to spend the extra cash when I can get a 10g for $6. :P

Ever notice you never see any rich people in this hobby? XD

[eleyan]

Inno, you can also use rubbermaid containers if you can find one to fit in your stand. The good thing about them is that they are easy to drill if you need to add any equipment (a float valve for top of for example). I did that for my old tank with a $5 container.