How to Build a Custom Sump for Your Reef Aquarium

mdshop.us/1RWGAXx While there are many benefits to buying a prefabricated sump, building one yourself-exactly the way YOU want it-is easier and less expensive than you might think!
In today's episode, we are going to show you how we turned a 30 gallon rimless aquarium into a custom sump with a built-in ATO reservoir for a 50 gallon display tank.
This was a fun and fairly easy DIY project we are confident you can do at home after watching this tutorial.
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LEARN
READ ACCOMPANYING BLOG POST (with full video transcript!)
mdshop.us/1TSgB5V
HOW TO SET UP A REFUGIUM IN YOUR SUMP
mdshop.us/1qox72g
HOW TO ADD A SUMP USING AN OVERFLOW BOX
mdshop.us/238V52G
THE BENEFITS OF USING A SUMP FOR FILTRATION
mdshop.us/1Kmpmm6
TRIGGER SYSTEMS SUMPS FEATURES & BENEFITS
mdshop.us/1o063oD
RETURN PUMPS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
mdshop.us/1PbQwI1
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SHOP FOR TANK GEAR
Sumps
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In-Sump Skimmers
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Auto Top-Off Systems
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ATO Reservoirs
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Media Reactors
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Filter Media
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Overflow Boxes
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If you found this video helpful, please like, share and subscribe to help ensure we can create more helpful videos for you just like this.
Until next time, take care and happy reefkeeping!

[@matthewwagner4042]

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've looked at SO MANY videos to find how much of a gap to leave between the baffles and the exterior walls and this is the ONLY video where I've found that detail... 1/4th inch on each side, so have it cut 1/2 short to the internal dimensions! That's what I've been looking for.

[@lilpold9192]

I was searching for exactly a video like this for 4 days and you just uploaded the perfect video !

[@pelphrey]

Great tips! Polished glass is a must!

[@kingsize986]

thanks for this video definitely adding to favorites for the future

[@BagusSumanjaya]

thanks for the video, straight to the website now :)

[@johnatella8498]

1/4th of an inch seems too big of a space on the sides to me, but I haven't built one before. Would an 1/8 or 3/16th be too small on each side?

[@ldballoon4]

very good. Thanks

[@NYCityCichlids]

Great job on this build.

[@JonnyHerdMusic]

Very useful. Thank you for the video.

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thanks for watching.

[@toshi7220]

This channel teach me so much. One question tho. Instead of sump can I use fluval canister filter that I am using for fresh water?? Along with some live rocks?

[@jackielarkin4810]

I have a 90 gallon saltwater aquarium, what size sump would work best? thanks btw...great videos for this newbie.

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thanks for watching! I would recommend you accomplish anywhere between 500-900 GPH through your sump.

[@camerongarcia3128]

Would plexiglass be a good medium to use instead of glass?

[@BulkReefSupply]

If you're not using glass, acrylic (Plexiglas is a "name-brand" acrylic product) is usually the next material of choice for DIY sumps 🙂

[@Yarosien]

Thank you for this video!! Are you shipping to israel?

[@brianwestbrook4596]

What size sump would o need for a 120g? I was thinking about a 40g breeder, thoughts?

[@BulkReefSupply]

That will work out great, the bigger the better when it comes to sumps. I would say a very minimum of 25-30% of your total system volume so 40 gallons for a 120 gallon system would be perfect.

[@callahanwelsh]

Aloha!...so question, I am getting back into having a tank as allot of people are limited on funds for a saltwater tank: 1. Is it better to spend/invest the money on a UV light or a protein skimmer? 2. Is it better to invest in a "hangover" surface protein skimmer OR a submerged protein skimmer? 3. Should one invest their money into a professional sump or a "do it yourself" sump with a plastic tote and 3 dresser drawer? Mahalos and aloha from MauiWaui!!

[@fishfan2]

UV but even that's not necessary. Also Imo DIY sumps are better and cheaper. Idk about skimmers, tbh it depends on your situation I think.

[@robertlangford7637]

what size sump to use for a nano mixed reef tank

[@jesusgarcia173]

can you give me the exact measurements for this sump I got a 55 gallon tank I think it would be perfect for

[@BulkReefSupply]

We used a custom glass tank that measured 24 x 15 x 20 to build out the sump.

[@Djwasi420]

Hello Robert! I am new to saltwater hobby, I have 30G tank with live rocks and fish only, do I need the sump for my aquarium and what size is good for my tank. thank you

[@BulkReefSupply]

With a 30G you wouldn't need a a sump but adding one can certainly make your life easier with the additional room and water volume that it will give you.

[@Freakinfrog]

So I SHOULDN'T use a 5 gallon rubbermaid container for a 29 gallon tank??

[@BulkReefSupply]

We would try and use something just a bit bigger. A 10 gallon tank would make a great sump for a 29 gallon system.

[@shanefernandes9044]

Can my sump be the same size as my display tNk?

[@volcommaveric]

How does the water get into that taller left side? I’m confused lol

[@lauraholmes9353]

It's not meant to flow with the others. It is like having a top off bin next to the tank, just integrated. You top it off with fresh ro water and am automated pump moves water into the sump via small hoses when it gets low due to evaporation. I do think they should've left it slightly lower by say 1/2" below the top rim just as an extra security measure.

[@glenngilbert6566]

Another quick question, What section of the sump should I put the skimmer in. I see some people have live rock in one section with the skimmer in the middle and the return pump next to the skimmer. Would that setup be good or would it be difficult to remove the skimmer to clean it? Thanks.

[@BulkReefSupply]

The most typical setup would be to have your protein skimmer in the first chamber followed by the refugium. One of the simplest reasons for this is that you typically want slower flow in your refugium for the denitrifying bacteria and that is harder to achieve if your tank is draining straight into it. Another is that having the refugium after your skimmer will give any bubbles that the skimmer puts out more time to dissipate before entering your return pump and going into your display.

[@xs650chopz]

I have 75 gallon display with 40 gallon sump/refugium I just set up as my first tank. Having issues keeping 78 degrees with 300w heater in my sump. Where does everyone put their heaters?

[@BulkReefSupply]

+stevie sowyuroats You can move the heater to your display considering this is the most important area to keep stable, but it can be an eyesore. In your sump, it is best to have two heaters so you have a back up in case one fails and the heaters will not have to work as hard to heat the water. This is especially helpful in areas with cold ambient air temperatures.

[@glenngilbert6566]

Hello, I am using a 30 gallon Aqueon tank for my sump and would like to know what size baffles I would need. I think I am going to go with a Reef Octopus skimmer but do not know which one to go with. I have a 90 gallon aquarium and was thinking about housing soft coral and a few fish. This is my first sump aquarium and really need some advice. Also, what are the advantages of having a refugium. Thanks Glenn

[@BulkReefSupply]

If you were looking into Reef Octopus I would recommend the Classic 150 Space Saver. It has a pretty small footprint so you would have more options with your sump and would certainly be able to handle your total system volume. Another option to look at would be the AquaMaxx CO-1 which has a smaller footprint, but also handles a slightly lower bioload. Refugiums have a lot of benefits, the major ones being giving the denitrifying bacteria more room to grow and giving micro organisms like copepods a safe place to reproduce. If you want to learn a bit more about refugiums feel free to check out our video on them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZvJaZKep9Sgb9U

[@sakthivignesh6652]

I'm building a cylinder marine aquarium...how do I build a sump for that

[@BulkReefSupply]

A square or rectangle sump would work just fine, I suppose the only limitation is fitting the sump into your stand. In this case, Custom sump may be more appropriate.

[@JCarey]

👍

[@abh3960]

guys im getting mixed signals what should i have in the sump as far as media...red sea 350?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Everybody has a preference that can vary slightly; the sump included with these tanks has a filter sock for mechanical filtration and I would also recommend the use of carbon and GFO for chemical filtration. Both of these media's are best used inside a filter media reactor. I have provided a couple of links for you to browse these items on our website below. mdshop.us/2cTr8iK mdshop.us/1QWwv96

[@lauraholmes9353]

Its a very custom thing. Make it for YOUR tank. What you think you need based on your bioload and habits? If you are diligent in maintenance get filter socks and clean them every 3 days. If you leave it alone for weeks, get a roller mat. You'll have to build it to suit those devices. Do you want a refugium? Auto top of reservoir? Do research!

[@abh3960]

i dontvwant my elec bill going to high...

[@maddisongillman9696]

Ken Rosecrans v

[@jaymorris5285]

Close captioning would be very helpful for your customers and viewers that are deaf and cannot hear what you are saying.

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate the suggestion. We are working on getting the subtitles uploaded and edited for all of the videos. -Robert @ MD

[@kristoferchamblee6334]

Who has CD cases anymore!? 😂😂😂

[@t.regnerus301]

Cd cases? What's a Cd? What is this madness?!?!?! lol.

[@BulkReefSupply]

+Ted Regnerus I giggled a little bit about it too...I thought maybe I should use some old iPods instead. -Robert F.

[@t.regnerus301]

+Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies I'm 29 and there are times when I have to explain to younger folks about certain things that we don't use anymore like VHS tapes. lol. Be kind and rewind is foreign to teenagers these days. haha

[@candie1230]

+Ted Regnerus did you hear about cassette tapes coming back??? I'm all why? Who would want to deal with all that???

[@completelystupid87]

How to glue a sump vid, lol, you basically bought everything and glue them together.

[@lauraholmes9353]

That's a sump... Don't cut your own thin glass. It WILL break. Go at least 1/4 thick. Its like 20 bucks to buy them pre cut to size. I paid a little extra and got (dark tinted) black glass to reduce light in other chambers. Looks sharp.