A SIMPLE DIY SUMP [Going Under the 300 Gallon] - It's Going to ROCK!

[@patrickwilliams711]

Pj aqua maintenance Hi Ben the sponges in your 40 gallon breeder . What holding the sponges straight up.

[@BenOchart]

They are cut an inch wider than the tank and have to be forced into place. The pressure allows them to stand on their own eliminating the need for glass baffles or walls.

[@xmanu100]

hey you can just use silicone to adhere them to the place you like won't be more simple

[@perrywhitledge4005]

@@xmanu100 If for some reason you need to remove them you then have the issue of dealing with the silicone and possibly ripping the foam and again putting the silicone back on them. His way all you have to do is angle them out, deal with them then put back into place and done. Seems easier that way.

[@kennethlarson5874]

This is awesome. Great design and this actually is very helpful to me since I'll be working on building a 120 gallon plywood aquarium.

[@daveylarson2060]

Your filtration system is Sump-Thing else !!! Thanks again for more info !!!!

[@BenOchart]

🤣🤣🤣👍🏻

[@olanrewajuayo3285]

LOL. nice!

[@olanrewajuayo3285]

Now that's what-sump!

[@abaddon_bomb1900]

Thank you for sharing this! I converted a Red Sea Reefer 625 XXL to freshwater and this is way easier than the daunting task of building baffles within the existing sump. Those sponges are the solution I’ve been looking for! Thank you!!

[@BenOchart]

Watch for my next video where I get into a detailed 6 month follow up on both of my simple FIY sumps.

[@dalekopp3309]

Just what I was looking for my 90 gallon discus tank….so simple, but sooooo effective! Thanks for sharing!

[@BenOchart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeffhester1443]

Wow! Aside from the initial labor of love, plumbing and electrical set up, that sump will be less expensive and simpler to service than my fluval canisters on much smaller tanks. Great video Ben thank you again for sharing this incredible project with us.

[@BenOchart]

Thank you Jeff

[@moestanks]

Awesome idea! Could you go over a simple overflow system too, please?

[@cichlid_kings]

Keeping it very simple, yet effective with those massive sponges. Looking forward to seeing this sump dialed in and running. Keep the motivation going 😎

[@T0tenkampf]

Best part is that those sponges don't break down, I have sets still in use after 12 years!

[@cichlid_kings]

@@T0tenkampf Nice , I was reading up on www.swisstropicals.com/ and they have a nice variety at a good price. My next tank will have these incorporated in the sump for sure.

[@T0tenkampf]

Exactly what I was looking for, I've been using Poret in my FX6s for a while now but want to try a Poret sump on the new 180 gallon red eared slider tank. She and her 8 inch long pleco buddy are a bit messy. If you have been to Swiss Tropicals website then why not use 30ppi foam for your bio filtration? It's surface area for bio film is proven to be greater than any product on the market. Yeah, I'm a big fan of Mattenfilters too lol.

[@MrRandallhking]

Just purchased my first 300+ gallon aquarium (new to me) has misc parts and pieces....Love the DIY sump setup you and will be building it. I need to find large bulkheads as the tank is Slate bottom pre drilled with over flow on each end....Slate is almost 2 inch thick, any thoughts on bulkheads ?

[@noyesphotography1979]

im following this if you will detail show how you set it up with all the pipes and things; ive never set up a sump but interested on a non drilled tank i have

[@markbaumgardt2868]

I just use standard bio rings in my Eheim canister never had a problem running nitrate level of 10 parts I feel these big names have got there hands in our pockets

[@T0tenkampf]

Go to Swiss Tropicals website...they agree about all these fancy bio media types. I have been using their 30ppi foam as my bio for years...far cheaper and far more surface area.

[@markbaumgardt2868]

@@T0tenkampf spot on I only spend money when needed like I have Eheim classic XL 1500 filters on my tank and now have less than 5 parts of nitrate and have a well stocked Malawi tank

[@mikeneumann4660]

I think it’s brilliant in its simplicity, it will work fantastic guaranteed

[@BenOchart]

It has turned out very well. Thank you.

[@migueleespinosa2632]

Love it!!! If the Pumps need additiinal damping you could put a course 1/2in foam under them. Let's get the "300" party started Ben!!! South Amercian Cichlids would offer more choices (Geos, electric blue Acaras are my fav.) and non cichlid variety including schooling fish by the dozens (Barbs, Tetras, Dinos, even Cory Catfish, Ect.). But if you go African and want schooling fish consider Monos. The Angelicus are my favorite. They grow to about 8in max and watching 5 or more school is awesome. They are like Angelfish on steroids, the Africans don't bother them and even if they tried they couldn't catch them...lol.

[@1997goldwing]

Great Idea as far as sumps go!

[@faye8968]

Hi Sir, I like the way you make this sump it's very easy and informative. I'm planning on buying a 125g for the first time and I'm thinking of making my own sump instead of buying an FX6 filter. My question is 40g sump enough for a 125g goldfish tank? In your opinion, is this a better choice than buying FX6?

[@BenOchart]

Really depends on how heavily you’re going to stock. If you’re planning on a lot of fish, I’d consider a sump and an FX-6. That tank would stay pristine. GF, like African Cichlids, are little pigs🤣😀👍🏻

[@FreeSwimmer]

Happy New Year sir ! Just checking out your sump idea. Im building a 75g sump in a few weeks, for my 300g build. You need South and Central stock..

[@bennis325]

What size sponge filter are you using? Seems exactly fits the tank. Thanks in advance

[@BenOchart]

I contacted Swiss Tropicals, gave them the tank info and they custom cut the sponges to fit snug and perfect.

[@chasingalaska3997]

Just the video I was looking for. Thank you for making it simple. This will work for saltwater as well correct ?

[@BenOchart]

No reason why it shouldn’t

[@kevinmcgovern9024]

Sumps are best. I water bridged a fry/break tank off my sump. Started with a 20L now it’s 20l,10,29. Got my pump heater in the 10.

[@gregorypeck2763]

Thanks for taking the time to teach us about sump filtration

[@BenOchart]

You’re welcome

[@tedtownsend8933]

I like this sump. I would have the 10 PPI single first and maybe add a thin 45 PPI sponge before the ceramic media. If you stuff filter floss or Purigin in an HOB filter, you can easily change it out every two weeks and have the clearest water ever.

[@pacificreefer4495]

Hello Ben. Love the simplicity of your sump. I’m wondering how everything is going now? I’m going to be changing over from a saltwater to a discus tank. My tank is already drilled so I’m going to stick with the sump

[@BenOchart]

Watch for my next video. It’s a full detailed follow up on both of my DIY SIMPLE SUMPS

[@dennispeleg7843]

Hi ben. Would you be able to do a full video on this sump setup with overflow size and pump size? Im looking into doing a diy sump but ive never messed around with a sump. Thx

[@changedlife9477]

Hey, is a sump filter easier to take care of than a canister filter? The reason why I asked I have always had canister filters are over the back filters selling a 75 gallon aquarium with a 40 gallon sump under the bottom of the stand, the price is not bad the only thing he is, I’ve never run a sump. The tank used to be a saltwater, but I’m going with a freshwater.

[@nursecuenca]

Do you have a video with finished products used? I'm planning to do goldfish on my 100g tank. Would this be the same set up for fish? Great information 👍

[@KennethFarley-mq9mo]

The best filter for any aquarium over 55 gallons is a fluidized k-1 sump.

[@josemontalvo4532]

Can’t wait to see the Sump pump up and running.

[@BenOchart]

Me too😀👍🏻

[@josemontalvo4532]

@@BenOchart keep the vids coming. Thank you for sharing!

[@dennispeleg7843]

Hey ben, Do you have an updated video to show this awesome setup while its running? Im building a diy tank and will be running a sump for the first time. Thx pal

[@BenOchart]

Yes. Check out some of the most recent videos in my “Sump-The King of Filtration” playlist

[@SportsNBourbon]

How is this sump working for you? I'm planning out a 55g sump for my 220 display tank in my shop and I'm very curious about this design. This is way easier and faster then siliconing in all the baffles. Also, what thickness of the sponges did you use? Looks like maybe 3"?

[@BenOchart]

It’s working perfectly. Sponges are 4” thick.

[@karanshafqat1411]

Really enjoy your videos, you have some really lovely fishes. I have seen this sump setup in a video done at KG Tropical channel as well. I am about to set up my sump in a similar manner using biohome media. My only concern/question is would it make the media a bit less effective as water might go through the top section without getting in contact with the media or it not going to make a difference I am not sure so asking thanks.

[@BenOchart]

I think you’ll be okay. Aerobic bacteria needs water flow but anaerobic likes little to no flow, so, worse case scenario is you’ll end up with some of both types and that would be a good thing.

[@bassboo6478]

I am following you from Turkey. Can you put a protein skimmer in this tank? Or if I prepare a similar filtration, where should I position the protein skimmer?

[@BenOchart]

You would likely need to add a chamber to have a protein skimmer.

[@SportsNBourbon]

Finally ordered my pads and now have everything needed! I got 3" 1x 10, 2x 20 & 1 30 for a 55g sump per recommendation

[@BenOchart]

Let me know how it goes

[@SportsNBourbon]

​@Ben Ochart quick question, I'm doing a 55g version on a 220g, I see you're using 2 return pumps. (A) how many gph? (B) i would imagine one big one that does 1100gph would make the return flow very strong which is the reason for 2 smaller ones, am I right?

[@JonathanRamirez-sm6pz]

I would love for you to Upgrade the African Haps to the 300 and see how much more they can grow and add a few more Predator Haps to your collection. And use their current tank for the other cichlids.

[@BenOchart]

That looks like the direction I’m going to take.

[@brianhahn3296]

Great setup Ben, keeping it simple for sure and that thing will be rock solid, thanks for your channel and time my friend

[@nfexec1312]

Hi Ben - this looks great. New to sumps.... how does the tank water get to the sump? Do those two pumps pull water through the sponges and create a suction all the way up the intake tubes and the aquarium itself??

[@BenOchart]

There's an overflow box that water pours into as the water is pumped back to the tank. The water flows down plumbing and the pumps in the sump pump water back to the tank, round-and-round that volume of water goes.

[@silentlistening]

i think you should add a refuge in the middle since cichlids eat plants in the display tank.

[@paritushdatta3730]

I can't wait

[@GSP-76]

Nice and simple. My only question/concern would be whether the sponges would get fully utilized..that would depend on how high the water rises on the side it comes in from the tank...but with those sponges, you're covered well Ben.

[@BenOchart]

Ideally I want a couple of inches of free space at the top to handle drainage when the pump goes off. I could have gone with 12” tall.

[@GSP-76]

@@BenOchart a few inches is mandatory for back siphoning...but 4 inches would give you a safe amount.

[@T0tenkampf]

The part sticking out of the water may actually act as wet/dry media

[@kevinhoare4438]

Hi Ben - I’m hoping to upgrade my tank before the end of the year and want a sump system, definitely easy to over complicate so love the simplicity. I hope you do regular updates on how this matures and I’m definitely becoming a firm believer of keeping things simple.

[@BenOchart]

Yes, I’ll be updating regularly.

[@caseman116]

Sorry if this question has been asked, but is there any type of seal or bond to keep water from going “under” the sponges? Or is it so little it’s negligible? I just was thinking if the pumps were so low, they’d be pulling with main pull towards the bottom of the sponges.

[@BenOchart]

I think, based on watching the accumulation of detritus over a couple years, it’s negligible. The accumulation of detritus seems evenly distributed.

[@johnmooney776]

Can you post links on where you got the sponges,media,and pumps thanks love your videos

[@paulbolton1071]

Hi ben< my passion are discus ive never had a sump and always used outside canister filters , from what ive learned so far is when using a sump they remove all equipment t from your tank , they are easier to maintain and you get far better filtration .? ive just been watching one guy here in the uk and i found the video difficult to understand , but yours seem so simple. my one concern with sumps is when you here about flooding so please can you tel me have you done a video explaining how this can be avoided Paul from the UK

[@BenOchart]

This might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpWqnHWmiMd-q7M

[@Slaed-1008]

Hi Ben, do you know which size poret foam sheet best suits a 40 gallon breeder tank?

[@BenOchart]

You’d be safe with 20ppi but ask Swiss Tropicals for the most accurate advice.

[@ernestcortez4049]

Good morning Ben, I'm building ur famous sump w 40 gallon breeder tank for my soon to be discus tank. I'm purchasing the swiss tropicals foam media, my question is what size did you have them cut for the 40 gal breeder tank? Thank you, Ernie

[@adamwhisenand6612]

Thank you for the great videos. I have been considering a sump but the one thing that I have wondered about is will it pull the fish poop up off of the substrate? I currently have an FX with the intake just above the substrate and wave makers that push it into the intake. It works very good this way. Will the sump work as good as the canister in that regards? Again thank you for the great content.

[@BenOchart]

Good question. Yes, by doing what you’re currently doing, a wave maker will suspend and move water to the sump overflow. I have to swap out the filter socks in the sump twice a week, so I know it’s working.

[@devachapman6315]

great vid. I am coming from the world of reefs, but I am thinking of setting up a large 200 gal planted aquascaped FW with sump. its hard to find info on best sump media and layout to apply. I like your use of the large sponges.

[@makesomewaffles8896]

Hi there. Need to be careful with Co2 loss from sump systems if aqua scape is your goal. Might have to dose more Co2 to compensate. Good luck.

[@hiimnick-nv1do]

im doing a sump on a 480 gallon i have one big pump do i need another pump aswell?

[@BenOchart]

Dual pumps are a great way to create redundancy and back up, highly recommended 😀👍🏻

[@mikejejenich7116]

Hey ben. I have no experience with sump. Filter……. Ive never had. But thinking abt getting one…….. ive only had canister filters….. which is easier? For maintenance? In your opinion

[@BenOchart]

The initial set up of a sump is harder but once set up it’s much easier to maintain.

[@edersonsantos98]

Hi Ben, I need some help if possible. I’m planing to have a fish room with 26 40 gallons tank, I’ll have discus on it. What kind of filter system do you recommend please ? Thank you very much.

[@richardhill2702]

Hi Ben I used your idea for my sump, it's my 1st one . My question is, how to disconnect my sicce pump without flooding.? The company that installed the sump did not put any shut-offs or any thing that stop back siphon. But I want too clean my pump?? Thanks brother...

[@BenOchart]

Part of setting up a sump is determining how much water will back siphon into the sump when the pump is off. Just play with the total amount of water that you're running until you determine how much can be run (how full should the sump be before you start the pump) so that a flood becomes impossible. This assumes that you have safeguards in place that stop back siphoning like one way valves on the returns and outputs near the surface (or with small drilled holes just below the water line) that will quickly break the siphon and prevent the too much water from backing up into the sump. It has to be tested and I suggest you mark the sump at the level you can fill it to once determined. Once that's dialed in you can remove the pump to clean without worry.

[@yalman32]

Gonna copy and paste this on my setup 😂

[@BenOchart]

It’s working great

[@City_Cichlids]

Hey Ben I’m unfamiliar with sumps I run 2 FX 6’s on my 125. What are the advantages of a sump over canisters and does the pump push and pull the water into and out of the sump?

[@BenOchart]

The added water volume and ease of access make sumps a better choice. But having said that, 2 FX’s on a 125 will give you a great result. Sump pump moves water to the tank and a water “overflows” back to the sump.

[@MrRando-cs1sn]

6 months to cycle before even worrying about what's gonna go in it. Man, I wish everyone had this patience and care.

[@Waylonmaltby]

Love thr Fi hunnit, a fish mansion in the sky

[@yarasub]

Would a 20 g long be sufficient for a 100 g tank ? What size sponges and pumps, bio media amount needed ? I’d like to do this and does this remove the need for my fx 4?

[@BenOchart]

I’m using a 29 gal for my 210 gallon tank, so I’d say yes. Contact Swiss Tropicals and they will recommend and custom cut the sponges for you. And yes, a second filter is always a good idea. Your sponges will work as your bio media as well.

[@justinbailey2001]

The artificial plants in your tank there in the background, where do you get those? Thanks in advance and I like the sump style. I may go with this style for my 125 gallon vs the 5gal bucket canister style I was fixin to make.

[@BenOchart]

Those plants were from a company called Elite Cichlids who unfortunately are no longer in business.

[@justinbailey2001]

That stinks! Thank ya anyways, sir

[@savblaznt]

Are these good for salt water tanks

[@BenOchart]

Yes. Works for both salt and fresh water 😀👍🏻

[@USL.Website]

Hey Ben! Your video's always rock and is very informative indeed. I just want to ask how often one would need to clean out a sump like this?

[@BenOchart]

Thank you. A full clean-out would be once a year with a sock or wall of Pinky Floss working as a pre-filter

[@USL.Website]

@@BenOchart Thx Ben!

[@mattdowling955]

So are there any glass baffles in there? (Heaps of glare on my phone today and can't tell) or do the mat filters stay supported on they're own?

[@BenOchart]

The sponges are cut wider than the tank so the side pressure keeps them standing on their own

[@mattdowling955]

@@BenOchart thanks for the info. I'm yet to do a sump on any of my tanks, and likely because I thought I needed a specifically made sump tank with baffles etc. Now I know this i might have a go with a spare tank. Thanks for all the videos 👍

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

I would go with a DIY algae scrubber. Very inexpensive and will produce a lot more algae than a Santa Monica filtration unit. Lots of water volume and fish waste requires a scrubber producing a lot more algae

[@chrisg8100]

Simple is definitly better. I would Really like to see this in action. Will you be using any floss pads in front of the sponges?

[@BenOchart]

Possibly. I’m using one in the sump under the 210 and it stays clean because the socks do such a good job pre-filtering.

[@toryblain3428]

Do you have links on where I can get those pumps and tubing?

[@BenOchart]

The pumps are Sicce Syncra Silent 5.0’s and the hoses are vinyl braided and available at hardware stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot. I think John Hudson sells Sicce at keepfishkeeping.com. Tell him I sent you 😉😀👍🏻

[@toryblain3428]

Thank you. I’ve been watching you channel for a long time, keep up the good work

[@MrBlueacara]

Love the sump ideas. You can add couple of gallons of K1 media where the water drops in, and that force will fluidize it. The sponges will keep it from floating around. You will then have about half cu ft of fluidized K1 along with about 1 cu ft of sponges and Siporax. You could also add pot scrubbers around the Siporax and can cover that area without worrying about the pumps sucking things up. I would love to hear a bit more about Siporax and why you chose that over other media

[@BenOchart]

That’s a good idea

[@HollandAbsher]

How do you get the water from the tank to the sub ..in trying to set one of these up I just can't figure out how to get the water from the tank

[@BenOchart]

Water overflows and is carried to the sump by hoses while a pump moves water back to the tank. Watch my sump playlist for a lot more info.

[@gr1mm70wx]

I’m new to sumps how many pumps do you need?

[@BenOchart]

The trend has gone to 2, that way if one fails you still have water movement.

[@gr1mm70wx]

@@BenOchart how strong of a pump? And what size Pcv pipe? And bulkheads?

[@richardhill2702]

How can I clean my pump without flooding? THANKS AGAIN BROTHER...

[@BenOchart]

Part of setting up a sump is determining how much water will back siphon into the sump when the pump is off. Just play with the total amount of water that you're running until you determine how much can be run (how full should the sump be before you start the pump) so that a flood becomes impossible. This assumes that you have safeguards in place that stop back siphoning like one way valves on the returns and outputs near the surface (or with small drilled holes just below the water line) that will quickly break the siphon and prevent the too much water from backing up into the sump. It has to be tested and I suggest you mark the sump at the level you can fill it to once determined. Once that's dialed in you can remove the pump to clean without worry.

[@lilliestates8726]

Can you tell me what size tank i need to make a sump for a 150 gallon tall tank and if I'll need to drill holes in the bottom of the main tank? Thanks

[@BenOchart]

I'm using a 40 gallon breeder under my 300 gallon and it's doing well, and I'm using a 29 gallon as the sump for my 210. Bigger is better but it depends on your budget and size limitations. You can drill the tank for an overflow box with a tall towner (drilled in the bottom) or a box that would require drilling out the back. You can also get what are called Overyflow boxes that can allow you to skip the drilling (but are not as rock solid reliable as a drilled tank).

[@kayjoe7237]

Subscribed

[@BenOchart]

Thank you😀👍🏻

[@slimey_frog-1015]

replicating this design and I'm finding a lot of conflicting information on how large a sump needs to be, would a 4ftx34cmx46cm be sufficient for a tank of 1600 litres? (many forums argue that sumps should be anywhere between 1/4 to 1/3 the size of the display, and your design is obviously much smaller than that)

[@BenOchart]

I'm currently getting great results with 40 gallon breeders under my 210 gal and 300 gal tanks. Both are further backed up by canister filters. Bigger, with the additional water volume, would naturally dilute more but is it the only way to go. I don't think so. For a while I had a 29 gallon sump on that 210 tank and it was rock solid.

[@matteuscamilamario]

Why isn’t there any white floss stuff that gets replaced? Doesn’t it need it to catch all the food?

[@BenOchart]

Water is coming into a large (7” wide) filter soak before it gets to the sponges.

[@lots33ml]

Looks really good ben I'm very interested in what you are planning to keep in the 300. Curious when will you be revealing that information? Also i think the algae scrubber is a must for a tank that large because it won't be the easiest tank to clean so why not make you're life easier. Well take care ben and good luck. P.S. i saw you got a new hygger heater the large one thats kinda flat looking well i had the same exact one unfortunately it only lasted 13 months. I still like hygger but that heater didn't work out for me. I do have another hygger that's rated the same 800 it just looks a little different. I've had it for about 6 months so fingers crossed. later bro.

[@richardhill2702]

Sorry ben also my tank already has built in overflows In the corner. Didn't know if that mattered THANKS AGAIN..

[@finaganfishhouse]

Hello hello I saw the preview on the live..... I've been using poret foam from Swiss tropical since 2016 I've used all ppi and sizes from 1" to 4" here are some things I've learned 4" 30ppi clogged up as fast as a 2" 45ppi. 4" 30ppi is really hard to "clean" 2" 30ppi is perfect and 3" 20ppi is perfect last thing for canister filters I use 2" 45ppi as the mechanical because it traps the most things then 2" 30ppi........ Think about putting a 2" 45ppi in the front and clean it out when needed...... Great setup sorry I couldn't give away advice 😂 😂 😂 😂 ps if I had a 300 I'd put Spartans in it

[@BenOchart]

Good points. Stephen at ST suggested 10-20-20. Let’s see how that works out. If I end up putting socks or a wall of Pinky Floss it should allow those sponges to run a very long time without clogging.

[@finaganfishhouse]

Oooohhhhhh I don't know why I thought you said 30ppi yeah 20ppi at 4" will great

[@curt6766]

Totally agree with the with the Swiss tropical sponges, but I beige you've chosen the wrong sizes for pore size. The bio rungs are useless as far as biological surface area.

[@guglielmodicarlo4139]

so what stops the water from flowing if your pump fails or power goes out,, you didnt talk about that at all,

[@BenOchart]

There are numerous safeguards such as one way valves in the return lines and outputs near the surface so the siphon breaks before too much water can back siphon. Check out my sump filtration playlist. There are several videos on preventing sump floods. This video was about the set up of my DIY sump.

[@andreypartikevich1355]

Can I use this setup for a 45 gallon cube

[@BenOchart]

You can but it would be, IMO, a bit of an overkill. I instead suggest a HOB filter.

[@AussieRic]

simple sump...fill a large rectangle bucket 1/3rd of bio gravel, drill plenty holes in the base of a smaller bucket and then fill this bucket with sponge, sit it drilled holes down in the big bucket. water from the tank goes through the sponge and into the bio gravel, you put a return pump sitting on the bio gravel in the big bucket, you can put heater sideways in the big bucket too.

[@rohithricky8275]

Can I use a single sump for two fish tanks at once?

[@BenOchart]

I wouldn’t due to potential cross-contamination

[@rohithricky8275]

@BenOchart I appreciate your reply. Can I use a UV filter for eliminating the cross contamination?

[@coachdee3554]

Where is the video of this working? Can we see a follow up?

[@BenOchart]

Check out my sump playlist, but you've inspired me to do a follow-up video, so what for that. Thanks!

[@hannahvivian5470]

Do you have a video of you 210 sump set up?

[@BenOchart]

Yes. Should be in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoDqjZiWozK49-rqec9NxVcb

[@jonathanhughes5842]

What is the square feet of surface area per pound of fish for your aquarium

[@BenOchart]

🤣🤣🤣 God knows 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jonas2431]

a few clown loaches would look awesome in the 300

[@thomasurban5124]

doesn't the water level go up and down in the sump?

[@BenOchart]

Up if you turn the pump off. Otherwise it’s steady and drops over time, slowly, with evaporation.

[@joeystephens9696]

Where did you get the sponges ?

[@BenOchart]

Swiss Tropicals

[@jetskijim1258]

Looks like your sponges are the wrong way round. To me it should be black orange then blue. Plus how are the sponges kept in place without floating or twisting?

[@BenOchart]

The colors don’t relate to the type of sponge. You can order any sponge in just about any color. The sponges are cut an inch or so wider than the tank and stay in place all on their own.

[@greygoose117]

What size tank is the sump?

[@j.t.cooper2963]

He said it was a 40 gallon breeder tank right at the beginning of the video.

[@Sudoer95]

why not bio home media instead?

[@k9feces]

Why didn’t they donate the media like Sera did?

[@BenOchart]

I’ve developed a relationship with SERA and they provided the media which is very good quality. I could have gone to Biohome and they might have hooked me up. I loved the results I got with biohome ultimate back in California.

[@BenOchart]

I love biohome but I’ve recently developed a great relationship with Sera.

[@johnthomas7177]

You are not going to have the water go thou a filter sock first?

[@BenOchart]

Possibly. I’m liking one big 7” across sock that the two main drains can dump into. Or I’ll put a wall of Pinky Floss on the first sponge.

[@darrellle4967]

Wat about the UV?

[@BenOchart]

I don’t use UV in my 300 gallon

[@darrellle4967]

@@BenOchart o ok

[@xmanu100]

this can be made stable faster by adding some plants to further add to the filtering of nitrogen and other bio waste.. this also will increase the health of the tank.. coz this will be more biological than it already is.. mimicking nature is easy if you just understand some of the simple things nature does to keep the balance in.. that is mother nature 😇😇

[@xmanu100]

I don't mean addition of plants to the tank I mean integrated sump with plants section so wat comes through the sump goes to feed the plants in a different section

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

The foam should go from 10 ppi to 20 ppi. Looser going to finer porosity. I have settled on 10>20>30>45 ppi to really polish the water and get it to that next level of clarity. L

[@BenOchart]

Per Stephen at Swiss Tropicals, anything above 20 will clog too quickly and at 4” wide and 14” tall, it’s a pain to pull and rinse them. So, 10-20-20 will allow me, I predict, to go for a year before need a full sump cleaning.

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

@@BenOchart my 45 ppi goes a couple months between cleanings. I could not get the clarity I was looking for with 20ppi. Hooe it works for you

[@migueleespinosa2632]

@@HalfManHalfCichlid I agree with at least a 20/30 to a 45 water polishing. The water definitely is crystal clear. Let the 20/30ppi handle bio. I power rinse the 45ppi and done in a couple of minutes. For super polishing I attached a 60ppi sponge or a filter cartridge used for house water filtering (similar to an ROI) to a small pump and let it run over night.

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

@@migueleespinosa2632 great ideas. Do you have more facts/links on the super polishing set up?

[@migueleespinosa2632]

@@HalfManHalfCichlid just take the intake of a pump or power head of choice and attach the sponge/water cartridge. The sponges and cartridges I use have one inch openings on both ends, so I plug one end and the other is attached. I drop it in my tank because I'm not running a sump. If I had a sump it would be easier just to drop it into it. The Swiss tropical filter sponge cartridge is great at 45ppi. They are hugh at 19in in lenght and diameter of 4+in of choice. I run a 30ppi as a corner 19' x 4in prefiltet to my intake of my Fluval 407 in my 120g African Cichlid tank. Not complicated at all. The non sponge cartridges I mentioned may be found at Lowe's or Home Depot in the house water filtering section. Once you see them it will instantly click. Think a modified RODI set up.

[@walterotiepka1460]

simple is best why complicate things

[@BenOchart]

I agree 100%

[@COOPERSCICHILDS]

Simple is better

[@steverosse]

Why does nobody ever finish these videos? Where are the pipes? How do the pipes get secured in the tank? Why can't we see this operation up and running? I don't get it.

[@BenOchart]

Follow-up videos provided a detailed look. Check out my sump playlist.

[@davidbrant1396]

Why 2 pumps

[@BenOchart]

Back up in case one fails

[@anarchistgreg4689]

The sump is the easiest way to flood your house. Nothing wrong with sticking to HOB filters. Disaster waiting to happen.

[@BenOchart]

If you don’t know how to set it up, that is true. If set up properly, it is just as likely to “flood” as an HOB and canister filter.

[@pisces9194]

Hi Bro! You have utilised too much space of your cabinet for sump. Better try for raceway system for sump. Using acrylic partition too would help you in maintaining your cleaning purpose! It's not critics, It's for your next level and coming out of the box. Enjoy your work.

[@shadownova7056]

I’m late to this video, but was wondering if you had a video on plumbing the corner overflows on the 300

[@BenOchart]

The 300 has a drilled to back (center) box from "synergy reef" that moves the water down via 1.5" pvc to the sump. There a main drain, a secondary and a third emergency overflow, making it impossible for the overflow box to clog up.