Freshwater aquarium sump plumbing and Bean Animal Overflow explained. How to make your sump silent.

Do you have a noisy overflow or sump? Here is how I made my Modular Marine overflow box and sump filter setup silent. I hope that this answers all of your questions, but if it doesn't, please don't hesitate to ask!
Check out my sump video here - • Freshwater Sump Filter...
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[@hardystein114]

Masterclass in how to do it properly. Amazing setup 👍👍👍

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate, I appreciate it. 😁

[@ProVisionColor]

Just wanted to say, I ordered a Modular Marine overflow box because of your video. Thanks a ton for some great instruction.

[@Gilsfishroom]

That's great to hear mate. Just be sure to read the installation instructions twice, paying close attention to the location of the outer seals. I'm not going to tell you how I know, but believe me when I say that it will leak if you don't have them in the correct place. If I can help in any way, just drop me a line.

[@ProVisionColor]

@@Gilsfishroom Hahaha! I won't ask. ;) Thanks for the tip! I really appreciate it. I'm still trying to gather the courage to drill my tank, so it may be a while before I actually get to installing the plumbing!

[@Gilsfishroom]

My hands were shaking when I drilled mine. My fish room build #3 video shows how I drill tanks.

[@alwaysanovice]

As a pre retirement gift to myself, I am designing a 13 foot wall it will have two 4'x2'x4' paludariums seperated by a 60"x18"x30" aquarium. Your video is going into the file labeled simply perfection. Much Live from the Intermountain west USA. Sincerely, Coop.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Mate, that sounds awesome! I hope you can email me some photos. I'm glad you found the video helpful Coop, remember to tell your friends.

[@premramsita8354]

This is by far one of the best videos in plumbing for aquariums I have ever seen. Well done.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. 😊

[@scruffydad9435]

First off, beautiful tank. Second, I feel like I finally get how these systems work now. I reeeaaally appreciate your cinematography. It made all the difference.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. I'm really glad to hear that it helped.

[@sunkenoasis2606]

This is exactly the type of video I have been looking for. Thank you for explaining it all in such detail.

[@Gilsfishroom]

No problem mate. Thanks for your comment.

[@theredkrawler]

How'd it take me this long to find your channel? It kicks butt. Straightforward content without all the typical KZbinr bollocks, funny as, and full of pure gold info. I've had my tank for 6 months or so and every time the power goes out I lose the siphon and had to muck around to get the return flow right again.... then you come along and just drop a little "poke a hole in the top" pro tip and bugger me dead if that didn't solve the problem. Now my siphon restarts just fine and I can even use the feed function on my pump finally. Thanks mate, these videos are tops.

[@Gilsfishroom]

I'm glad to hear that the video helped. I have a pretty short attention span myself, so I try to make the videos as short as possible. I also have a video on my DIY battery back up system for when the power goes out if you are interested. Thanks for the comment, it really made my day. Don't be a stranger mate.

[@patriot7734]

Wow, this is great! I had no idea what people were talking about a bean animal. Perfect explanation..thank you!!!!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks. Yes, a lot of info out there assumes that you already have an understanding of the basics.

[@pork-techpty3078]

Awesome setup, awesome channel, good humour to boot 😊

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thank mate. I really appreciate it. 😁

[@Nexuhss]

Perfect video I read through BeanAnimal’s explanation of his design and he described it likening already had a deep understanding of it. Your video explained not only the design but the reasoning. This helps me make proper modifications based on the needs of my tank. Thanks, mate!

[@Gilsfishroom]

I appreciate that mate. I struggled to get my head around it for a while, but finally figured it out.

[@matthewbrown5677]

Best film on utube...

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks very much mate. Be sure to tell your friends!

[@Irezau]

brilliantly explained video mate, appreciate it!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks for the comment mate. 😁

[@nevva_evva]

Great explanation. Thanks for sharing this. 👍

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. I'm glad you found this useful.

[@ejbrinegar]

Dear Gil: Your system does a terrific job keeping your, tank water crystal clear and super-healthful, for your pets. Personally, I doubt I’d have the skills to put such an arrangement together. I believe the start-up expense would also be prohibitive. For me, hang-on-the-back filters do the job. I had an issue of a Penguin 350, which developed a rattle. A new impeller sorted that. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us on KZbin. All my best, Sincerely, E. J. Brinegar

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks E.J, The overflow box was the only major expense. If I had to do it again I would probably make one myself. I'm really pleased with how quiet this all runs considering the amount of water flowing through it. Thanks again for your interest and comments mate.

[@fionadavenport6319]

Another very informative video again. Very well done

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Fiona. Did you recognise my celebrity guest star?

[@fionadavenport6319]

Yes I did recognise him.

[@majesticcichlids1630]

really nice setup! you are great at the DIY stuff 💪👍

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks. It had to be quiet, because if it wasn't I was told that it would have to live outside, and me with it!

[@majesticcichlids1630]

@@Gilsfishroom I definitely know the feeling 🤦‍♂️🤣

[@olafcichlids3121]

Thanks for sharing mate very interesting video👍 ill keep in mind for the future😎

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Olaf. 😁

[@noyezz3690]

nice tank, nice setup, nice video, really great actually .... so thx you helped me!

[@Gilsfishroom]

I'm happy that it helped you mate.

[@cezarymielczarek2068]

You are great ❤ the best explanation on YT THANK YOU

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks very much mate. 😀

[@johnayres9360]

NICE WORK !

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate.

[@hixyhicks]

Great video Beautiful tank 👌

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Hixy. 😊

[@simonmoylan4014]

Awesome set-up good video

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Simon, I hope you found it helpful.

[@AbideinChristFully]

This is very helpful. Thank you

[@Gilsfishroom]

I'm glad it helped mate. 😄

[@MartinCastleman-kc5wv]

Great advice lovely tank and seems a nice guy too 😊

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Martin, I hope that you got something out of the video.

[@AussieAquatic]

It's an AUSTRALIAN Engineering Marvel :) As is the BEARD!!!!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. A lot of time and effort went into both. 🤣

[@bipolaraquatics]

Great information 👍

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate.

[@huongtoituonglai24]

HI MY FRIEND VERY NICE VIDEO THIS IS FANTASTIC DAY. 🌼🌼

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thank you very much mate. 😊

[@paulschofield985]

Cracking tank mate..

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Paul, I appreciate that mate.

[@paulschofield985]

@@Gilsfishroom no worries mate..

[@barrylilley6392]

That’s mint 🙌

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Barry. I'm glad that is so quiet otherwise both me an the tank would be living outside.

[@barrylilley6392]

@@Gilsfishroom 🤣🤣🤣

[@normanperreyras9004]

nice

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Norman. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@littleaussieadventures2246]

That is an amazing tank and set up you have. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your fish . Just wondering , Can you make a silent system we can plug into our partners ? Could look at your tank all day, it's a credit to you ...

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. I looked into making a silent outlet for the missus, but couldn't find a pipe the same size as her mouth!

[@littleaussieadventures2246]

@@Gilsfishroom haha I got rid of mine and bought a boat, saved money in the long run hehe, p.s you might be sleeping on the couch

[@olemejetable3759]

Thank you again for this video. I have a 90 gal with corner overflow, only 2 holes( drain and return) can I get the same result? Make it silent

[@Gilsfishroom]

You could try a Durso style drain with an air valve on top. If you can control the air in the pipe, it will be quieter.

[@emeryz10]

Man, that’s super impressive. I’ve had my out take like yours before, just below the surface, and I find evaporation the biggest downfall for this system. You need to have a good handle on keeping a specific amount of water in the tank at all times otherwise the system fails. Some situations that’s not an issue but for me it was.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Because the tank needs to be full to overflow, it always remains full. When evaporation does occur, the tank level wont change, but the level in the sump will. I have covers on both the tank and the sump otherwise it I get a lot of evaporation in the winter. Thanks for your interest mate. 😃

[@Kestrell88]

Hi, I'm in the process of setting up a 125 gallon tank with a modular marine overflow box. Do you find that water escapes between where the white pipe of the removeable weir inserts into the bulkheads? I'm trying to calculate how much extra space I need in the sump to handle the drainage from the main tank when the pump is off. If water does leak between there, I would think the minimum water level would be the height of the intake of the main siphon. Although I imagine it would be very slow, so to the bottom of the weir quickly, then to the main siphon intake more slowly? If that makes sense. Thanks

[@Gilsfishroom]

I don't think any water gets past at all. I pause my pumps for 10 minutes at feeding time everyday and have had no problems.

[@wesleyhale4040]

Beautiful tank!! Im setting up a 220 gal in the wall and im using your video as my inspiration/blueprint. Im going to put a sump the new 220 gal but have zero experience with sump setup. Ive already ordered the 2400gph modular marine overflow and while Im waiting for that to arrive im trying to get my return plumbing & nozzle location figured out. What size PVC are you using for your return pipes? And for the overflow drain pipes? 1.5"?? Could i put both return nozzles on same side as overflow pointing towards opposite end? Only difference with my setup is that id like to view from both sides, so im trying to put everything on left or right side of tank. And would like to keep ALL plumbing on one end if possible. Any advise you can give will be greatly appreciated! **Im going to use a Jebao DCP 4000 and a 8000 return pumps (220gal 72x24x30 w/1 MM 2400gph 20" skimmer)

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. The drain pipes are 40mm, and the returns are 25mm. The outlets on the returns are 32mm, just to slow the flow down a little. I think that if you have the overflow and the returns on the same end, you will need a fairly high flow to move the water at the other end of the tank. My original plan was to have the box at one end, and the returns at the other end pointing on a downward angle. I couldn't do that because with having the tank inside the wall, the external part of the box wouldn't fit. Good luck, and any other questions feel free to ask or shoot me an email.

[@wesleyhale4040]

But you think it would be better to put returns at opposite end pointing towards overflow? If it will fit..

[@wesleyhale4040]

I'm starting to wonder if maybe I should have installed a internal overflow system. And drilled the bottom of tank, if possible. Or have someone else drill bottom. 🤔

[@wesleyhale4040]

And what is your email address?

[@Gilsfishroom]

I would put the returns on the opposite end pointing towards the overflow, but on a downward angle to keep debris moving along the substrate. I would go with the overflow box If you want to look through the tank as the weir box has a small profile and wont be very noticeable.

[@caseyguinan325]

Hey man! Sorry to bother you again. Last question I swear. 😅 but in your overflow box do you have 25 mm pvc then 40mm on the outside?

[@Gilsfishroom]

No bother mate, answering questions is why I made the video. They are 40mm inside and out. I tried 25mm inside the box, but that didn't have enough flow. And just to be confusing, the very end of the returns are 32mm. This slowed the force that the water returns to the tank without reducing the amount of flow. Good luck mate, let me know how you get on and feel free to ask questions and learn from my mistakes.

[@scottrobert2724]

old video but can you make a wet dry filter fully submerged? Like drill a home lower like some aio units do so if the water level runs low the pump wont run dry? Have a sea clear acrylic with wet dry built in back is why is im asking. thanks

[@Gilsfishroom]

G'day Scott. I think that you could fully submerge your wet dry, put an air stone in the bottom and make it a moving bed filter, or you could replace the bio balls for a media that is more porous.

[@scottrobert2724]

@@Gilsfishroom thank you! replace bio balls for sponge maybe. at least one side?

[@Gilsfishroom]

I couldn't say mate, it all depends on what media you already have and what stocking you have in the tank.

[@user-fd7pi6vv7b]

Hi mate where did you get the overflow box?

[@Gilsfishroom]

I had it sent over from Modular Marine in the USA. A mate told me recently that he saw on the Facebook that someone in Melbourne is making something pretty similar.

[@jeremystokie860]

Where did you get the overflow box from

[@Gilsfishroom]

G'day Jeremy, I bought it online from Modular Marine.

[@irecruitfish7410]

I just got a 210 gallon tank and want to steer away from canister filters due to the maintenance. What kind of maintenance do these things need And also how much do they cost roughly?

[@Gilsfishroom]

I clean my canisters 2 or 3 times a year. Depending on how fine a sponge or floss I use, I need to clean the sump anywhere from 3 days to a month. That said, my sump is easier to change out sponges than a canister filter. Here is how I do it - kzbin.info/www/bejne/joGnh2etZ7KSsLs Even if you build your own sump like I did, you still have to buy the overflow box, plumbing and return pump. My setup was slightly cheaper than a couple of fk6's, but not by much. Hope this helps mate.

[@irecruitfish7410]

@@Gilsfishroom Very helpful thanks! Subbing now

[@alejklsanchez8360]

Hola pregunta, la perforación en el codito, la hiciste con un clavo caliente, eso ayudo a que? A que no sacara el aire por la parte de abajo no entiendo mucho gracias

[@Gilsfishroom]

Hi, I made the hole with a drill. It helped air escape because the bottom of the pipe is under the water, sometimes air can get stuck.

[@alejklsanchez8360]

​@@Gilsfishroom ok entiendo las mías igual están sumergidas, en q beneficia? Gracias

[@Gilsfishroom]

@@alejklsanchez8360 Having the end of the drain pipe submerged means no water splashing. Makes system quiet.

[@alejklsanchez8360]

​@@Gilsfishroom me refiero que al tener sumergidas las bajadas entiendo q es por un tema de ruido pero me refiero en qué beneficio la perforación que le hiciste, baja más rápido el agua? Gracias

[@Gilsfishroom]

@@alejklsanchez8360 The hole in the top allows any air trapped in the pipe to escape only.

[@bksmotherman]

What is plugging the hole on the second drain pipe?

[@Gilsfishroom]

It is an air tubing valve. It is the air inside the secondary standpipe that makes the gurgling noise. By controlling the amount of air, you can stop the noise. I don't really need it as I can adjust the water flow with the pumps.

[@bksmotherman]

@@Gilsfishroom Cool thanks!!! Would putting that end affect it draining if the primary line got clogged?

[@Gilsfishroom]

No. You can even put some air tube on it and have the other end finish just above the water line so if the water rises and prevents air from entering, it will cause that drain to form a full syphon.

[@bksmotherman]

I can’t get my overflow box like that quiet for the life of me. Sounds like a bathtub😞

[@Gilsfishroom]

Adjust the tap on your primary syphon so that it is taking ALMOST all of the flow. The small amount of excess flow will be taken up by the secondary. There should only be enough water in the secondary to stick to the walls of the pipe, leaving a big channel of air up the center.

[@ricklowe1411]

Should have went with a Shadow V3 overflow. Way better quality and design that the MM. Yu barely have any flow going thru the overflow. This is why it is quiet. Try that with 2500 GPH wit that MM, it will be noisy. Also if you properly calculated your sump size you wouldn't have to worry about it overflowing.

[@Gilsfishroom]

G'day Rick. The MM overflow has worked a treat for me. When I set the tank up I had a 20,000 and 12,000lph pumps running on full. The head height is about 6f. The overflow box handled that fine and was silent. I have that size sump because it is made out of an old tank, and it does the job also. Thanks for your interest mate.

[@richardsaunders2942]

a video from two inches is not helpfull. A view of the whole setup would be helpfull.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Which part was too close for you mate?

[@dewittgeorge9242]

Beautiful

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. 😁