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.

[@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!

[@timleeder3929]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@0danieljcr0]

The real king of diy...

[@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.

[@sunnyscaped]

This is the most detailed video for a sump setup thankyou

[@tjgolen1983]

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

[@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.

[@Espectro101]

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

[@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!

[@kristinajofish8209]

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

[@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!

[@Colin_Robinson_EV]

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

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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"

[@XavierAncarno]

Serpa is Love, Serpa is Life 🐍🐢🐠🐟

[@jonbennett4159]

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

[@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

[@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

[@moritzlaszlo3115]

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

[@carloernestosarli9585]

I heard "and that about sumps it up" which would have been a great pun :):)

[@LAVABEATSMUZIC]

dang the framing cut poor serpas head off!!! love these old videos tho. cool to see how much he has improved.

[@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!

[@skillfulVandal]

and that about sumps it up!

[@IsabellaM._]

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

[@-8_8-]

I'm converting a 40 right now. No baffles. Ok, baffles, but part of other stuff. I have a wet dry that's a little bigger than one of my drains need, and a diy container filter for the other drain. That opens to a good sized area for more media or refugium, dependent on need. Then a egg crate wall held up by air line suction cups, with a decreasing set of sponges before the pump. I would think my design means the pump runs on less water in the sump, meaning more evaporation and less attention to the water level. The standard design gives you between the top of your lowest baffle and the tank height, I think. Thats why Serpa's baffle height surprised me.

[@vinnypayen]

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

[@felixthecrazy]

"...sumps it up." nice

[@vickyhacker2978]

Nice

[@1014p]

felixthecrazy I thought he missed that joke. Apparently not..

[@rimzansakoor8843]

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

[@BlackenedMelody]

Extremely informative video, thank you!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@prince151ful]

Awesome video I was totally amazed by all the work you did it looks grea6.

[@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!

[@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.

[@danielr7644]

very informative 👍 keep it up

[@dustinlong6591]

One suggestion is to put a one way check valve on both your return h supply lines. That will help limit back flow into your sump

[@andrewscala6006]

to tell yo that I’m doing a black water tank (inspired by you) and I was fortunate to purchase the third place winner blue alien hybrid Betta Malhachie that was at the 2019 Aquatic Experience!!! Shipper is holding him till I het his home fully cycled... about another week.

[@johnnyswatts]

Nice design, and you've got some really interesting details (especially your overflow covers), but - man! - you've got to learn how to run a bead of caulk. Thank you for sharing.

[@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!

[@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.?

[@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

[@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?

[@rainbowcupcakeish]

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

[@samandyohanvlogs3141]

nice video man!

[@fishinwithnick3966]

This helped me so much. Thank you!!

[@necronwarrior]

Great vid. Well done

[@lutzchouwee9664]

Thanks for the video. Great job !

[@meismeems1]

A finger or a toe!!! Too funny!!

[@dmedford5]

You killed this one! Cant wait for part 2.

[@noodles74]

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

[@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

[@StruggleBus07]

Great video!

[@mikeejonesss2607]

Great video 👍🏻

[@saltybildo4415]

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

[@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

[@reefingaround4435]

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

[@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?

[@7205buttas]

That about “sumps” it up for this video 😂

[@chervaunbryan479]

I love you dude made it so fuckin simple and easy

[@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??

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@ivnpck2911]

I left you a like for not trying to sell anything,

[@vvoroN7off77]

Супер !! Молодец!! Все четко рассказал !! 💪👌👍🏻

[@ronaldkasteel3459]

try it whit a stanley blade andthen clean it of whit the scraper saves a alot of time and alot of blades .

[@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 !

[@ThaSilentOne420]

u need a filter sock with that many solids at the return area

[@lucalonardo44]

I loved this video ! A sump in freshwater tank it’s the perfect choice btw canister filter and internal. What about CO2 dispersion? Do you use co2 and have any suggestions? Thanks

[@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-

[@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.

[@sarahclark5054]

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

[@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..

[@jacobkeller29]

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

[@asbjrn1151]

Serpa the type of dude to take the sawdust of the plastic and throw it into his garden.

[@jasonandtarragreenhalgh1850]

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

[@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

[@audigex]

"I added filter media from an established tank" Great "I then left the tank running for a month before adding the fish"... so all your established media bacteria died off. Not so great

[@SerpaDesign]

I don't know if I showed it in this video (I believe I did), but I filled the tank up with dirty tank water and mulm to keep it sustained.

[@erikv1974]

what's to say he didn't supply ammonia during that month? lol

[@ChuckD59]

For a noobee like me, epic video. Removed a lot of the mystery of sumps for me. I'm just not sure why I would want one, aside from the increased volume. I've heard some say 'it's a good place for shrimp' (why would I want to put shrimp in one?), and it's good as a refugium (why would I want a refugium?) So many questions...

[@Thalasshaya]

ChuckD59 You want a sump because it’s much much easier to swap out a filter sock in a sump than it is to clean a canister filter. You can use a refugium with plants (on an opposite light cycle from the tank, use a timer) in it to take up nitrate before algae can feed on the nitrate. Then you can feed the plants to your herbivore wet pets as a treat. Or chuck them in your compost to enrich it.

[@malachifry3525]

Runer Warlock ghost feedings, adding bottled ammonia or decomposing waste FROM THE DIRTY WATER HE ADDED, all add Ammonia for the bacteria to grow

[@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.

[@FuriedHearts]

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

[@AfnanStudio_]

So... Where is part 2?

[@luisrivera6138]

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

[@colescreations6680]

How cool, i just got my fist sump pump system. Its a lot different then yours. I want to try and make it like yours. Thank you so much.

[@WayneEarls]

silicone GE1 is $10 a tube now. ridiculous.

[@naysneedle5707]

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

[@markthomas3730]

please caution your viewers to be EXTREMELY CAREFUL USING HEAVY METAL TOOLS when tightening bulkhead fittings on glass aquariums...over-tightening or one slip of the channel locks could easily crack the glass...

[@jurajchromiak8194]

sump chambers are wrong done now you are doing death zones in sump - exactly first inflow chamber ….. - this should be upside down - plumbing very bad also - should be same parameter of plumbing pipes ….

[@zerograv]

dude look into using break oil for the silicone just spray it and wait a few minutes ... problem is ithat you will need to wash everything ...the good thing is that after 10 minutes all the rubber and silicone will start to come of ^^

[@geterdunn2733]

DUDE! That's black Silicon... ahh of course it's going to be difficult to remove. You DID NOT need to remove that "BLACK SILICON", it would have worked for 50 years. Not to mention it was much thicker and stronger than the job you just did, which is albeit neater, is in NO way AS STRong as it was. You've made some good video but that was pretty lame. The bulkheads, that's different they were in need of repair.

[@tembland]

Friend, thanks for sharing, but after watching several videos, I think you have a serious problem with silicone. 😂😂

[@robertjohnston25]

Hello, I used this sump design and I’m having an issue idk how to solve. My drains are dumping a ton of air bubbles. When my pump is on full the bubbles are larger (quite huge) Everything is brand new, I have an aqueon 210g with the overflow kit it comes with. Any advise would be greatly appreciated because I can’t find a fix anywhere.