I Upgraded My Seamless Sump! (Simple Hack)

The Seamless Sump from @CustomAquariums is a beast of a filter! It's very capable of handling my 420G lightly stocked tank, also from customaquariums.com.
But I plan to begin stocking this baby with some studs so I wanted to make sure I pushed the Seamless Sump to the max!
This easy hack can turn your sump from a great filter to an amazing beneficial bacteria producer!! 😁💪
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📌 BEGINNERS IN THE HOBBY START W/ THIS PLAYLIST 📌
• Aquarium Beginners Sta...
#KaveManAquatics #AquariumHobby #Seamlesssump

[@KaveManAquatics]

😎Join my new Discord Server! It's the best in community engagement! discord.gg/KaveManAquatics

[@joseluiscolon4640]

Of course I want more videos like this. No short videos. Yes videos with content, explanation and see the result. Greetings from Puerto Rico.

[@KaveManAquatics]

lol, Glad you enjoyed it bro

[@lorisheheen2198]

I'm absolutely positive that this is very informative for the more advanced in this hobby! For me? Wait..what? 🤣🤣 This is a great future reference video for when I'm ready to step it up alittle more. Not ready yet Kev. For now I'll keep watching and learning! Always appreciate all you do! Without you....I don't think I would have come as far as I have. ❤❤❤😊

[@KaveManAquatics]

🤣🤣 Totally understand Lori, maybe about a year ago I would have never even considered having a sump lol

[@lorisheheen2198]

​@@KaveManAquatics☺️❤❤❤❣️

[@KMcnitty44]

That heat gun technique is a gem

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes sirrr...I previously used hot water and even open flame...but the heat gun is king!

[@ramonmartinezjr.5697]

I'm just glad my man is wearing knee pads. Gotta protect the knees BEFORE they start giving you trouble.

[@Shadow-wn5fw]

Great job Kev. 👍

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro!

[@carlwagers9829]

Congratulations on 160k Kev!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you brother Carl!! 😊💪

[@carlwagers9829]

@@KaveManAquatics 🫡

[@bigatya]

Thanks Kev, great info.

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure bro! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mattdenefe5739]

I have the same seamless sump on my 600g african tank. What is did is I drilled two holes in the bottom side of the baffle tub and connected it with 1.5" pvc using a uniseal. I did the same thing to connect the third tub to the 4th where i have my pump. Seems two 1.5" PVC connections between each tub is enough flow for my 2000gph pump. This allowed me to make the third tub a fluidized k1 media bed! FYI connecting pvc through the uniseal is a pain in the butt!! if I were to do it again i would plumb the side of the tubs like yours is.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Great idea! That was another similar option I had. Instead of adding another 1.5" pvc I was going to drill bigger holes and make mine either 2" or 2.5" in order to keep pumps in the last chamber. But I felt this method instead would provide equivalent flow with much less work. (just a t-valve change) So far the 2- 2000GPH pumps are both at max power so I'm getting a great 4k GPH flow through the tank and sump 😁 I also considered the K1, may be my next upgrade to the sump when im ready 💪

[@pauldixon1960]

I'm glad you know what your doing kev, you lost me mate lol

[@KaveManAquatics]

Had to drop a video for the sump veterans in here 😁 We’ll be back to basics soon 😁

[@COOPERSCICHILDS]

That 450 is spot on! excellent information about your sump Respect!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro, glad you enjoyed it! 😊💪

[@COOPERSCICHILDS]

@KaveManAquatics yesssir I've felt with sumps all my life and I love the way u delivered that information respect

[@juniortorres5094]

Keep up the good work 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you my bro! Will do!! 😁💪

[@jasonacevedo5629]

Nice job in correcting your issue, but I can’t help but wonder if when your tank is fully stocked that you are going to need some extra mechanical filtration on that side as well

[@KaveManAquatics]

Well, on that side...the water should be fully mechanically filtered, as to not clog up the media in that last chamber. My goal is to add as much mechanical media in the very first baffle chamber so that all the water distributed throughout the sump is as mechanically filtered as possible 😊

[@jasonacevedo5629]

@@KaveManAquatics oh I see, I thought that hose was coming down from the tank directly and being split between the last and first chamber

[@leedibiasio9229]

Such a great video thank you! I have one reservoir with bio balls in it and I encountered the same perceived issue. I dropped a co-op sponge filter in there to provide oxygenation but I think your solution is optimal

[@KaveManAquatics]

So far its working great and the extra flow in the back chamber hasnt caused any reduction in flow to the tank! The pumps are both on at 100% and maintaining the turn around well! 😊💪

[@LindaLansbury-uq6xj]

Like - for future reference appreciate you explaining and showing these mechanical devices.

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! About a year ago I never even thought I would ever have a sump...but sometimes the lifestyle takes you where you never thought possible 😊

[@silverfox74]

All set for the ray's Kev - good work. You're really getting to grips with the 450 now!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you brother! Rays are expensive but they'll be coming back soon! 😊💪

[@silverfox74]

@@KaveManAquatics I know mate - they're nearly a grand over here in England. All in good time fella.

[@corrieharris774]

Should throw a bag of aquatic peet in the sump to bring the ph down alittle for the discus. Thats what i do for my wild discus.

[@KaveManAquatics]

PH is neutral from the tap and then drops to about 6.5 on its own before water change…Discus are loving it. Just wish I could feed them more consistently.

[@angiescookingspree7073]

So nice, i wish u were in fort lauderdale

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! 😊

[@theodoreyoung8777]

Thanx bro as always 🫡🤝😎👍🏾👍🏾

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@csucujo]

Hi Kev, I have both an fx6 and a sump on my 180gal. In my experience, the only fear I have for the sump is the return pump failing or a power outage which could cause the sump to overflow. So far so good, tho. Another great video, devil dawg. Rah.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Theres a way to ensure that doesnt happen. Fill the tank and let it overflow to fill the sump with the power off. Mark the highest water level on your sump that you feel comfortable with ( I fill mine about 2-3 inches from the top) and never fill it above that mark. Then power on. Water level should drop. But now you'll know if/when power fails the sump cant overflow. I would test and simulate the power outage a few times to ensure your mark is the right spot 😊💪

[@fleamcbaggins3087]

Yeah, Science!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you enjoyed it brother Flea! 😁💪

[@donniewalsh8724]

Looks like it should do the trick Bro. If not I would add another filter sock box so that each of your overflow boxes has their own set of socks and filter trays with its own pump and heater. I have a seamless sump on my 160gal discus Tank and that's what I did and works real nice man. Just a thought my man. Have you found any new Ray's yet ?

[@KaveManAquatics]

This sock chamber has it's own sock for each of the 3 overflows 😊 I'm tempted to try a lower micron sock though but also dont want to trigger a sock chamber overflow....Right now it has 200 micron socks. Rays are on the radar, hopefully they come soon!

[@donniewalsh8724]

@@KaveManAquatics that's cool man. The other thing that I did to increase my flow through my sump was upgrade my return pumps. They sent me pumps but I went with 2 1900gph current eflux dc pumps set at 80% I have some serious water movement from my water return nozzles. As for the socks I tried other microns also but ultimately stuck with their socks nice and heavy and change them out every 2 weeks. Plus I can just toss them in the washer on gentle cycle with a little bleach and good to go if your lady don't mind you using the washer ! My tank is fish only so no refugium no need for evaporation concerns since all of my sump openings have the glass tops on my tank is covered also. Just a heads up as long as you don't fill your sump over the max mark on the front of the sump you should not have any over flow issues. It is kind of hard to see but once you find it I just marked mine with a sharpie so I know not to go over. I have had mine up and running for five years plus now and love it man. I was using to fx6 cannister filters prior to switching and glad now I mad the change. I know you know your shit Bro but just trying to help a brother out man.

[@razinfishes1918]

Kev that's a pretty good deal to get flow in those chambers. I have only 1 reservoir tube on my seamless sump and I ran into the same thought with extra media in that tube. My short and simple cure was to drop a power head in the pump tub and attach a hose to the output and drop it in my reservoir tub. I get good flow that way. I never liked the drip line deal from custom aquarium as it doesn't flow like I wanted. But that's why it's called a drip line I guess. Any you got a good solution for your sump!

[@KaveManAquatics]

That is a very similar solution to what I did! Great thinking!

[@edd1922]

I may have to try this on my seamless sump too. I don't use my reservoir tank for biological media but instead I keep guppy grass and hornwort floating plants to remove nitrates. I always wondered if i could change from the trickle flow to what you just did. Thank you for the idea.

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! This would get more flow into that tank for more nitrate reducing effect from your plants! 😊💪

[@edd1922]

I noticed that you were having cloudy water .i also had the same issue with mine. The solution for me was switching to 100 micron socks and adding poly fill in the top tray in the biological tub. The downside of 100 micron socks is that they need swapped out usually every 3 - 4 days. The UV sterilizer that custom aquariums has also made a huge difference in water quality for me too. I have a 180 and over 50 peacock and haps . They produce alot of waste lol

[@nathanstott8395]

Fantastic video as always my brother , going onto the brown algae subject my tank keeps getting brown algae my water parameters are all fine 0 ammonia 0 nitrite and 0 nitrate and I have had my tank running a good while now what would you say the cause of this was ? Only thing I can think of is prostates in the water maybe ? I don’t over feed and I don’t have my lights on a long time

[@KaveManAquatics]

First, you shouldnt have 0 nitrates in your tank, unless you have a jungle full of plants in there. So you're most likely testing incorrectly. Or you have a faulty test kit. Second, Brown algae is very common and normal to have in a young immature tank. it will stop growing on its own as your tank matures. For now just brush it away during maintenance every time it comes back.

[@nathanstott8395]

@@KaveManAquatics oh really ? They did creep up to around 20ppm on my last water change my tank is quite lightly stocked I have been using the api master test kit I will have to keep an eye on that one Thankyou brother

[@daboiaquatics]

ayyy the new intro!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

You like that? 😁💪💪

[@stephaniereyes4107]

You should get your Discus there own tank kave!

[@KaveManAquatics]

They pretty much have it, lol After I add about 10 more it'll look more like a Discus tank 😊

[@paulparker2322]

Key Kev, could you do a video on keeping good filtration and circulation on a tank which the fish prefer calmer water? Even the outlet on my 407 is blowing my rams everywhere, if i adjust my filter flow so they can cope i barely have any surface agitation, and i assume adding a wave maker isnt an option with the rams. I know a air stone would help, but im not too keen on them, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Well first, what size tank are they in? A 407 may be too powerful for them in that tank size. If its really blowing them around, and you dont like the bubbles from an airstone (I feel you) maybe go the HOB filter route. The Tidal is the best IMO and you can adjust how much flow goes into the tank. It's just a splash so the rams wont be blown away and you'll still get tons of surface agitation as well as great filtration 😊

[@saifulrizal7028]

Hi Kev.. with all the flow in the tank.. is the Discuss ok with that? As what i know Discuss likes very slow moving water.. just asking out of curiosity.. TQIA..

[@KaveManAquatics]

When you think of the entire tanks volume, there really isnt that much flow. The 2 sump returns create surface agitation but dont produce a vortex in the tank. Theres plenty of calm areas for the Discus to relax in. When the wavemakers kick on for detritus removal is the heaviest flow but I only have that running for about 2 hours. On another note, I've read conflicting information about Discus and flow. While the traditional info says they prefer low flow, some say they do great in a heavy flow environment just like in the wild rivers they're found in, but I have yet to confirm this.

[@saifulrizal7028]

Thanks for the info.. an all u need to know about Discuss video in the near future maybe..🤔

[@lukematthias9061]

You plan on doing a salt water tank eventually?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Much sooner than eventually 😊

[@lukematthias9061]

@@KaveManAquatics that’s be great! I’ve learned a lot from you with the cichlid community and I’d like to learn about the salt community as well and you’ve been my best information resource so far

[@KaveManAquatics]

@@lukematthias9061 Glad to hear that bro, thank you!

[@shaza1478]

For heating can you just put one powerful heater in one of the chambers or is it a must that you need a heater for each individual chamber?

[@KaveManAquatics]

One can definitely be enough...the reason for having 2 is for safety and redundancy

[@moowu7260]

Could a big pleco (such as a normal common pleco) go in there to help with the brown algae and just to have?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yup, I have a small Bristlenose in there already but he seems to be hiding more than working. (Maybe afrad of the huge arowanas lol But, I'm planning to add a second

[@tifu678]

Yo Kev, why not just make your last two chambers k1 media hosts (moving bed)?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Considered that, but the bulk heads are really big and the k1 would escape through. I'm sure with time I'll do a project adding some wire mesh to the bulkhead to prevent the escape and then try the K1 😊💪

[@SteezyTN]

How quiet is the seamless sump and overflow? Looking to get a 135G with seamless sump, but worried about the noise

[@KaveManAquatics]

Quiet is as quiet does, 🤣 You can absolutely hear the flow and its louder than a canister, but to me the canisters are silent, so theres that. it really depends on what you consider quiet. The sump is definitely not silent.

[@ibrahimmushan2264]

Do some planted tanks man, that's what most of us want tbh.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thats what you want lol

[@mikejejenich-pb5zx]

I have a seamless sump. As well from custom aquariums. How often do you clean or do maintenance on your pumps. Inside the sump. ? I read online. Tht evory 6 months is okay. 👋✅

[@KaveManAquatics]

I've had the sump for about 3 months now...havent had to clean it since 😊

[@user-jt2ox2rm4q]

Maxspect nano-tech bio blocks

[@KaveManAquatics]

I’ve got bio blocks in there too 😁

[@tyler9mm614]

I have a seamless sump for one of my tanks and am curious on the best way to set up the flow. with me using an overflow I feel like some of the debris in the tank get stuck at the bottom sometimes.

[@KaveManAquatics]

I’ve been noticing the same. A wavemaker will dramatically help this. But I don’t want to keep mine in full blast and disturb the Discus. If you’re fish like the flow, keep it on 24/7. If they don’t, get a wavemaker that can be on a schedule and keep it on only for a few hours after feeding times. That should help.

[@tyler9mm614]

@@KaveManAquatics thanks Kev. I do run a wave maker but i am also new to the sump game so ill have to move it around and try different spots. Thanks for the reply

[@Joefosterbookreviews]

New intro!❤

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you like it bro! 😁💪

[@tommyvicicondi3963]

What is a good hap to add to a 75 g tank with all male peacocks??

[@adelfoulani4429]

Fx6 or sump A love fx6 ahave one is amazing

[@KaveManAquatics]

I love my FX6's as well. I need more time with the sump to truly decide which one I prefer 😊

[@johndoe-ek6vl]

dang I thought I was doing it big when I bought my fx6 XD

[@tchatchprime]

Where do I get a background like that

[@KaveManAquatics]

All my backgrounds are from aquadecorbackgrounds.com Tell them KaveMan sent you, lol Also use code Kaveman10 at checkout for a 10% discount 😊

[@dnadhiir9082]

How many times a week you clean the socks kav?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Since the tank isnt heavily stocked, the socks arent getting that dirty. I'm replacing them once every 2 weeks.

[@jaredm674]

Could you have just added a air stone or wave maker

[@KaveManAquatics]

That would just create more movement of the same water in the chamber. This is adding more water and flow to the chamber.

[@dennispeleg7843]

I know you do educational videos, fish videos, etc., but i know you got some blooper clips somewhere that you could do a video on lol. Trust me , we all got funny hiccups lol

[@KaveManAquatics]

oh boy, I got TONS of errors 🤣🤣🤣

[@dennispeleg7843]

@@KaveManAquatics hey and it's all good. My main almost everyday laughter is my venustus cichlid trying to jump out the tank every morning like he knows I'm getting ready to feed him and gets water everywhere lol

[@tonyadams4726]

So you are more of a plumber than me because I wouldn’t even have thought of doing this to solve that issue. My question is wouldn’t Customs Aquariums have a way to help with that if you do a media max option. I have been researching them because I plan on upgrading to a big tank soon. I rather pay extra and have that handle than mess it up like I know I will lol

[@KaveManAquatics]

After discussing this with Mark, one other option (that would have required more work) is to drill bigger 2” or even 2 1/2” holes to use bigger bulk heads and pipes to allow for more horizontal water travel so the pumps in the last chamber method would work well. I’m sure if you requested a “media max” type of setup they can provide the modification for you! 😁💪

[@Zenithity]

Why is there a moroso catch can in the thumbnail LMAO

[@KaveManAquatics]

For curiosity purposes 🤣

[@bigdaddymex2003]

Has anyone told you you sound and look like a young Luis Guzman? Aka Pachanga lol

[@KaveManAquatics]

That’s a first lol

[@bigdaddymex2003]

It’s all in good humor bro. LOL

[@keepamerica2astrong280]

Hey K Man from the beautiful South Carolina Coast, hope all has been well...

[@KaveManAquatics]

Hey bro, all good here, thanks for watching! 😊💪

[@djlosdjlos]

Yo Kav I thought you wanted low flow in that last sump chamber to build up that bacteria though? What changed bro? And my apologies if you’ve covered this already In the last series. I’m slowly getting through the rest of your content

[@KaveManAquatics]

It was too low!! Tank took a lot of time to cycle so I felt the media in that last chamber wasn’t getting enough flow. Now that it’s cycled, I may go back to that slow flow 😁

[@jonathangarza4622]

Discus hate flow. One of the main reason i switched to african cichlid fish. Your discus are stressed.

[@Willym_Atl]

Lol..A hairdryer works as well

[@KaveManAquatics]

yup