Make a Freshwater Aquarium Sump (150g Redo pt.1)

[@SerpaDesign]

Check the video description for more details that will help you get started!

[@enteaz6613]

How old are u?

[@SerpaDesign]

Enteaz - Minecraft 25

[@kyledasilva1930]

SerpaDesign would you like to try that idea I gave you on the silkworms in the terrerium?

[@kyledasilva1930]

I would really appreciate it if you tested it for me so I know if I can do it or not! Thx😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😄

[@BigggRoss]

so just curious which do you believe is better?I am a fan of canister filters myself altho I have used sumps before. or do you think tank size is what makes the difference between using either or.

[@SugaryHobgoblin]

I purchased a 180 gallon with a sump for my turtle almost a year ago, and having no experience running such a setup, this video has been the single biggest resource in getting it to work. It also introduced me to all your other great content, which has been both educational and fun. Thanks Serpa, my turtle has you to thank for his new home :)

[@bugz000]

finally a full explaination on how a sump is built without elitists preaching "they aren't cheap" or "stick to goldfish if you can't work it out" thanks dude :D

[@SerpaDesign]

They can get quite expensive depending on what you need to achieve. A simple one like this doesn't cost too much to make though. Also I'm glad that you liked the video!

[@bugz000]

it seems simple and cheap enough, can replace those glass seperators with any material really, metal, even boards of driftwood for some extra effect, the tank itself could be another material too, so on - it's the passage of water which puzzled me, how do you make a system which won't overfill either tank and you answered that for me, i was thinking float valves in the sump etc, much more complex than this much simpler design :D thankyou

[@MrDanAng1]

bugz000 Don't use metal in an aquarium, it seem all metal is more or less poisonous to fishes and even more to shrimps and crayfish.

[@ameliagrace9460]

At the end did you say "that about sumps it up for this video" 😂 because if you did you are my hero

[@SerpaDesign]

Amelia Grace Yes I did lol! Good ear.

[@NinjaSushi2]

@@SerpaDesign hahaha thought I heard that right!

[@SmirnockIce]

I mean I will never... use this info... probably.... but your videos are always just so god damn interesting and educational I can't stop myself.

[@mynytdiver9617]

ikr, and inspirational, i take his ideas and modify

[@love.wildly.live.fearlessly]

Right! I still don;t understand what a dump is used for or what exactly is does. I must be stupid or something but I’m just not getting it. I wish someone would explain it to me like you would explain it to a lay person that has never seen an aquarium before. I’ve had one aquarium in my life but this type of aquarium is expert level.

[@Gk22632]

You can use this exact design and just do it on a smaller scale, water overflows into the sump, it passes through all the channels and filer media and returns back into the tank from the submersed water pump

[@King_DarkSide]

I have looked all over youtube. I have referred to channels much larger then yours. Of all these other channels, most of which have a business supporting there channel if not thier own business. I'm not sure if you do this professionally or for recreational. This is the first video I have watched from your channel. But this is by far the ABSOLUTE BEST video for making a sump tank I have ever found. Thank you.

[@LostAmidTheEchos]

Years later, fan of the channel for years either forgot about this video or just found it new. It helped a lot! I was in the process of designing a blackwater sump and I had several major elements wrong so thank ye! Helped me get a design much better!

[@AquariumCoop]

Nice work, enjoyed the flow of this video.

[@SerpaDesign]

Thanks I'm glad that you enjoyed it!

[@nicbrant570]

Lol nice pun. But also agreed

[@eadomke2150]

This tank is awesome!! I love this video and the method you used to quiet the overflow is exactly what I have been looking for. Thank you!

[@royvanstraeten3215]

I like the projects you do...than you do a great aquarium..than you fill a pot with things you found in the bush...practical and genius

[@artemisrumbinger4012]

You have me looking for an aquarium on Craigslist. I used to have an assortment but after moving time after time and hating finding some to look after my fish if I go out of town. But now, thanks to you I need one again. Now I want to more than one so I can experiment with a diy sump system. Thanks for the grear videos!!

[@robertrosson1990]

Really good information and how to video without unwanted talking.Having a 220gl.Iv have build a sump system similar to that and man do so made a huge difference between making a 40gl sump and the use of a Flugel FX5 Canister filter system I have noticed a huge difference in the clarity and quality of the water.its almost crystal clear year round Thanks for share the how to

[@dishwashin08]

Oh man thank you for making this detailed video!!!!! Its been exactly what I've been looking for!!!!! I appreciate all the work you have put into making this and my fish will too

[@TheWildWondersSA]

Love the detail descriptions you use. If only I saw this video a week ago. I got a company to do my whole reseal of my tank for me as I did not have a clue to do it myself (nor the time) But looking at your video and what you have done, I am super bummed out that I didnt try it myself.

[@johnterpack3940]

One of the most thorough tutorials I've seen... on any subject. Our 75g came with a sump because it was a saltwater tank. The sump is completely wrong for anything I want to do. I still haven't decided if I want to build a new one or just go a different route.

[@TuckerSP2011]

This is really informative. I have had aquariums in the past but nothing that large and with a sump. I can't wait to see the final scape and stocking.

[@foreverautumn2315]

I've always struggled to fully understand how a sump works, but your video put an end to that! :)

[@MrsShocoTaco]

Thanks in part to this channel, I've never bought an aquarium new 😃👍

[@PalJoey-rm2yh]

Very, Very professional and well thought out. The only thing I would caution against is channeling of water around those bags of media. I'd add the media loose to fill the compartments wall to wall to insure complete coverage. 'coarse that would make the media harder to remove.

[@realrebelli0n]

Very informative and well done video, you clearly know what you're doing when it comes to fish keeping and you keep improving the quality of your videos. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@operator8014]

Dude, your videos have gotten SO GOOD over the last few years! I just re-watched the first video I saw from your channel before I watched this one. Night and day difference in quality! GJ man, keep it up!

[@SerpaDesign]

Haha thanks! I'm glad that you can see the difference. I've only been consistently on here since last September, so it hasn't been that long.

[@saltybildo4415]

Plumber here, thnx man I'm kicking around a sump project

[@71160000]

Several years back I converted my 210gal reef tank to a freshwater fish and plant tank. I have a 75 gal sump tank that was set up for the reef. I simply removed the skimmer. It contains a drop down flow from the tank that aerates the water then the water runs through filter socks that remove debris and then to the return pump water distribution system. One line taps off and flows through two house filters, one with carbon and one with crushed coral(to maintain alkalinity) and the output from the filters drains at low flow into a chamber containing sandblast sand to remove nitrates from the water, then back into the pump chamber to be pumped up to the tank. Heater is in the sump so there's no hardware in the tank itself. The sump has an auto fill float switch that keeps the system at the level where a power down will not overfill the sump. Water is well aerated and is returned across the surface of the tank and down along the back wall to the bottom of the tank agitating the surface and circulating water throughout the tank. I love reef ready tanks. No tubes to deal with or lines that collect air and lose suction flow. They should be used more for freshwater tanks in larger sizes simply to make keeping the system running much easier.

[@vinnypayen]

Super Video .. You tinker very well and you are very ingenious. and each time the consistency of your videos improve. Bravo

[@annejones7124]

Thank you for carefully showing us how to make a sump (how a sump functions). It is great that you slowly explained all the steps including mentioning all the actual parts needed. Could you show us how to make an internal side sump please.

[@moritzlaszlo3115]

A really informative video! Thank you for up loading such a detailed discription.

[@AKorigami]

Very well designed, implemented and explained video [thus the subscription+bell] I set up my first planted tank 3 years ago and installed a commercial oversize wet/dry sump. It had 4 inch socks as initial mechanical filtration, but I replaces the socks with KLIR fleece filters recently. I love that it removes detritus as it clogs the 50 micron holes. I have always been suspect go bio media in a net thinking the net impedes water flow trough the media.

[@krehbein]

Good job covering the sump. In the past when I didn’t cover mine I would get mold in the cabinet. Not to mention the moisture wrecking havoc with anything metal, not ss.

[@johnatella8498]

I really like how you give details about how to build it. Well done.

[@jasonandtarragreenhalgh1850]

Awesome Video very clear well spoken I'm converted to sump now this video was the final push thank you for the confidence

[@johnpiccioli650]

Excellent video! It is very well illustrated and explained. Appreciate the detailed step by step information provided for the design and materials used. This the best video I have seen on this topic. Your vast knowledge and experience in this hobby is apparent. Can't thank you enough for taking the time to make these amazing videos. Please let me know how I can support your effort.

[@felixthecrazy]

Instead of gluing in glass baffles I was successful using 1/4" acrylic and "EPDM Cellular Rubber Auto and Marine Weatherstrip" as a seal. Peel and stick the foam to the acrylic and slide into place. This also allows you to move them if needed. Worked well for years without issue.

[@1014p]

felixthecrazy the seal didn’t slip off over time? I use it to seal top lids in aquarium and if water rests on it the glue wears down. I like the idea though and it’s really good on cost to.

[@alwayswondering4051]

Boy, many-many decades ago, like 7 to 8, an 'aquarium' was just a wee-bit removed from the mammoth amount of info on keeping these animal's these day's. It's wonderful. But my Lord, can it ever be something of a challange. Very fun though. A simple solitary volume of water, perhaps aerated with a small noisey piston operated air-pump; can now be, so complex, even a lengthy comment could not do justice the change. It boggles my mind. To have lived this. It has really been amazing. And, truth be told I have also been at both ends of this spectrum. And God- Almightmighty what I've learned. It's been so much fun. These videos are so ticklish to see because I come from a time initially when tanks were sealed with tar, the bottom's of the were slate, the rim's were held with stainless steel. Lighting was really minimal. Filtering was even less. So many things that now are very easy keeping were impossible back then. There were things you could easily get you can not get now, and vice-versa. The biology of keeping fish was not well known - and even less appreciated.

[@dmedford5]

You killed this one! Cant wait for part 2.

[@RexalessOne]

Used this video a while ago for my own sump design. Awesome and extremely informative

[@sunnyscaped]

This is the most detailed video for a sump setup thankyou

[@theklrdudeoo9173]

a beautiful build ! i run a sump myself and it was essentially the same except i drill my tanks on the bottom for a cleaner look.. in the long run i found that i could not build up my C02 due to out-gassing in the sump , to resolve this i made bulkheads on the side of the sump and made a ridge on the inside of the sump and installed strip foam , a glass lid makes it all perfectly gas tight and my C02 is a lot better . btw , i inject my C02 in the sump so my tank does not have the 7up look . again a nice vid . , thumbs up !

[@1014p]

So from a fellow hobbyist, Unions are a must. They allow replacement of valves and other important things if needed. I would like to say interesting things on this design unlike most. That return is really intuitive, I wouldn’t have thought that up and will remember it. Though how are fish not able to get inside under the collar? Secondly the way you set up the inlet chamber is interesting. I can see many positives of it. Though why not a filter sock set up? Otherwise you essentially made a canister filter which is pretty cool. If I ever do a video of a new tank set up and do this design I’ll call it the the Sherpa Design Sump and link to your initial video. Got to give credit where it’s due. Now my concerns about gluing in the outlet pipes. It’s not really necessary and would have done threaded instead. Modularity is key in in aquariums as we might and some cases often need to update things. My rule of thumb is unions where critical piping might need repair. Also modularity when possible especially fittings. PVC isn’t cheap in the long run and my experience adds up fast. Otherwise a well designed sump and really oversized chamber for bio media. At least in this video, I’d guess you probably fill it up later. Egg crate is a good idea in its use as well. I’ll pint people here for a sump video as it’s overall well thought out.

[@AquaPeet]

There are sump things in here that are very useful! Thanks for documenting! Keep it level!

[@0danieljcr0]

The real king of diy...

[@welmercabugwas3977]

Wow this was very clear and straight forward 💯 looking forward to making this for my aquarium as well. Thank you for this video man!

[@vickyhacker2978]

Excellent technical video - great explanation I hope to use this information to build my own some day but even if I don’t it was worth watching every minute

[@sfcmmacro]

Great video explaining a sump, with one safety note. Heaters should ALWAYS be placed in a portion of the sump that will never run dry. In your case this would be the large center compartment. The way you have your sump diagramed, if for some reason the water coming out of the tank becomes blocked, your return pump will completely drain the area the heater is in and that can then destroy the heater… or even cause a fire.

[@8breezy302]

Awesome chambers out of one single tank. I'd like to see the frontal view of tank and looking forward to see part 2 to find out more about water cycles and what other intend you have for the tank.

[@peterherrington3300]

Great advice . Returning to fish keeping after a long lay off (first sump tank) and very grateful for your help 👍

[@Colin_Robinson_EV]

I get this way too when I run out of aquarium projects lol!!! Good job! Never too much!

[@tjgolen1983]

Great video! I admire your diligence...I couldn’t imagine having the patience!

[@DoRC]

I've found that krylon fusion is hands down the best spray paint nit only for plastic but for pretty much anything. Great spray pattern, awesome coverage and short drying time!

[@TheDemigod007]

Thank you for watching? No, mate. Thank you for filming! This is the video I need to get started with my new tank that will have sump. Subbed!

[@briansgaard5511]

Thank you for a really good, simpel and easy to understand video for a fresh water sump. 👍🏻

[@jobetq4528]

This is this first time I've ever heard of you, or even seen one one of your videos......VERY WELL DONE TUTORIAL! Appreciate your efforts

[@666Maeglin]

Maybe it is a silly question, but is it not possible to put in a check valve to put in the tube preventing backfllow from the aquarium?

[@jonbennett4159]

Thanks for showing the process. Not many as detailed as yours out there .☺

[@kristinajofish8209]

So impressed 👍👍👍👍. Enjoy watching it ...Thank you for showing us in so detail nice work....

[@bgr04401]

A well done and informative video over all. I aspire to have a tank that would be as large as to require a sump system. I currently have a ten gallon tank. Thumb's up for "sumps up"

[@FreeSwimmer]

Great video ! Im building my 4th DIY Sump and am using glass baffles this time.. Deciding how to manage my media and watched this for ideas..

[@sheyb585]

So the top baffles where water leaves the main tank and into the sump(over flows) this is the only inlet for tank water? Seems they wouldn’t do a good job sucking gunk floating around the middle of the tank. Also, you could have just deleted the baffle for the heaters since you didn’t use it in hind site? I’m trying to wrap my head around this about to take the plunge. Thanks great video

[@Espectro101]

A very thorough video showing exactly why I'd never attempt to do this myself.

[@nylc6837]

Your vids are super informative and very inspiring. Looking forward for more!

[@SerpaDesign]

Thanks I'm glad that you enjoy them. More to come!

[@AquaticHaus]

One heck of a detail video! GREAT Setup!

[@willparsons32]

Best type of filtration system going... just make sure you make the filter to sustain the flow rate bigger than the water capacity of the aquarium.

[@AnaDMTL]

this seems so hard cuz I live in a hispanic country and finding all the parts will be hell. (Cuz I'll have to translate every single piece) lol but I'm amazed how you think things through all the way, it seems so easy, I salute you-

[@jfkrotzer]

Very helpful ... I had to disassemble my 100 gallon aquarium to ship overseas, and when we arrived I totally forgot how the sump worked. This really helped!

[@markdoring4302]

One of the best videos on sumps, do you have an update...pros , cons ..things you would change?

[@superaquatics]

Thank you. It was an excellent video 👌well explained step by step and to the point so anybody can make one. 👍

[@coribellanoche]

What a wonderful, instructive and well organized video. After almost 50 years as an aquarist I am taking the plunge (PUN intended) with my first sump. A couple of questions please. Are there any rule of thumb that determines the height of the floating baffle off the bottom of the sump and what factors besides equipment determines the spacing between the two baffles? Again, great video, you have a new subscriber.

[@BellyUpFishGarage]

So, if you wanted to put a drip system on a tank like this and wanted to use a sump - where would you put the drip system drain? Seems like the drip would be best into the tank directly, with the drain somewhere around the main water level of the sump?

[@ajmckay2]

Nice video. One thing I'll mention is that heaters probably shouldn't be placed in the return chamber since the water level will fluctuate. Put it anywhere before that and you'll never have to worry about the heater running dry.

[@Diosesdepapel]

Very nice project , took a lot of time but end up very nice ... Thanks for sharing

[@pbaquatics94]

Thank you for sharing this was very helpful I will be saving this video to fall back on later

[@nick92028]

Question: How do you know how high to make the baffles so there is no over flow in case of power outage? How do you calculate? Is it just how much water is in the tubes between tank and sump? The water that will drain down into the sump??

[@TONY_FEZ]

great video although I'd question what the plastic media is contributing and its really only useful for a moving bed filter. Otherwise, great work!

[@jackoblaze4320]

I seen a design once where there was a toilet float inside the sump to top it up when the water gets to low and a small pump in the sump set on a timer that pumps water out for a minute to do an automatic water change

[@ARod-br2ui]

Great video. Very informative about how a sump works. 👍

[@johnhildebrand8740]

Do you wait to pull the tape until silicone is cured or right after application of the silicone?

[@sarahclark5054]

Hi - great video. One question - what is the point of the 4th compartment, which did not seem to have anything in it?

[@Coastalfishes]

This video deserves more views

[@jacobkeller29]

You could 3D print that water intake skimmer / overflow noise reducer thing. It would be pretty simple to design and print.

[@jubyleebakes8293]

Apologies for total newbie question - when you connect flexible hose to hose adaptor , do you use any sort of glue / cement? Also, with the bulkhead fittings that go through the glass tank, should you put silicone on the surface of the gasket ring ( big washer) which is in contact with the glass? ( Does using silicone make it less or more likely to leak?? ) Thank you! I have never had an aquarium before but am jumping in with a sump. Would you recommend ball valves rather than gate valves? Thank you so much for your help! Ellen

[@75keg75]

23:50 have you tried a beanimal overflow. Near silent… This caps could be 3d printer to make a bit neater too.

[@XavierAncarno]

Serpa is Love, Serpa is Life 🐍🐢🐠🐟

[@JefeDog]

That GE 1* Silicone says on the back "Not for use in aquariums". I've heard a lot of people recommend it though. Are they just doing a CYA in case someone doesn't let it cure and kills their fish?

[@changedlife9477]

Hey, is a sump filter easier to take care of than a canister filter? The reason why I asked I have always had canister filters are over the back filters selling a 75 gallon aquarium with a 40 gallon sump under the bottom of the stand, the price is not bad the only thing he is, I’ve never run a sump. The tank used to be a saltwater, but I’m going with a freshwater.

[@IsabellaM._]

I'm thinking about a sump. Very informative video!

[@LSCModels]

. If you have a 240 gallon tank. How big should the sump be? Great info man. Thanks for sharing.

[@rainbowcupcakeish]

You’re a genius ! If I tried this myself I think it would be a disaster lol. But thank you! 😀

[@jho369]

I heard that old silicone doesn’t bond with new silicone. There were old silicone between the glasses. I did the same thing you did and my 95 leaked after a year. There is no way I can take the fish tank apart. It was siliconed pretty good up under the trims. I need to get reuse the trim since my wave tank doesn’t look like it has replacement trims.

[@reefingaround4435]

I'd suggest using gate valves in the future. Those ball valves are a pain to open and close.

[@FuriedHearts]

Also, where did you get those egg crate platform things? They fit perfectly!

[@tashritchie3832]

Very well explained and documented. Thanks

[@FuriedHearts]

Can you buy those panels pre-cut? Or did you cut them yourself? Or can you take your measurement to the hardware store and have them cut it? Thanks.

[@rimzansakoor8843]

Excellent explaination.the best video on sump and plumbing i ever came across.hats off to u man👍👍👍👍

[@tylerlarson8342]

Great video! Informative and interesting😁can’t wait for it to be stocked

[@acortez3195]

Why did you use so many pieces of pvc at 15:00

[@waynehackett5004]

great video but was wondering where you got the egg crate

[@MCAQUIN0]

Hey its Austin Evans but an aquarium master builder instear of a pc master🤣. Great videos man! Keep it up!

[@luisrivera6138]

Dude thank you so much for this vid. It was crazy helpful for a noob like me.

[@noodles74]

I don't understand what the plumbing for the tank bottom does.

[@naysneedle5707]

Thanks for another helpful video with lots of good ideas - looking forward to seeing part 2 :-)

[@michaelcarvalho3686]

Superb video! What's the height of your Aquarium and at what height is your water. in your Aquarium? Also hats the height of your Sump? And at what height should you keep the water in your Sump.?