Adding a Sump?

[J Feez]

I've been thinking about adding a sump to my setup, I just really have no idea how to do it. If someone has the time and patience to walk me through the process (doesn't have to be overly detailed, but just enough to get an idea of how I would do it) that would be greatly appreciated.

A few questions:
- How large of a sump?
- How much LR?
- What else goes in a sump?
- What do you use to return the water?
- What kind of overflow?

Thanks again everyone :)

[Static]

there's some good reading on this site

http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

A lot of reefers I know keep sumps between 50% to 100% of their tank volume, so a 20g would probably be good enough for your 39g tank. Of course, since sumps also add water volume to your total system, bigger is better. My friend has a 180g sump for his 165g display reef system.

If your sump is going into the stand under your display tank, then figure out what's the biggest size tank/sump you can fit under there & that will be your limiting factor.

Hope that helps,

Anthony

[J Feez]

Thanks for that website. It has some really great info on there.

And I think I've found the perfect tank that's about 70% of my display tank.

[TheReefGeek]

How are you adding the sump, is your tank drilled or are you going to use an external overflow box?

[J Feez]

I'd have to go the overflow route as my tank is not drilled.

[TheReefGeek]

For a small tank, I would buy a new tank, get it drilled for an overflow, plus drilled for a closed loop. Then transplant your current reef into the new tank.

If you go with an overflow, make sure you take the necessary precautions.