DIY 10g Sump/Fuge Build

[Seano Hermano]

I will be installing my Glass Holes (Super Nano) overflow box in the back right corner of my 29g tank. The drain line will come down, splitting with a "T". One side going straight down, the other to the left, which will be the intake section with a filter sock. The that side will go to the skimmer, then to the baffles, & then the return. I was going to go with an Eheim 1250, as I know they are good quality, but there are other pumps out there for a better price. Any thoughts on this? I think someone recommended the Rio 9.5? I will need about 200-300gph at 3 ft head. I think for the skimmer I will go with a Coralife 65.

The plans...the first baffle/wall in the skimmer section won't be there.


This is the revised tank.


The tank I'll be using.


All clean. Vinegar + water = magic.


I ordered the glass to be cut today. I should have it on Monday.

[Secondgen]

It will be interesting to see how this works out. This is a little bit of a different approach from what is normally seen with sump design. Keep your progress updated please. I am always interested in a better sump design. Good luck.

[Seano Hermano]

Thank you. The return in the middle is the way most people do it, on another forum, I'm a member of. The baffles being sort of in the return section, well that was due to lack of space. I was trying to be economical.

[Secondgen]

Economical is good, but different is better. 

[slandis3]

This is how rayviv's sump was setup. He had to rebuild his sump because he couldn't get the micro bubbles stopped.

[Seano Hermano]

This is how rayviv's sump was setup. He had to rebuild his sump because he couldn't get the micro bubbles stopped.

How far apart were his baffle walls? Was it a larger skimmer?

[slandis3]

How far apart were his baffle walls? Was it a larger skimmer?

3 baffels about 1" space between and a small current skimmer.

[Seano Hermano]

Going with a Mag 7 for the return pump. Coralife 65 protein skimmer. Ordering CUC from Reef Cleaners.

8 more blue hermits to add to the 6 I have now
35 Dawrf Ceriths
18 Sm.-Med. Nerite Snails
15 Florida Ceriths
8 Lg. Nerite Snails
3 Limpets
1 Fuzzy Chiton

1 "tennis ball-sized" cheato w/ pods

[MasonRob]

So how did this work out?  I am a marine aquarium NEWBIE, new member, first time poster to this club. I am putting together my first Marine tank with a 29 G top tank so a 10g Sump with space for a Coralife Skimmer 65g (one my wife picked up too) is just what I think I need to do.

I would also like to use simple overflows for input/output from main fish tank as a safeguard to potential flooding.
Inside dimensions of the cabinet below is 20”x 8” although the back of the cabinet is open 16” across so if that is the total length then I could do something a little bit wider.

So – what are my options?  Lead me Obi-wan.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Rob Vorbroker from Mason, OH

P.S. Looking to get aquarium set up and in working order with sand, live sand and live rock.  Then test water for nasties and once clear...

[Seano Hermano]

Wow...been a while. Sorry I haven't replied until now.

I decided not to do a refugium. Instead, I will be running ecobak biopellets in my 10g sump. I have a Hydor slim skim nano protein skimmer which fits wonderfully in the right side, along with my CR Aquatics filter sock...still plenty of room to spare. The left side is the return.

This design is much simpler. No need to over complicate things.

[HUNGER]

lloks good