How Aquarium Sumps Work.

How aquarium sumps work and how to set up your aquarium sump explained from setting up the sump itself to having it running well! Hit that subscribe button for more fish keeping help and advice! :)
This is a slightly longer video than normal but hopefully after watching through you will have a good understanding of how an aquarium sumps works, and how your sump can be put together and operate successfully and safely.
*All links below for what is used in the video*
This video is ideal if you are new to having a sump or planning to get one and not quite sure how they work or how you will or would set one up. Maybe even just having current issues and looking for solutions.
If I have missed anything or you have any other questions feel free to comment below and I will do my best to get back to you and answer.
Thanks all for watching and for more content to come hit that subscribe and bell button 😉
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Countryside C3 Resin for FX4 and FX4
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[@sethat8e]

Basically covered everything here. This a great guide for anyone setting up their first sump.

[@TANK-TV]

Thank you Kyle!

[@ReinhardvonHolst]

Liked, loved and subbed. I'm getting back into aquariums and always had external canisters with in-built heaters. Subs scared me because all the ones I saw had open air sections and I was paranoid about the tank draining if a fault occurred. Thanks for this video. Peace from Berkshire.

[@demo9rider]

Awesome video! Simple explanation and easy to follow! Can’t wait for mine to arrive 😉

[@massivepump3059]

also, one of the best explanation and guide on how a sump works I’ve seen, quality video!

[@p66ugh25]

Had marine fish for a year now and going to get a sump tomorrow and ditch the External filter. Been reading and learning and speaking to people in the industry however this was a great video manny thanks

[@charliepattison5768]

At last,,somebody who has a clear description of how it should work. I’ve got mine(reef),,flowing through the media,,live rock etc..the difference is levels above. Well done mate..

[@TANK-TV]

Thank you Charlie!

[@bond1365]

Thank you for posting this video, I’ve watched many videos specifically about fresh water sump setups and yours is the clearest and most useful I have found. I’ve just ordered a 1000 litre tank and had been considering putting 2x fx6s on it but have gone for a custom sump instead and having watched this video it has helped to reinforce my decision. So thank you!

[@TANK-TV]

Thank you Darren and best of luck!

[@Jackal799]

I keep discus and will only use a sump. I ditched my canister filters and went all in with my sump. I drilled a hole in it and plumed it outside if I wanna do water changes. I also run an anoxic filtration system and a freshwater refugium. Possibilities are endless

[@ARod-br2ui]

Beautiful set up and the design on your sump is impeccable. 👍

[@TANK-TV]

Thank you! All closed down now to make way for a reef tank 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@hlg3248]

Thank you posting this amazing video, watched many videos recently for the new setup but your just was the best

[@TANK-TV]

Thank you!! 💪🏼

[@TheSparkysdog]

Great explanation thank you. I think I'll be specing a sump on my next tank, I feel a lot more comfortable about having a sump now.

[@markquigg456]

This is a brilliant video. Will be watching it again as it contains so much helpful information.

[@TANK-TV]

Thanks Mark! I will be doing a 2nd shortened version soon also so stay subscribed for the release as aim for it to be a quick go to video for set up and issues you may get.

[@isabelhicks7313]

So much great information and I'm saltwater! Thank you for this video!

[@TANK-TV]

Thank you Isabel!

[@April-lp7pp]

I love that Aquascape! Those birch poles a fire!

[@TANK-TV]

Thanks April!

[@paulsmith3175]

Ben this video is so valuable, the info and detail is so beneficial especially for someone like myself who never have used a sump. Downside is this will lead to further questions from myself lol

[@TANK-TV]

Thank you Paul! Feel free to ask away 🤗

[@justinaroberge]

This is so helpful. Thank you.

[@fishdom9889]

The best description of fresh water sump ever. Thank you so much. I m your 219th subscriber but yet think m late in getting hanged to ur channel

[@TANK-TV]

Thanks Fishdom!

[@everymakeandmodel]

Wow what an amazing set up. I’ve watched 200 videos at this point trying to get THIS explanation. I may try and figure out how to replicate your setup. Also, love the tank cabinet. I need to find one that fits my tanks dimensions for sure

[@owencasey6444]

Excellent video mate 👏🏻👏🏻

[@TANK-TV]

Thanks Owen

[@GTI55]

Very informative, I subscribed 👍. Keep up the good videos buddy. Building a massive sump for a saltwater crab holding tank so this helped me think it out a bit more.

[@TANK-TV]

Thanks Rodney and glad it helps! Will be doing a shorter version soon as a quicker how to….. also not recorded on a potato so better visual and sound quality 😂

[@gavinkiely5467]

Very good informative video.

[@reflectionautopaintcorrect3869]

Just subscribed…. It’s in Layman terms and your method of explaining the process is spot on…👍👍… I will be contacting you very soon for a 1 to 1 with regards to a tank build and installation..

[@philcoe1857]

I would love some gelp in setting up my new sump. I have been doing a lot of research and begining to get a handle on things but by far this is the clearest explanation I have seen. Would be great if I could send you some pictures for some advice.

[@ArsenicShooter]

Wow nice setup! It remembers me when I had a marine tank with a sump too 😊. New sub here

[@user-wz5jf5ey2p]

Great video , I like sumps better than filters , I like to see what’s happening

[@veneshpillay2988]

Exellent video 10 out of 10 for you explaining it in detail. Do you have a video on a marine sump set up?

[@joshsundquist4404]

Great vid

[@jameshalligan69]

Brilliant video, getting ready to take delivery of an aquariums4life 60x24x24 6 chamber sump tank, I'll be coming back the this in a few weeks.

[@TANK-TV]

Thanks James! New version coming soon also! Just a tad shorter and summed up for a quiet watch through ;)

[@jameshalligan69]

Are you using a wave maker to move the K1 Media.

[@TANK-TV]

Airstones but only go airstones if you have a way to sound proof the unit 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@pc166829]

Excellent

[@massivepump3059]

I have literally been researching all the KZbin videos on sumps for a week and a half and by far this is the best system I have come across. I’ve never seen tanks with that sliding glass top and I need it in my life!!! Is that something I can do DIY or is that a system you sell as I heard you mean toon you build tanks for a living? I’ve been researching because I plan on building my first sump as I’ve always used canisters like the FX6. I have to say I absolutely love the design and the way it’s set up makes the most sense of all the sumps I’ve seen. Do you have a website? Thanks bro, much love from Virginia USA!

[@scottmagowan9071]

Nice sump design, looking to add a sump to my 85 Gal. with a external overflow box. any suggestions ?

[@Coyotehello]

Great video, love the baffles for the different sections of the sump and the inherent safety they give in case of media blockage in one section to overflow into the next, very clever. . Question: Your intake from the tank appears to be a hole at the bottom of the tank with a tube running all the way up to a pre-determined level, that will be the tank max water level, why not have a hole on the side/back of the tank at max water level for that intake so in case of failure at the intake hole you would not have a catastrophic event emptying the entire tank?

[@imbtmn9836]

Thank you, just to be clear, the trick to avoid flooding is to ensure the inlet and outlet is at a high level and there is enough spare capcaity in the sump?

[@kurtschembri246]

Perfect explanation I watched every second of it . I used to use sump but I was worried and didn't understand how it works . I have a question please. What should I do when water level from display tank drops pls ? Because sometimes it starts air suction. Thanks

[@TANK-TV]

Thanks Kurt, So it’s not so much the water level in the display that makes the suction noise its the level of water in the weir. 2 main things to try is up the flow rate of the pump to raise the water level or get a ball valve to control the water level.

[@DiscusRussell]

Hi There Best sump video on the net fella 👍Would you ever consider using a sock before the sponges and do away with the floss to cut down on waste as socks are reusable

[@josvandenbogaart5558]

Great video and explenation on the Sump, super setup and idea on your first and second chamber, will think about this setup. I am currently thinking on adding a UVC set, I see in your video a set up what raised a question, you are feeding the UVC out of your last chamber with a pump but also returning the flow in the last chamber, is there any specific reason why to do this in this way, I was thinking on bringing the UVC direct into the return flow to the tank. They way you have set it up is "simpler" only need a extra feed pump, am I missing something in the foreseen set up? Thanks in advance for your view.

[@TANK-TV]

Thank you!

[@edwin_chew]

Your video totally kill my intention to get a sump filtration system!!

[@weggy3]

can you have the sump in a basement below the viewing tank or is that to far away, im thinking of adding a sump to a 95 gallon reef tank that currently does not have one, also doesn't have holes drilled in glass for the bulk heads, any thoughts? great channel !

[@oscarrobles5771]

You should do an easy sump set up for beginners 😃

[@TANK-TV]

Hay Oscar, I’m going to be doing this and a shorter video when I re plumb the tank as changing the sump lay out also.

[@michaelcarvalho3686]

I came back to watch this interesting video today. Will it be possible to show a as to how you made this sump step by step? I would like to replicate it.Thanks in advance.Tall order but it would help a lot of those interested in sump building.😀Also I would also like to know whats the media that keeps circulating ? could you leave a link for that please? What also catches my eye is that how does the media keep turning round and round?

[@brandonbrooks2883]

Just bought a 210 gallon mega flow aqueon tank, what size sump do you recommend for it to biologically and mechanically filter it, and have enough Water volume for back syphon to hold incase of a power outage without running over. Thanks

[@barrynoel4138]

For a 120 gal freshwater aquarium what size of inlet and outlet piping would you recommend also what volume or pump size would be recommended it will be our first sump replacing 2 eheim classics. We also use a 24 w Green killer uv large community of smaller fish

[@jameshalligan69]

Hi Ben, which air pump were you using on this setup, it seems really quiet. My current one is fairly loud. Cheers

[@jameshalligan69]

You given me some great advise regarding a sump. Can you recommend an Led light unit for a 60x24x20 freshwater sumped system.

[@TANK-TV]

Hay James, How’s your budget for the light?

[@jameshalligan69]

@@TANK-TV around £500, playing with the idea of the Twin Star III 1200 SA, as its a 5ft tank not sure whether to buy 2 600's instead and spread them out on the glass siding covers

[@jamespalmer3716]

do you need some sort of pump to pump the water into the sump aswell as a pump to pump water out

[@micke9082]

Hey Great vidéo thank you How many liter of k1 you have in the sump? How many cm the section with k1?

[@TANK-TV]

Hay! Sump section is 12” by 18 by 18 and had circa 40ltrs in there

[@boogie8ball]

What size UV filter do you use and do you reduce the flow of water through it from the return pump?

[@TANK-TV]

Hi Adam, The UV is running on its own closed loop system (so it’s own pipe work and pump) I am doing a video on UVs and the correct way to set them up over the next few weeks so check you are subscribed so you see when it’s uploaded. In basic terms, you want a a UV wattage that can handle twice your water volume with a pump turning it over once per hour. This will give you both stage 1 and stage 2 sterilisation :)

[@bobsmith2177]

Hi there, would a 20,000 litre pump be to much for my 2000 litre tank? Many thanks 👍🏻

[@michaelcarvalho3686]

Great Video. Am considering on building one. How many gallons is your Discuss Tank and How big is your sump? Dimensions of the sump?How many watts is your pump that you use ? do you need 1 pump or 2 pumps?

[@TANK-TV]

The tank itself is 1000ltrs, sump 300ltrs, pump turns over 9000lph and just the 1 return pump

[@michaelcarvalho3686]

@@TANK-TV Thanks buddy. That info will help me a lot.😀

[@TwoDogsFighting]

Do you have any recommendations for custom builders in the uk?

[@MrJinngers]

I've put a 84l sump under 240l aquarium with manacapuru red back angelfish, is it overkill?

[@sandrobachme]

Have u some ideas how to make a tank with a sump safe for nanoshrimps

[@TANK-TV]

I would get some mesh over your combs and even potentially your outlet but ensuring not effacing flow to much.

[@jameshalligan69]

Hi Ben, what pump and controller are you using.

[@TANK-TV]

Sicce 9.0 👍🏻

[@harveym5627]

Great video. I also have a sump and I've only had if for around 6 months and all the floating debris doesn't go into the weir it just floats around. How would you suggest I angle my outlet? And how would I make all the floating debris go into the weir. Thank you.

[@TANK-TV]

Hay Harvey, Where are the floating debris? In the sand bed? On the surface? In the water column? Etc Also what is your tanks water volume and length and lph pump?

[@harveym5627]

@@TANK-TV They are in the water column. My tank is 800 litres. Its a 7ftx2ftx2ft. And I've got an 8000lph DC pump

[@TANK-TV]

@@harveym5627 without me obviously being able to see the set up first thing it may be is not the fact it’s not getting into the weir but that your pump is kicking it out into the the tank from the sump. Also just to check it isn’t tiny air bubbles from an air stone or anything? First thing I would try is for 48 hours zip tie some floss around your pump inlet and see if it clears so water has to pass through the floss to get back into the tank. If it does clear then you know your pump is pulling debris from something in the sump and then kicking it into the tank. 2nd thing, you want to try and create a whirlpool like flow and direction of flow in the tank so with mine and any others I face the outlet across the back glass aiming at the centre in hight of the glass the opposite end so the water flow will bounce of the glass panels creating a circular flow around the display tank itself. If the pump isn’t quite giving enough to create that whirlpool flow then it may be you need a bigger lph pump or consider a wavemaker to put the opposite end to get the water turning

[@harveym5627]

@@TANK-TV Thank you. I will try adjusting my nozzle so it goes on the back panel to get the whirlpool effect.

[@TANK-TV]

@@harveym5627 good stuff, just also ensure that if you are using your outlet for surface movement to oxygenate the tank not to reduce the surface movement to much

[@matsteel2292]

Hi I have a Cade 1500 system marine tank but changing it to fresh water discus would you just use the sump alone or would you recommend the sump and a large canister ,I was told by a discus breaded to use both Total volume is 640lt cheers Mat.

[@TANK-TV]

Hi Mat, you may be borderline with the amount of mechanical and especially biological filtration you can get in that sump so they may be right. Remember fresh water is different to salt as the rock work (scape) in a salt tank will keep the tank cycled so don’t need to worry as much for mechanical filtration in the sump but it doesn’t really work like that in fresh water and especially with discus where the flow needs to be light and low. I’d at least want to have 20/25 ltrs of biological filtration in the sump on that size tank and possible stocking level but also in a way where the water can travel through it and not over it. By the time you get that amount in the sump you may not have much room left for equipment. Easier and cheaper option you may have is rip all the internals out of the sump and re design it.

[@matsteel2292]

@@TANK-TV Cheers mate for that yes I may redo the sump in different config and run with a large canister also, but thank you so much for the advice I will let you know what I end up with, Cheers Mat

[@kerndeath]

I’m about to get a second hand d-d aqua pro reef 1200 … I’m turning it into a freshwater community tank… the supplied sump has 3 cambers and a top up camber ….. all of the baffles are on the floor so it’s over and over will this still work for me??? I was going to have sponges in first chamber alfagrog in second with bio balls and then third heaters and return pump …… Will this work …. Thanks in advance

[@TANK-TV]

Hi Kern, yes it will still work fine as this is how most sumps are made. It would be easy enough though to remove one of the baffles, prop it up and re silicone it to get that water flowing up through the media 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@tonyhooper1468]

Can an auto top up system replace water changes?

[@jameshalligan69]

What size airstone are you using for the K1. Thanks.

[@TANK-TV]

3 x 12” ones

[@akenoakimo8265]

Hi,one of the downpipe from my aquarium to the sump didnt flow well. How to fix this?

[@rohithricky8275]

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

[@paulstevenson5006]

Can you tell me how to set up a water dripper with a sump? So it auto water changes over a week?

[@TANK-TV]

Funny you ask this Paul, All several tanks will be set up soon and planning on setting this up. Keep on the channel and should be up soon.

[@johnhildebrand8740]

Is there a circulation pump in the K1 chamber? Or is that just the water flowing through creating the movement?

[@TANK-TV]

Hay, 3 x 12” air stones

[@johnhildebrand8740]

@@TANK-TV thanks!

[@safiul1930]

With sump and other equipment, how much electricity bill will be?

[@douglasbannister9517]

Great video. Do you have a web site too? Thanks.

[@TANK-TV]

Hi Douglas, We do but we have moved away from the big builds and launching a new nano and e-commerce range this year.

[@jameshalligan69]

Hi Ben, why the airator in the return chamber, cheers mate.

[@TANK-TV]

To oxygenate the water. As I had discus flow needed to be at a minimum in the display so oxygenated the water in the sump instead :) Yes the K1 chamber would have been doing it enough anyway but had enough air flow from my pump to run an extra stone. So as a result my display tank flow was minimum for discus to enjoy.

[@jameshalligan69]

@@TANK-TV cheers Ben ill give that one a go once the new tank is set up.

[@TANK-TV]

@@jameshalligan69 no worries! Even if you have a K1 chamber or moving bed chamber run on airstones it should be enough to oxygenate the tank.

[@user-vb8tm5uz4m]

Do you need to clean detritus out of a sump like this?

[@georgegaul2822]

what media are you using that floating aroung like a whrilwind??

[@TANK-TV]

K1 media

[@kurtschembri246]

Is it enough to make airstones in the sump only pls ?

[@TANK-TV]

Hi Kurt, yes oxygenate the water via the sump and air stone or wavemaker. It’s doing the exact same thing pulling oxygen into the water and then flowing out into the main display.

[@deepazure]

Why do you have the sponges in that order with the fine floss as the first gate the water passes through? I'd imagine to have it go through coarse -> medium -> fine in that order to not have the fine filter floss clog up too quickly..

[@TANK-TV]

The sponge order is the lowest ppi 32 then ppi 35 so same order as you say but after a while decided to just run floss first as what it means is everything stays spotless in the sump with no cleaning required and I just replace the floss each week.

[@deepazure]

@@TANK-TV ok nice

[@Jackal799]

I ran a canister, then switched to sumps when I was initially into freshwater. Set up an sps reef and the sump came with me. However, now I’m back into discus and am building out a 150 with a sump. Another HUGE benefit of a sump is the ability to drill it for automatic water changes or a drip system. Impossible to overflow and saves time on water changes

[@harryschultz5193]

Can you send me a drawing of this sump, I am going to build one. It looks like the panes of glass on both sides of the K1 media are actually multiple pieces of glass.

[@joelvargas1923]

My pump in my sump seems to run through water faster than the water can come down, So the pump goes dry half way… not sure how address this

[@aarondavies8486]

Your media is slowing it down

[@TheDvt]

Where can I visit a website?

[@TANK-TV]

www.tankacs.co.uk/

[@iankemp9788]

Thanks for the very informative and detailed video Ben. What lighting are you using tank looks amazing.

[@TANK-TV]

Kessil a360x tuna blues but with the dongle. It’s the marine range but you can lower the blues and amp up the green and reds with the dongle with a smidge of UV ;)

[@iankemp9788]

@@TANK-TV thank you

[@earthlingi72]

Drawing a simple diagram and explaining would have helped

[@toddmiller1933]

Do you guys build sumps??

[@stevenhunt3702]

Where are you based

[@TANK-TV]

Hi Steven. Sussex

[@noke258]

I dont understand any of this sump stuf, looks like a lot of equipment and a pain in the arse. why not just have a filter like a fluval 307? Works for me on my 340 litre marine tank with no problems.

[@TANK-TV]

Good question. Problem is you would need between 60 to 100 307s to filter and turn over 1000ltr set up at its optimum of 6 to 10 times turn over per hour. You would also be lucky if the pump in the filters could push the water up high enough to get it out the outlets on such large tanks due to the head hight of the outlet. Not to mention there would be nowhere near enough biological filtration for the stocking level and bio load of a fully stocked 1000ltr. Iv seen far more HOB filters and canisters fail compared to sumps also in my line of work :) BUT as you say it seems like a lot of equipment but a sump can just be run on a return pump and heater if the user wishes.

[@BH0t8498]

I watched this twice because I was confused how a sump works, but you were hot and kept my attention.. that said I still not sure how a sump works LOL

[@Mystiktraxx]

Turn that Stupid music OFF!

[@drynalove8184]

Too complicated, I'm lost.

[@rsberry1753]

Crystal clear water yes (and I am huge fan of sumps.....BUT..... are those fish happy in that environment? They are basically in a "human fishbowl", no natural environment, no plants, no sticks or wood.....poor fish.

[@llDaxll]

Fantastic! Thank you for the video! I have sent you an email enquiring for a custom sump! (check incase your junk folder, for some reason sometimes my goes there)

[@llDaxll]

Any update on my email? I haven’t got any response yet?

[@llDaxll]

0 response on email even after a phone conversation…