is there a way

[blindside]

To put a sump on my tank without drilling it? I would like to install a sump without messing with anything in the actual tank?

[blindside]

Ah! An overflow box?!

[captexas]

yeah, a hang-on overflow box will work. Just do some research before you buy. Some are famous for having issues when the power goes out, either overflowing your sump or not getting suction when the power comes back on.

[CoryDude]

I'ved used the CPR overflow boxes for years w/no problems. Regardless of brand, use a Tom's Aqua Lifter Pump to handle issues like excess air in the j-tube or power loses.

[blindside]

What size sump would you use for a 30 gallon?

[DrMark]

bigger sump, the better, more volume = more stability. Biggest one you can fit in your allocated space. 10-20gals...

[CoryDude]

Good Dr. is right. Get the largest size you can fit under your stand. You'll want the extra room as you add more equipment. I agree that a 20 gallon would be a good size. Bigger, if you can though.

[DrMark]

Take a look here:

http://www.marineandreef.com/CPR_Overflow_Boxes_CS50_CS90_CS100_s/237.htm?gclid=CL-Hz6S02JcCFQE0xgodeXg4Cg

[blindside]

I can probably fit only a 10 gallon sump, but I got an idea, I was thinking of stacking a drilled 10 gallon sump on top of another drilled sump to be stacked on top of another 10 gallon sump. The bottom sump will transfed the water up to the second drilled sump, and then that sump would take it up to the final sump, then finally reaching the main tank? I have lots of space vertically, but not horizontally. Anybody think my idea is worth a try? The skimmer would sit on the final sump up top. I would have the total of a 30 gallon sump. Sounds possible to me?

[CoryDude]

It might work if you were to gravity feed the water from each higher sump to a lower sump. But, if you're talking about pumping water from the lowest sump, up to a higher sump, and then pumping into a display tank, you may have reliability issues if either of those pumps fails or clogs. I wouldn't do that way if I were you since you'd be relying on multiple pumps in the loop.

Could you put a larger sump next to the stand and then decorate or hide it to make it look acceptable?

[blindside]

Its tough to do that, I am a symmetrical kind of guy, it doesn't help being a tattoo artist, everything has to be perfect to me, ha so if must to one side, then it must be the same on the other. And its on a corner in my house, so it might look funny? Ill try and get some plans on the sump though, any ideas you guys may have are helpful. :) thanks everyone ill keep on studying up

[CoryDude]

Learn to love the asymetrical. J/K

Search "sumps" at youtube. I've gotten some good ideas just from seeing how other sumps work. You may find a multi level design similar to yours. Webwebmedia and reefcentral are also good resources on the net.

[Kyle46N]

I built a sump box for my 30 gallon sump. Looks like a stand with a lid on top, but it stores the sump inside. Looks pretty good.

[blindside]

Do you have any pictures of This Kyle?

[SoLiD]

You also have to take into consideration one important thing with having a sump above your display tank... When the power is shut off, will there be enough empty space in the 2 tanks below (Display Tank & Lower Sump) to accommodate the water coming from above. Bottom line, design the siphon stages to keep from flooding your place. It just stinks to learn this the hard way. Good Luck!

-David

[Iplantz]

You could find yourself a nice "high" or show tank for seahorses or something. Just make some shelves for stuff, that way you can have volume, and equipment accessablility too. I've got a overflow if your looking for one. Its estimated at around 300gph. Its custom and is from a member here, Thesponge.

[Kyle46N]

Do you have any pictures of This Kyle?


Here are a few. It's the first wooden structure I have every built...lol. But you can get the idea. I got the idea from a buddy who is much more skilled than I in woodworking. His looks really good. Similar to this but he has it set up in the front so you can only see the fuge. Lid on top with T-5's mounted to the inside of the lid. He had a 30 gallon fuge in his. I was just trying to make mine look somewhat decent next to the display.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t290/KyleP_photos/IMG_1232.jpg


http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t290/KyleP_photos/IMG_1231.jpg

[blindside]

Iplantz I might take you up on that overflow, let me know $ . And Kyle, that's a good idea. I might try that, thanks for all the help. Ill get started on some decent plans

[coraline79]

I also have an overflowI am getting rid of. It is an eshopps 800gph overflow, single j tube. I will have it available for purchase by Sunday if you would like more flow. I have it on my 30 gallon w/ a 700gph return pump.