Freshwater Sump Filter Setup

[@reticulatedralphie7176]

I've watched a lot of diy sump videos, and I've never seen a clean out baffle before; absolutely brilliant. You may have just sold me on sumps.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. When cleaning sponges in my old sump the dirty water went everywhere so I had to drain the entire sump and clean everything. This way is a lot easier and the media doesn't get disturbed.

[@migueleespinosa2632]

I agree, good stuff. You could attach some kind of lift for the egg crate to help pull out the sponges. It would make a lot less mess.

[@Gilsfishroom]

@@migueleespinosa2632 That's not a bad idea Miguel.

[@migueleespinosa2632]

@@Gilsfishroom this week I came across another idea of putting the sponges in a tray ( like a spaghetti strainer) which is removable. You would then lift the whole tray instead of individual sponges so they don't get squeezed unnecessarily. Below the trays would be an area you could easily clean/siphon if it gets messy. I'm always looking for ideas no matter what I'm doing or store I'm in...lol.

[@Gilsfishroom]

@@migueleespinosa2632 That is why is have the two white media baskets. I had to search for them to find the correct size.

[@ShockSlayer]

The clean out baffle is how I know you put significant thought into the design. I've copied that for my own sump. Solid stuff.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. I have a cleaning video that better shows how easy the fine filter pad is to change.

[@ILoveChanelLynn]

Thank you so much for your video. You helped me understand anout how this system works. I received a sump system for my huge tank and wasn't sure how it all worked.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. I also made a video showing how I did the plumbing and made everything silent. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYqzlqB8hrmMmbM

[@YOURthornSIDE]

That clean out baffle is awesome. Well thought out!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks a lot mate. 😁

[@yeders]

Wow! I've been watching lots of sump videos and this is by far one of the best ones. Great detail on the media/ sponges/ cleaning. Would love more details on the sponges, and your media types between aerobic and anaerobic.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Jeremy. I have replaced the first media basket with an anoxic BCB basket. That video better shows the fine filter polishing pad.

[@Qdub34]

Brilliant. Thanks for explaining the baffles... i always wondered.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks for watching mate. I hope this gave you a better understanding.

[@ejbrinegar]

Dear Gil: I thought you did a fantastic job mounting hanging driftwood. But, this setup is above and beyond! I’ve been using hang-on-the-back filters, for decades. They get the job done, but wear out and get loud. Your sump is an amazing build. I’m sure it filters and polishes the water much better than HOB’s. Thank you for sharing this, terrific project. All my best, Sincerely, E. J. Brinegar

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks E.J for your kind words. A fair amount of trial and error went into the plumbing to get it so quiet. I'm really happy with the result. Thanks again, Gil.

[@bigdweeb7829]

Best video out there in explaining the basics.............. Thank you!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. 😁

[@bigdweeb7829]

@@Gilsfishroom No problemo :)

[@darrendempsey3190]

Great design - brilliant!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks for that mate. 😀

[@gregfletcher8669]

Love It! Didn't know that there was so much to sumps!🐟

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Greg.

[@steverees1936]

I love the simplicity of your videos Gil, as they help people like myself who struggle to take things in easily, to understand things easier. Love the fact that you can clean the sponge filters so easily. This is up there as one of the best sum designs I've seen. I wonder how effective it's been over the time you have had it running?

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate, I try to make videos that I would watch and understand. The sump is still going strong, and does everything a sump should do.

[@olemejetable3759]

Thank you so.much sir. Looking arround for weeks now. Finaly I found what sump to build. Thank's. I souscribe

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. I also have a video explaining how I made the plumbing silent if you are interested.

[@rolandtraynor]

Thats proper clever ,, also the best presentation ive watched on a sump filter with so many options. perfect set up .

[@Gilsfishroom]

Cheers guv. 😁

[@oscarrobles5771]

I really liked your explanation on building this sump and the way you did it, so you just earned a new subscriber 😃

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Oscar. I'm pleased that liked the video.

[@Rometiklan]

Outstanding video. Love the build on this sump. Liked and subscribed. Thanks for posting!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks a lot mate. I'm working on a video explaining the overflow and plumbing.

[@savimochi]

Thanks for the video. I'm thinking of buying a used tank that has a custom 55g sump, so I came here to learn how exactly they work. You explained it very well to me, than you! The sump I'm buying probably wont be quite this perfect, but now I know how they run and how to maintain it. And, when I do build my own sump in the future, I'm definitely revisiting your channel!

[@Gilsfishroom]

I'm very pleased that this video helped you. When you set your tank up, I have a video showing how I made my overflow silent. Good luck!

[@stubbsaquatics6080]

Great sump pump system...well thought out. Looks like it works extremely well

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks. The take 2 sump is doing the job.

[@LikinThemSuperSour]

Commenting from Long Island, NY. Excellent video, you took the time to explain the build process, and show how it functions in a detailed manner which a lot of people do not do when creating these videos. Great DIY video for freshwater filtration which even when applied to a saltwater fish or reef tank would only need a few minor alterations for a conversion. I had made a very similar sump for my 210 gallon years ago when I had my freshwater stingrays, and I used to cut-to-size mattress padding as the main filter floss as the water came into the sump. Now I have a 13.5 gallon Fluval Sea Evo Reef Tank, and I'm currently in the process of setting up a 40 gal. reef cube tank, 92 gal. corner bow quarantine tank, and a 350 gal. shark and stingray tank, all of which will be saltwater. I may have to start a youtube channel as well lol. Anyway, great video thank you for taking the time to create it.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. You should start a channel, it sounds like you will have some cool tanks to show.

[@paolotrento7518]

Thank you sir,from Italian aged boy,that lives in Philippines

[@josephstinson8017]

You have a awesome Sump pump

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. 😁

[@Hozay1]

Great sump design.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. If I had to do it again, I would make the two tall baffles a little shorter.

[@christodd3224]

fantastic build sir... Im getting ready to build one as well with a similar layout.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Chris. I think the key is deciding on what you want inside the sump and placing it all in there before you glue the baffles in. I hope yours all goes well mate.

[@SifiFan]

Excellent. Removable baskets with media is thinking ahead. Keeping media from squashing against the glass by using baskets provide more flowing surface area and no dead spots/ corners. PVC pipe is important in keeping it simple. Took screen shots, liked and subscribed.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. The baskets also made it easy to remove and wash the media. I have changed the media to bcb baskets to try for anoxic filtration. Thanks for again the comment.

[@abraxxus]

This is an amazing video for a first time sumper, thanks a lot!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. I also have a video explaining how the plumbing and overflow works. Feel free to shoot me any questions.

[@tabarakaquatics8067]

Nice sump bro!👍🏽 I think I my incorporate some of your ideas in my next sump build.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Ross. If I had more room I would have a settling chamber first and a plant refugium like yours. I'm pretty happy with how quiet it turned out.

[@markfranklin8831]

Nice sump setup

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. If I had my time again I would have mad it bigger.

[@nelson466]

you can put bioballs into the filter sock it works perfectly for cleaning water

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Chang. I am testing a BCB basket in this sump now.

[@fionadavenport6319]

Very informative great work

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks for watching Fiona.

[@princesheartofwlife1533]

Like 9 nice sharing keep safe always stay healthy and bless

[@Gilsfishroom]

Same to you. Thanks for watching.

[@MikeLovesLifeAquatics]

Loved this video on the sump. always wanted to do one and understand how it works!! I will use this how to for my project!! new sub

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Mike. I have found that a little planning at the start has made cleaning a lot easier.

[@mraquaticnews5676]

Great work! Very well thought out sump. GV your quite the pioneer.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks. It is an improvement on the old sump.

[@mraquaticnews5676]

@@Gilsfishroom I've seen many sump videos gone wrong lol your sump seems very well planned. All the best

[@choppinmix]

Great Video!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate.

[@ABD4VIDS]

Great video. Awesome instructions

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. I hope that you found this useful.

[@ericklebervet]

bonjour de BORDEAUX en France merci pour votre bac c (est super je vais suivre vos conseille)bonne continuation merci

[@Gilsfishroom]

Merci mate. 😀

[@gogetterhitter3]

nice setup

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate.

[@FreeSwimmer]

Good job.. Ive built several sumps myself and can appreciate your well done job. I run ol' school magdrive pumps. A good bit loud, but last forever at fair cost. Im ok with that tradeoff.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. These cheap dcp pumps have lasted pretty well for the price.

[@mraquaticnews5676]

Great editing too. All the best 👍

[@Gilsfishroom]

Slowly figuring that side of it out. Thanks for watching mate. 😄

[@mraquaticnews5676]

@@Gilsfishroom 🤘

[@scottgordin9709]

That’s a great idea with the section with the sponges and how easy it is to clean, awesome sump set up. I been wanting to get a sump on my 125 gal S.American cichlids tank, but don’t want the pipes hanging over the back of the tank.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Scott. I am currently making a follow up video on the fine pad and the clean out baffle. The main reason I wanted a sump was to keep as much man made equipment out of the display tank. Thanks for your interest mate. 😁

[@Hearts4ems]

Excellent video.i actually have almost the same but i used ceiling lighting grids for the bottom, but i like your pvc idea. I might have to make another with that heater chamber. Mine has been going for over 3 years and just keeps on going. I have a DIY over flow works amazing.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. The heater chamber comes in handy when I forget to turn the heaters off when I do a water change. I would love to see a video on your overflow.

[@Hearts4ems]

@GVAquariumsAustralia Hey thanks for response. What kind of thick sponges you have it your sump.i like the thicker foams. I can send a video of my overflow just not sure how. My overflow is made out of all PVC with the water level set with the holes I drilled out of PVC.its hard to explain but maybe I can post the video I went by.

[@Hearts4ems]

@@Gilsfishroom kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4vcpXiEf7-ngNksi=EFY3Nb7LCgDd3q1n

[@Gilsfishroom]

I bought the sponges online through an aquarium store. Can't remember which one.

[@markthomas3730]

8.5/10...good job. just a reminder, heaters don't have to be vertical. you can lay them down, put them in a drilled PVC sleeve to protect them, mount them diagonally, etc etc..as long as they are submerged sufficiently and you can see that they are on & working...using scrap PVC to elevate your media baskets is ok, but there are better options, which I'll discuss later. cheers

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. In my other tanks I have the heaters located horizontally below halfway. I have these vertical in the sump because it is the only place they would fit where I can easily tell if they are working. I have had heaters fail before, therefore I'm a bit paranoid. As for the pvc, it was leftover from the plumbing so didn't cost anything and does the job. I now have bcb baskets in this sump with the pvc supports cable tied to the bottom. Thanks for the comment.

[@AussieAquatic]

I was waiting for Sarah or Brian of Sydney to explain how it all worked..............but you did OK!!! HAHahahaha..............I gave it a Like :)

[@Gilsfishroom]

Trying to convince my child actress to make another appearance. Unfortunately, negotiations have come to a standstill. ☹

[@AussieAquatic]

@@Gilsfishroom the McDonalds menu has it's limits :)

[@Gilsfishroom]

It does indeed, but everyone has their price...

[@AussieAquatic]

@@Gilsfishroom they certainly do 🤣😂😅

[@vanhuuphuocofficials519]

Good system

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks. 😁

[@nursecuenca]

Great video. Could you please list name and brands of sponges and media used. Thanks

[@Gilsfishroom]

The sponges were purchased from ebay and are unbranded. The media was pond matrix and biohome. I have since converted to bcb baskets containing kitty litter.

[@manojrasanjana1746]

nicely explained, Thank you

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks for the comment mate. 😀

[@matthewbrown5677]

Very good film

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. 😀

[@AussieAquatic]

What a Shameless Plug for THE GREATEST AQUARIUM TOOL @4:18 of this video, please add the link for all the sales orders about to "flood" in.................LOL :)

[@Gilsfishroom]

I thought I would go with a celebrity endorsement, as the orders were only trickling in!

[@AussieAquatic]

@@Gilsfishroom LOL :)

[@toddwhite3217]

I like your explanation... Especially the c leaning... I prefer to leave a gap under the final baffle , drip the water through the biomedia and add a auto fill valve to the pump compartment.... So to change water I just do a gravel vacuum and its auto filled back up to proper level in the sump ... You didn't show how the water is brought out of main tank?

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Todd, your set up sounds pretty cool. I made a separate video on the overflow and plumbing.

[@caseyguinan325]

Thank you for this video! super helpful! I was gonna ask what pumps you use on this tank?

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Casey. They are both Jebao DCP pumps. One is a 4000 and the other is a 10000, although they are not running on full capacity. They are great pumps for the price

[@caseyguinan325]

@@Gilsfishroom Thanks for getting back to me man! Appreciate it! I actually decided to build the same setup with a 150g tank for my RES turtles. Had another couple questions though! What size pvc are you using and where do you purchase your pads and media? Thank you again man! Life saver!

[@Gilsfishroom]

I'm always happy to answer questions. The drains are 40mm and the returns are 25mm. I have a video on the plumbing if you are interested. The pads and media are all ebay because I live a long way from anywhere and don't get to the big cities much. I now run a bcb basket in the sump which seems to be helping with the nitrates.

[@caseyguinan325]

@@Gilsfishroom You the man! thanks boss!

[@Gilsfishroom]

The best tip I can give is to have your sponges, heaters and media before you start gluing in baffles.

[@thomasdickson8239]

Thanks legend

[@Gilsfishroom]

Anytime mate. 😀

[@danielmitchell2226]

Great Video

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Daniel. 😊

[@underthebus5801]

Thank you for producing this informative video. I operate a trickle filter sump, effectively keeping ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm. Is your sump set-up more effective in keeping the aquarium water crystal clear? I have a slight green tinge in my aquarium water. Thank you.

[@Gilsfishroom]

I keep a fine filter pad in my sump, which keeps the water fairly clean. Is your water green from algae? If so, less light and feed less perhaps.

[@underthebus5801]

@@Gilsfishroom I’m assuming the green water is caused by algae feeding from phosphates. I don’t have live plants. I’ll try reducing from two to one feeding daily. My sump uses a foam pad of medium porosity which water flows through before making contact with bio media consisting of pot scrubbies. My aquarium is 180 US gallons. Besides the sump, I have an Eheim 2262 and an Eheim 2217 filters attached. Occupants are six Blood Parrots, one dozen tiger barbs, and six Roseline barbs. The aquarium is lightly stocked.

[@Gilsfishroom]

@@underthebus5801 ok, good luck.

[@401kdub2]

Hey gill if I wanted to replicate your brilliant design on a standard 40 breeder aqueon sump how would I got about finding my measurements for the glass baffle heights? Thanks!

[@Gilsfishroom]

@401kdub2 It's really up to how full you want to run the sump. Be sure that the tall baffles are low enough for when your sponges block up and that chamber fills and overflows the top, that there is enough water left to cover the return pump.

[@littleaussieadventures2246]

That's awesome matey. A lot more to keeping fish then I could have ever imagined. What's Brian think about it all 😁

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. Showed this to Brian and she just rolled her eyes!

[@ravosavo]

Very Nice

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. 😁

[@jonathanbedsole1671]

Nice video. Do you have any issues with water bypassing the baskets by simply going around them?

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. The baskets fit right up against the glass, so there was no bypassing. I have since converted to using bcb baskets with kitty litter inside, which are designed to have water flow around them.

[@leishajackson1330]

Hey Gil, love your content. Do you think perspex would work well for baffles rather than glass or would you stick to glass?

[@Gilsfishroom]

You could use acrylic, provided it is thick enough not to flex under the weight of water pushing against it, and strong enough to brace the tank. Steer clear of any perspex that is fire resistant, as it is unsuitable for fish. Good luck with your build mate.

[@rc8rsracer1]

Hiw do you make the water I erflow8ng Fri. The tank quiet? Mine makes a huge gurgling noise. I crammed it full of floss but that's risky lol

[@Gilsfishroom]

If you have your drain pipe finish below the water level in your sump, that will prevent splashing noise. The gurgling noise is caused by air being drawn into your drain pipes. Here is a video I made explaining how I made my drains silent.I hope this helps, and I will try to answer any questions you have mate. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYqzlqB8hrmMmbM

[@dylancunningham4308]

Really great design - definitely stealing some ideas! Qq - does the pump chamber experience a lot of shrink as the water evaporates? I guess thats where all the shrink would occur, right? I live in the desert and it goes fast lol

[@Gilsfishroom]

That's right mate, any loss of water shows up in the pump chamber. If I didn't have lids on my tank and sump, I would lose a lot of water due to evaporation.

[@andrewturner1324]

liked and subbed.. going to attempt this build over the coming weeks. wish me luck 😅

[@Gilsfishroom]

The one thing I would do differently is make the two tall baffles a little lower. When the fine filter pad clogs up, the amount of water that backs up before flowing over the top means that the pump chamber gets very low. Good luck with your build mate.

[@HeathBredeson]

What pump do you use for that baffle clean out process? Or do you use a sink siphon? I hate the waste of water on a sink siphon. If you can share a link to a pump you use that would be helpful. Thank you.

[@Gilsfishroom]

I use a garden hose and siphon out onto the lawn outside. kzbin.info/www/bejne/poTXdqGppdJ2g7c

[@bangWarkop]

Great

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate.

[@zacharywildflower]

Bar keepers friend is aquarium safe? Also why wouldn't you need the brace? Is it because the channel devider pannels?

[@Gilsfishroom]

Barkeepers friend is fine, as long as you rinse off any residue. You are correct, the baffles are more than enough support so we can remove the brace.

[@rken100]

great video

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate.😀

[@andrewmcallister4151]

I'm going to copy this design. What size tank was the sump. How big is the display tank on that? I have a 240 gallon that needs a sump built for it.

[@Gilsfishroom]

G'day Andrew, the sump is 120 x 35 x 45cm. If I could have found a slightly larger tank it would have been better. The display tank is 250 gallons. If I did it again I would have the two tall baffles an inch shorter. This is because if the filter pads clog up, by the time those chambers overflow, there is barely enough water for the pump chamber. If you watch the start of my sump cleaning video, you will see what I mean. I hope this helps.

[@NewAquariumHobby]

Sir why used two glass in every partition to add water from top side if I use one glass then water can also move to next part. I mean 1st glass has 2 inch gap from bottom and 2nd down 2 inch from top then water can go zig zag plz tell me reason to use 2 glass before every partition. Very beautiful cichlid

[@Gilsfishroom]

Watch this. It shows why there a 2 pieces of glass after the sponges. kzbin.info/www/bejne/joGnh2etZ7KSsLs

[@NewAquariumHobby]

@@Gilsfishroom thanks 😊 I watch this video my all doubts are clear

[@Mrtom40]

Does your tank have to have holes in bottom or can I use like the canister filter hoses over back of the tank

[@Gilsfishroom]

G'day Tom, I drilled holes in the back of the tank and installed an overflow box. If you don't want to do that, search diy aquarium overflow, which is a pipe that goes over the top like your canister hoses. Which ever way you go, just ensure that that it doesn't continue to drain your tank once your return pump is turned off. Hope that helps.

[@toyshika1978]

Yessssss ❤ now come build mine lol

[@Gilsfishroom]

If I can build one, anyone can! 😆

[@donaldhughes7072]

Just wondering if you have a power outage for how ever long, when the power comes back on do your pumps return to the same power wattage or do they return to the highest or lowest setting Very informative and quick and simple video Cheers

[@Gilsfishroom]

I have had the power off when performing maintenance and when turned back on the pumps remember the previous settings. Being adjustable makes it easier to tune the drains, making them silent. Thanks for watching Donald.

[@donaldhughes7072]

That’s good to know I’m looking at getting one of those pumps and that’s was one of my concerns that if the power went off and on again that it would return to full power and the over flows not being able to support that amount of water and over flow the tank Thank you

[@FrankLoPintoAtKaizen]

How do you protect against low water in the sump / burning out your pump? Where the sump potentially runs dry and the pump continues to run.

[@Gilsfishroom]

G'day Frank. The pumps have an automatic shut off if they were ever to run dry.

[@jacquelinebye390]

This may be a silly question, but how do you replace/clean the filter sock?

[@Gilsfishroom]

It's not a silly question at all mate. There is a union just before the drain pipes reach the sump. You can see them clearly in my overflow and plumbing video, although in that video the sock is removed to better see what is happening.

[@mieczysaws2663]

Witam jakie ma wymiary sump czy można prosić o schemat rozrysowanie przegród , dziękuje.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Hi, the sump is 120cm x 35cm x 45cm. The baffles will depend on what you want to put in. This video shows the cleaning baffle kzbin.info/www/bejne/joGnh2etZ7KSsLs

[@mieczysaws2663]

@@Gilsfishroom dziękuje i pozdrawiam z Polski.

[@Gilsfishroom]

@@mieczysaws2663 Dziękuję przyjacielu

[@HeathBredeson]

How do the filter socks run water through one direction if they are set at the same level as the top of that baffle? I’m new to sumps. It seems like the filter sock would not hold debris with that water flow. Maybe I’m not understanding how that section is set up.

[@Gilsfishroom]

It is a little hard to see in the video, but the top of the sock is about an inch above the top of the baffle. The drain pipe terminates halfway down the length of the sock. The water flows through the bottom part of the sock first, then as it becomes clogged, it exits higher and higher up the sock until the sock overflows. Then it is time to clean the sock.

[@sdfawe-qo8eq]

how does the pump adjust the flow? I'm worried my pump will pump TOO much water and leave the sump tank empty and make a lot of noise waiting for water to return to tank.

[@sdfawe-qo8eq]

I'm also worried about having a pump not strong enough to return water and then sump tank overflowing

[@Gilsfishroom]

The Jebao dc pumps are adjustable at the controllers. If you don't have an adjustable pump, you could always put a valve after the pump to reduce the flow. Most pumps have a graph showing the amount of flow for different heights. I have a video showing how to tune the returns to make your sump silent. I hope this helps.

[@flyingtiger3954]

There 2 pump u using. Which pump is for the sump?

[@Gilsfishroom]

Both. Each pump supplies its own return into the tank. I use 2 pumps in case one fails.

[@JSmith-mf8fw]

Is this working off just one pump and gravity for over flow? I wanted to work on a sump but never understood how the flow worked.

[@Gilsfishroom]

I use two pumps just in case one fails. Here is a video explaining how the overflow works. I hope that helps. If not, feel free to ask any questions. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYqzlqB8hrmMmbM

[@barrylilley6392]

What return pumps are you running?

[@Gilsfishroom]

They are both Jebao DCP pumps. One is a 4000 and the other is a 10000. They are great pumps for the price.

[@marcbenoeraguindin7606]

Hi. I'm having a problem with my Sump as it drains more water than return back to the tank. I'm using a pump with 2000 L/hr for inflow and a 3500 L/hr pump for my outflow. How do I find the balance in between them? Please help me 😩

[@marcbenoeraguindin7606]

I filled my sump half its size and almost full on the main aquarium. Is it wrong?

[@Gilsfishroom]

Hi Marc, the pumps in my sump push water up into the main aquarium. The water then returns to the sump through an overflow box then flows back down to the sump using gravity only. Using one pump to push water down to the sump and another to push it back up wont work, as even if you could match the flow rates using valves, if one pump fails you will overfill either the aquarium or the sump.

[@marcbenoeraguindin7606]

@@Gilsfishroom in my case, its a planted tank so i had to make a look a like built-in sump within the aquarium to hide the sump (for inflow) then the rest as follows as what I've stated above.

[@marcbenoeraguindin7606]

@@Gilsfishroom i used another pump which is relatively weaker than the pump within the sump to not disturb the soil and plants within the planted tank

[@Gilsfishroom]

I don't understand what you are trying to do. Can you email me some pictures?

[@shanerampling2387]

What Silicone are you using.

[@Gilsfishroom]

From memory it was Selleys clear glass silicone sealant. As long as it is 100 percent silicone it's ok. Hope that helps Shane.

[@Spagatti_Monkey]

I found 125g with sump plumped for salt water.. im trying to convert to fresh water.. i have the water pump and most of tools but dont know to set leveling and auto on the pump.. trying to find a video

[@Gilsfishroom]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYqzlqB8hrmMmbM Hopefully this helps.

[@multipletanksyndrome]

Why did you start with the fine foam? Don't you want the water going from coarse to fine, like you would with sandpaper? I thought the fine stuff would collect everything the coarse stuff would.

[@multipletanksyndrome]

Lol duh, nevermind. I thought the water went under the first baffle. My bad.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Ha! No worries.

[@NewAquariumHobby]

Why u used 2 glass after 1st partition where u place sponge

[@Gilsfishroom]

It separates the sponge chamber and keeps detritus out of the rest of the sump when cleaning the sponges.

[@EuroGupper]

How does the sump not overflow?

[@Gilsfishroom]

I have my returns set up so that very little water drains back into the sump when the pumps are off. Here is a video showing how - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYqzlqB8hrmMmbM Hope that helps.

[@alpacajuice4702]

It's important to filter slowly, the slower, the more oxygen used and the better the anoxic filtration

[@Gilsfishroom]

True mate. I have since changed the traditional media for bcb baskets containing kitty litter. They are working pretty well.

[@nightlite9009]

Genuine question: Why the hell are sumps made of glass? It'd be so much cheaper in acrylic!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Lots of sumps are made from acrylic, and even plastic. I agree that is cheaper and lighter making them easier to install. My sump is glass because it it made from a repurposed tank.

[@Andrewblong99]

It’s big Lez

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate.

[@davidbalderston2751]

Vinegar would have removed that mineral film with a minimum of effort.

[@Gilsfishroom]

I tried vinegar first. The barkeepers friend worked a lot better as it is a little abrasive. The tank had been sitting on a verandah for a long time and the deposit was pretty well caked on. Thanks for your comment David.

[@paradoxart6424]

OH NO THE PIN!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Oh yes the pin! It is the only way mate. 😀

[@deanclark3705]

Father fish will save you a lot of time. Filtration for filtrations sake.

[@Gilsfishroom]

I have a couple of small dirted natural tanks with some shrimp, snails and a few nano fish. The tank that this sump is for is for keeping and displaying fish that would produce far too large a bio load, not to mention absolutely destroy any attempt to grow plants. Thank you for choosing to use your time watching this filtration video mate. 😁

[@willparsons32]

I've always believed that you just can't get enough filtration in really any sized aquarium! The bigger the display tank, the more filtration you'll need! By saying that, the oceans and streams/rivers are always endlessly changing the water in which fish look be in so why would you not constantly (and artificially) change the water quality within your aquarium? There are some people whos names I won't mention, believe that it's not a good idea to do water changes and that you should add things in your healthy aquarium from some big ol' puddle or pond to give your inhabitants a more natural looking environment. Dead rotting leafs that might contain some sort of deadly parasite but if anything, ammonia to your enclosure. This is nonsense.

[@Gilsfishroom]

I think the no water change tank has its place Will, although if you want to keep more than a few small fish you need that filtration and water changes. Thanks for the comment mate.

[@tommyvercetti4168]

Definitely not for me too much things to look after

[@Gilsfishroom]

Once it is all set up it is pretty easy to look after. Easier to clean than a canister filter, you just have to do it more frequently. 😀

[@onehitterquitter2130]

Any update?

[@Gilsfishroom]

I made a video a while back on easy this sump is to clean. I will be posting a video hopefully in the next few weeks explaining the one fault with this sump. Thanks for your interest mate.

[@eldridgehenry2]

GOOD JOB

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate.😀