This is the first video I've watched that finally explain how the water gets to the sump then back up to the tank with the ajustment of the ball halve making even flow up and down and I've seen hundreds of videos if not thousands 😎✌️👍🤘💯 Thanks for sharing

This has explained so many questions I had. Still have a fee but a ton were answered. Thansk you.

Tank you for the info, setting my own DIY sump up now, so any tips and tricks are very welcome.

@BenOchart

Жыл бұрын

You’ll like my next video Cory. It’s going to be a detailed breakdown and follow-up on my two DIY sumps😀👍🏻

That is the beginner sump video I needed. Thanks!

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

That is exactly what I was hoping, that beginners might get some help from this video. Stay tuned for my "Tips, Tweaks and Tricks" video that will be released in a week or two. My learning continues and I'll share as I develop. Thanks for watching.

Now this is helping the community out! I was wondering why there wasn’t a simple video on how sumps work, now there is one! Great job Ben!

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

+KG cichlids Thank you Kevin. After getting the floor wet a couple of times I decided “There should have been a video out there that would have helped me to avoid this!” Thanks for watching my friend!

GUP 11/16/2020 40 yrs away from a Salt Water Tank. Last filtration system was an under-dolomite screen setup with very small charcoal in-line tubs at both ends, operated by air pump lines. That was a some-what functional setup. Now with a 4 chamber sump system with a protein skimmer inside my stand. This video provided a detailed explanation that I sorely needed. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSITE

@BenOchart

3 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome😀👍🏻

Great video Ben! Thanks, I've only had a sump filter once and learned more thanks to you!

Hey Ben, great video and tips. The beauty of the sump is its flexibility and tremendous capability of holding a lot of bio media. The modifications are endless. Thanks for sharing

Good tip on marking the ball valve. I can apply it to a lot of things.

Thank you bud... New in the sump world the oneway valve is a definite game-changer no doubt!!!!

Nice info .love this tank and plant and rocks .it looks amazing

Just set up my first sump and its working great, just LOUD! Great vid for guys who've been in the hobby for years but new to a sump!

@fernandodhyver

4 жыл бұрын

What size tank is it on? I need one for my 180 gal and I want input on sump size

Thank you I have been looking everywhere for this kinda video I am setting up a sump right now this REALLY helps 👍🏽

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

I’m very happy to hear that 😀👍🏻

Super helpful as I'm debating setting up my new 120-150 gallon (haven't decided on size yet) with some canisters, which I have now with smaller tanks, versus a sump.

Awesome video. I’m a huge fan of in built custom filters or sumps.

Beautiful fish ✨

Thankyou so much. I am about to set up my first sump with a pre drilled tank and this was very helpful. I can't get a grasp on why a sump would over flow but I'll put valves on both sides as you suggest

@BenOchart

3 жыл бұрын

Once set up test it by shutting off the pump and see what happens. Then block the overflow to the sump. In other words, test worse case scenarios and see if you flood. With the right amount of water you sholud be okay.

Nice video! Very helpful.

Verry nice video sir thanks. Happy fishkeeping

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

AKL_ Gaming Thank you for watching!

Hey Ben you were right about the gravel in the bottom of the sump. I would swap out the gravel for some lava rock. Great advise about filling tank to level of the sump. great video.

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks kosys, I'm really learning from posting these videos and getting feedback from viewers with much more experience. Thank you.

I want to add that I have 2 large h.o.bs’s because I have arthritis in my back so my options are limited. Great videos though. I always work Saturdays so I miss the live stream. Will be joining you Saturday. I have the day off! Interesting video!! 🐟👍

In my personal experience.. The drains can be as big as you want Ben.. Its the return pump that has to be cautiously sized. ( always more drain than return / it will self regulate ) The pump will only return the max amount it can return, however if the drains don't allow enough water into sump, the return pump will suck the sump dry... I just got my 4800gph return pump tweaked perfectly in my new 1210 gallon system. I avoid valves if possible. Less things to fail. The siphon break you mentioned is good ! Also the return outlets being kepy high enough, so they don't overfill your sump during shutdown..

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

That's the general impression I'm getting from the comments (which are really helpful). I'm thinking about a DC pump that can be dialed in. Thoughts?

@FreeSwimmer

6 жыл бұрын

Hello Ben.. I have heard good things about adjustable DC Pumps, however I opted for a Danner 5000 because its very energy efficient and pocket friendly.. Here is a long winded reply.. The reef sites are more detailed for you to get specifics regarding Head Pressure losses, on elevation and pipe sizes/lengths and fittings to help you have a decent idea about what your plumbing is capable of. The drain potential, as well as return possibilities. I try to design a drain system, and have its gph value, and get a pump that's a couple 100 gph less than that, after all that plumbings gph value has been considered. So, if you have 1 and a half inch stockman drains, with 2-90s in each, Im feeling fairly confident that the total drain potential will be around 3800 gph.. Im wanting a return pump, that after all gph losses will have me around 3000 gph max. That gives me wiggle room, and flexibility.. My recent set up was a different process, for the fun of it. I have a Danner 5000 with 2" stockman drains drains After assembly, I was even in/out. That's too close for me, so I considered a true union ball valve to dial back slightly. But after redesigning my spray bar system with additional 14 feet of pipe and 6 fittings,I then had less return potential than drain potential. It helped with by lowering tank water level as well as self regulated, and is working flawlessly now. I avoided a valve to ever go out of adjustment as well as, with a 1000 gallon maintank, have only an additional 4-5 inches of water volume increase into sump, during power outage. I run the 210 sump just over half full, so it never gets within 6 inches from top with shut down.

@todddiedrich9106

6 жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly

Thank you much Ben this vid is going to help me allot,, and sure also many people thanks for sharing 💯💯👍 and amazing looking tank

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you George, I appreciate that!

Good video Ben O!

Thank you

Thanks, Ben, that one way flow valve seems like a godsend. A flood in my home would likely terminate my involvement in fish keeping(my housemates would crucify me). No, I don’t own a sump, but your extremely informative vid just made them much more appealing 🙂.

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

I'm really starting to love having a sump. So flexible and easy to work with. Watch for my upcoming "Tricks & Tweeks" video where I'll share another tip that will stop the return from siphoning even if the one way valve fails. Thanks for watching and stay tuned.

Great video!

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I would love it if you would make a video on exactly how a sump connects to an aquarium. Specifically the drain…..and if drilling, where, and so on. I have already seen enough videos on how the water flows through the sump itself. Thanks for the video.

@BenOchart

Жыл бұрын

Currently I’m using Synergy Reef Systems overflow boxes. They have the overflow at the top back making it almost impossible to overflow the sump. They are attached through 2 drilled holes and use what is called a “Bean Animal” plumbing design. Check out some of the more recent videos in my sump playlist.

Nice vid.

It may have been King of DIY, but someone said to have two overflows, double the rate of the pump. In case one clogs or something. I am thinking about drilling my 75 when i get it and turn my 29 into a sump. Sumps just deem very usefull. Currently i have 4 Eheim 4+ 350's in service on 2 tanks, got a great deal on them. Great video!

thanks Ben

Great video, I wish I would have watched before I set up my 180

@fernandodhyver

4 жыл бұрын

Did you end up getting a sump? I am setting up a drilled 180

If you go to a DC pump, perhaps you can set it up so that you can control the pump speed. Then you can open your valves fully. I am just cycling my very first fish tank, a 90 gallon with canister, but seeing what you are doing is very interesting. I like the idea of a sump; will look into it for when I have been operating for a bit. Thanks Ben, I really enjoy your videos.

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Hey Hammer. I'm loving that sump. I even used it the other day to give a fish a "time out." LOL. Makes things pretty easy. I still have to do WC's and vacuuming but overall it's the easiest filtration to maintain and the extra water vol. helps to reduce the ppm of nitrates. That being said, I still love my canisters and HOB units. They all have a place in the hobby.

Hey Ben, u can try to reduce noise of ur pump when u put some filterfloß under the hose that runs over the glas edge of your sump (close to ur one way valve ) the vibration of the pump goes all the way up with your hose. thanks for your video

oh and really good advise on installing a check valve. in the section you are not using I would put some lava rock and add some anubius plants in there ( not sure if I spelled it right ), now you have a refugium to eat up some co2.

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

+kosys You’re going to enjoy my “Tips & Tricks” video coming out in a week. Great minds think alike my friend 😀😉😀

Some great tips Ben. Maybe just adding some more media of some kind would be better than gravel but i don't think the gravel would hurt.

@erick6102

6 жыл бұрын

It all works. Gravel, bio balls, lava rock, pumice rock, plastic pot scrubbies, foam matten pads, bio home, etc. as Cory from aquarium co op says, gym socks will work. The only suggestion is use media bags for easy removal/ yearly cleaning

Hi Ben, fish look very healthy. They have noticeably lower respiration, an indication that they like the water quality. I would try to salvage the pump you have. I cut a piece of rubber mat from the local landscape store and zip tied the pump bottom plate to the rubber mat. Insulates the pump vibration from the sump. Also, all that equipment in the pump chamber (incl heater glass) may be causing the pump vibration to be amplified. BTW, you want the heaters in a location that cannot ever go dry for obvious reasons. My heaters are in my first sump chamber which can never go dry. I don;t think that gravel is going to give you much bio capacity in my opinion. You do have a lot of open "real estate" to add additional biomedia. Try that ATO idea to keep from having to add water, and it will keep the pump and heaters from going dry. The float valve is a good, inexpensive alternative, but with that set-up I would have to add water to my sumps every 3 days, instead of once a month. If the pump does shut off with the float valve you have, you may save a meltdown, but you will still lose circulation in the tanks, and possibly have a BB die back. Good progress and excellent points.

Great video , you tanks are always crystal clear. Try a DC pump , when you go DC you will not go back.

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

Venesh Pillay tell me why you say that? I am very interested 😀

@veneshpillay3635

6 жыл бұрын

Ben Ochart save on your electric bill much lower wattage than regular pumps, most have power settings so go bigger and can reduce power. Stop pump for feeding most have this feature, and silent. Can also be used out of water to save space in your sump if needed but I run mine in the sump.

Get a MAG pump by Danner. (Magentic drive) Mag pumps move a lot of water and they're quiet for what they do. Edit: actually now I'd recommend a DC pump so you can adjust the pump.

Very useful video the only thing I don't see right is your valve it's horizontal and the tend to fail, advise put it vertical.

Hey Ben 🙋‍♂️ I've been wanting to set up a sump for awhile but haven't yet. After watching your sump videos I'm convinced it will provide easier maintenance, more media, more sponge/floss filtration, a place for heaters and so on. Currently I have 3 FX6s on a 200 gal AC tank and it works well, but as you have pointed out there's more effort in using canister filters vice the sump. I would have to use a hang on back overflow, my tank is not drilled nor do I want to. So, which sump? Lots to choose from. I looked up your Amiracle sump and others. Will do more research and make the plunge at some point. Good video as always Ben! Thank you sir 🙂👍

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

Hello Michael, I'm very happy to read this since it is my intention to get rid of some of the mystique surrounding sumps. Truth is, once you understand them, they are very easy and the points you make plus the added water vol. really do make them the king of filter systems. There are some overflow box systems that work a lot like a hang on back filter, except the "media compartment" is the sump. It siphons the water down and a pump, in the place of an HOB pump, moves the water back to the tank. Just position returns and intakes so that the water vol. will not flood in the event of a break in the overflow box siphon or a pump failure. So, there is no need to drill. Places like Bulk Reef Supply can provide a lot of help in the setting up of the overflow box/sump. Good luck and keep me posted on your progress :)

toilet float thing is a great idea! Is it some kind of DIY solution or is it a product specifically dedicated to that function that can be purchased?

This is one of the "best" fundamental Sump videos I've seen and I've seen quite a few. Nice work and thanks for sharing Ben.

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 🤔🙏

Hi Ben, great video. Only call out would be the ball valve on the overflow serves no purpose in regulating the water in the sump. The sump will only fill as quick as the pump can cause the tank to over flow. Just my 2c. Great tip on the over flow to prevent siphoning

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

Spit56fIre The ball valve is regulating the speed of the water. If I close it slightly the pump removes the water faster than it’s coming in and the sump level water drops. If I open the ball valve all the way the water level in the sump comes in faster than the pump can move it back to the tank and the water will get right to the rim of the sump before stopping. What I’m saying is I use the ball valve to match the vol of water going into the sump and the speed of the pump. I get what your saying. Only a certain amount of water (to the top rim of the overflow tower) can get into the sump before the water flow stops). Did I understand your comment? Is there something I’m missing? Thanks

@Spit56fIre

6 жыл бұрын

Ben Ochart oh I see do you not have a stand pipe behind the overflow box, so the volume of the over flow box drains completely when the pump is off ? The over flow will never deliver the water faster then what the pump is pumping it back into the tank.

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

I'm starting to understand the mechanics of this. Thanks!

Ah Ben, you are probably going to get lots of advice on how to set up a sump, so here are my thoughts, your current set up has potential to cause you a lot of trouble. By only having one intake, especially with a valve on it the potential for it getting blocked is high, the sump runs dry until the pump cuts out with all the consequences of no water flow. Another commenter suggested the valve on the return this is much better, certainly if run with a controllable DC pump. Have a look at the Herbie drain, or if you really want to get confused the Bean animal. I know this probably won't happen as you would need another hole, but it's a good safe and quite system. Good luck. Paul UK

That one-way valve seems like a very necessary component.

@BenOchart

3 жыл бұрын

Vital for sure.

when you drill that hole to break the siphon, go all the way through. I had one try to siphon still with a hole on it, but 2 holes on opposite sides fixed that issue.

Great video. One thing I would add.. use a gate valve over ball valve for tuning water flow. Ball valves are meant for on/off not partial flow. They clog easy and will seize up. Gate valves are also much more precise in adjustments. Spend the extra $5 and use gate valves. Always always always! dill the hole in the return line cause check valves will fail. They need to be taken apart and cleaned regularly which no one does.

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

+Fish R Relaxing Thanks! I’ll look into gate valves and in my upcoming “Tweaks” video you’ll see that I’ve followed your advice on drilling that hole. I greatly appreciate the input.

Hey Ben just some input on filter. There’s usually a tube that goes in overflow box that has sponge sleeves over it. The tube is like mesh and fits in drain hole or there’s pipe you can make or buy at local fish store it will make it run quieter and also keep water level up in tank. I would also put more bio balls in trickle part of sump also to make it quieter. Filter pad should go in tray easier to remove and I believe it would catch more debris’s Check valve should be more vertical and not horizontal keep a eye on it they do fail I took mine out and put my return nozzle sticking out of water surface so if power goes out only little water comes down into sump and breaks water surface for better gas exchange. Eventually I would pull out all gravel in sump you will have to vacuum it but I would wait till tank is more mature. I’ve had multiple water spills with my sump hope this helps

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

Great points Todd. I have wood floors in a rented house, so a flood would be very bad for me. So I keep the tank water lever a bit low (it's hidden by the canopy) so if the pump failed it would fill the sump to the brim but not to the point of overflowing, since the water stops draining once it gets below the level of the overflow cut outs). In a video that will be out in a couple of weeks ("tricks, tips & tweeks") you'll see that I've drilled a small hole in the return just above the water line. This will break the siphon and keep the return from siphoning water in the event of a pump failure. Because the tank is in the bedroom I can't have too much noise, like would be created by the return nozzle being completely out of the water. I'm looking into adding a "durso" overflow in the the overflow chamber but my first attempt was too noisey and slowed waterflow down to where the tank was near overflowing. Obviously I need to learn a bit more about how to set one up. I'm going to be putting plants in that middle chamber, so I might leave the gravel in there but remove the gravel in the final section that includes the pump. Thank you for watching and commenting. I'm really learning a lot from the more experienced sump keepers like yourself. Thanks!

@todddiedrich9106

6 жыл бұрын

Ben Ochart I always forget about timeline with videos. My sump I keep a lot lower approx 1/2 of yours I will continue to follow and add comments I had only myself to fix problems with overflowing sumps. I’m also going to add plants to my sump also

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

Do you have an over tower / box like I do?

@todddiedrich9106

6 жыл бұрын

Ben Ochart Yes I do only difference is my return is though there also and goes through a Y pipe diffusing water to both side of tank. They call it reef ready by me. I’ve also had overflow box where there’s no holes drilled in tank just 2 acrylic boxes one inside and one outside of tank and big U shaped tube drawing water from tank side to outside and then hose down to sump. That was kind of a pain though

In the event of a power failure or a pump failed I built and designed my sump that it could hold 2 inches of my Tank safely, I did some experiments I turned off the pump and the water started going back to the sump and stopped about 40mm before the top, 1inch of my tank is 3 inches in the sump, so I gave it about another 8 inches extra

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

You're essentially "flood proof", I'm gonna do something similar.

i drilled a small hole in the return neck, above water line, it sucks air so no back flow when power goes out.

Hi Ben, great video as always. One tip to get it more quiet is to fill it with more bioballs until they're above the water so you have a real wet/dry filter and then put filtermats on top of your bioballs in the order the PondGuru always promotes, coarse, medium, fine. Also you don't need that valve to regulate the overflow because it will always match the capacity of your pump.

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

+Tony Emantsal Good points. One question. When I slightly close the valve (I assume that you’re talking about the ball valve shut-off between tank and sump), when I close it slightly the sump water level goes too low, when I open it all the way, the sump water level rises to the brim before I crank it down to avoid flooding. You’re saying the valve is not needed??? I’m confused. It seems to be regulating the water flow rate into the sump so it matches the pump. Am I confused?

@truijs65

6 жыл бұрын

Ben Ochart Hi Ben, it should not overflow when you open the ball valve completely because it can only let into your sump what is pumped up to your tank. Try to shut of your pump and then take water out of your sump and then open the valve completely until it stops draining water into your sump. Then check how high the level is in your sump and make sure it's about 2 inches above your pump. Then when you start the pump it should start draining water into your sump. Basically it is a full circle so it should never overflow your sump.

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

So, if I understand you, we start up the pump with water 2" above the pump and nothing draining into the tank (i.e. water not overflowing down into the overflow chamber). So, when water gets pumped into the tank, valve is fully open because it can never overflow, there isn't enough water to overflow. So, we start with a tank that is not overflowing into the sump. Fill the sump to the desired level and voila, the perfect circle of water. Am I getting it? This has been the best tip so far Tony and what I think my friend Dennis meant when he said "fill to the level of the sump." I'm a real newbie with sumps, as you can see, so your tips are very appreciated..

@truijs65

6 жыл бұрын

Ben Ochart that's correct, once you turned on your pump you might need to play with the water level to get it right (add a cup of water or take a cup out) but once you found the balance it will never overflow. I think that is what Dennis meant as well and it's a good thing you dare to ask!

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you soooo much for helping remove the cobwebs from this new sump keepers brain!

Hey bud love your vids I’m in australia about to make a back ground for my American cichlid tank and I’m wondering if I can completely hide my inlet and out let hoses behind the back ground. I’m planning to drill a few 6mm holes in the background to the filter hoses will that be enough?? Thanks in advance my tank is a 6x2.5x2.5 and my filter is an aqua one 2700uv…. Made of cheap plastic, not a fan I wish I bought the fluval

@BenOchart

2 жыл бұрын

Could work with some holes and maybe a few at the top to skim and work as a sort of overflow. I suggest a small wave maker back there so you don’t get a build up of detritus. The wave maker will suspend the waste so it goes into your filter intake. Good luck!

Hey man I have a question... I just got a 72 gallon bowfront aquarium with a 20 gallon tall sump.... I was thinking if I built a cover in the aquarium could I use a pump to pump water to the sump and then use the same type of pump in the sump to pump water back to my aquarium instead of buying an overflow system?

Hi Ben do you have gravel in your tanks now and what kind

One suggestion or something I was told make sure that the check valve is set vertically and not horizontally. I guess water can sneak by if you don't have pressure on the flapper I hope I made sense

Hi threre Ben i am living in south africa l can't find filtration sponges where can i get my hands on some thanks for this awesome video

@BenOchart

2 жыл бұрын

I List some at Amazon.com/shop/benochart

Thanks for making this vid! I just subbed to your channel. I plan on setting up a sump for a large 120gallon discus tank in about a year or so and am trying to learn all I can so I don’t flood my floors 🤣 I’ve got a few questions for you: 1. How many inch is that pipe that goes from overflow box into your sump? I’ve heard that depending on size it will help with noise as well as flow rate. 2. Seems to me that you don’t really need to drill that tiny hole on the outflow nozzle as you already have a one way valve installed on the return hose. Is that just an extra precaution you are taking? 3. Have you considered installing a UV light to kill bacteria in the water that could cause algae or make the fish sick? If so, how would it be hooked up? 4. Your pump seems massive in terms of gallons/hr so was wondering how big your tank is. And do you know what the actually turn rate is for number of times the whole tank is filtered per hour? I’m thinking of getting a pump that would be able to pump about 700gallons/hr. So on a 120 gallon tank the turn rate would be about 5-6x per hour. Is this ideal?

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

The flex hose is a standard 1". The hole in the return is a precaution since mineral build-up, an issue with the hard water we get in SoCal, can build up and keep that valve open a bit. From time to time it needs to be cleaned up to make sure that it shuts and completely seals off. A UV would have to run as a separate system with a slow flow pump. There a UV in the Sunsun canister but I'm not sure it does much besides some water clarification because the water is flying past it very quickly. There are some UV "twists" that can be easily installed, but the good ones will run you upwards of $100 (plus the cost of a slow pump). Regarding the pump, keep in mind that head pressure (depending on how high the pump is moving the water) can greatly reduce the rated GPH. My tank is 150 gallons + 30+ gallons with the sump. I like to be in that 5 - 10x water vol, so I think I'm there. I might be upgrading to a 2500 gph DC pump just to see if it would keep my water line higher (and run quieter while using less watt$$$).

@demonslayer8085

4 жыл бұрын

Ben Ochart Appreciate you answering all my questions! So brand DC pump were you planning to upgrade to? I heard they also have auto shut off if water level gets too low in the sump, which would help to prevent motor from burning out. They seem to be quieter and more efficient but probably costs more but may be worth it if they last a long time! Hoping for a new video if/when you upgrade your pump. Also, I know you are currently using derso method but have you considered upgrading to herbie or bean animal? Both would provide you with added safety in terms of flooding 😁

Hello! I just moved into a house that had one of these and I can’t make heads or tails of it, I was wondering if you’d be able to help me!

ben what size sump would you use on a 90 gallon planted discus tank, not drilled, never had a sump but here great things about them. i just want to buy a simple sump for just mechanical and bio media, i use the biohome ultimate and sera siporax. your videos have a lot of information, any information would be great. thanks again joe h retired navy seabee

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

Hello Joe! You can use an "overflow box" and a 20 - 40 gallon tank. Buy some blocks of sponges so they stand up and are snug in the sump tank. A filter sock that the water comes into from the tank on one end, the water travels through the sponges, and is pushed back to the tank with a pump. Set it up so that if the pump failed the tank can't overflow the sump tank. Maybe drill a hole in the intake tube (drops into the tank) just below the water line so that if there's ever a pump failure you will break the siphon and not overflow. You can also install a one-way valve so that if the pump fails water cannot back-siphone via the pump hose. Once the safeguards are in place it becomes almost impossible to overflow and you're good to go with the best possible filtration system. Good luck and I suggest that you watch a lot of sump videos for ideas. It's a great learning experience (at least it was for me).

Am adding a ex sump on the side of my tank 220 salt what media can i add its just a 20 tank and skimmer

Hi do you know if you need to put a cover over the sump? evaporation that may effect the cabinet over time?

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

I have a cover on two sections. The final chamber has too many wires and hoses to cover. I also have the openings in the top of the tank covered with acrylic sheets. Evap is an issue with sumps, that's why AutoTopOff units (ATOs) are often in use with sumps.

Couple of tips to add. One, you need to add a stand pipe such as a durso overflow in your overflow box. It prevents the intake from getting clogged, which would overflow your main tank. Second, as others mentioned, you don't need to put a valve on the intake to regulate the flow. You should put a gate valve on on the return line which are easier to fine tune. And don't rely on the check valve. They fail after a couple of years. And finally, use true union joints as much as possible if you use pvc hard plumbing.

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

+Dave Mac All great points. One question, when I added a stand pipe the tank started to overflow. It seemed to slow down water going into the sump. Any idea what might have happened?

@davemac6350

6 жыл бұрын

Ben Ochart maybe the pipe was to tall or otherwise was restricting the flow. I bought the durso overflow from aqueon. Paid too much for it and Joey probably has a cheaper solution but it looks good and works reliably. And is quiet. Also might try a non- antimicrobial silicone hot pad for under your pump. That'll help reduce noise too.

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

Dave Mac I just went to the Durso web page and he recommended an adapter that widens the pipe a little bit beyond the 1” I currently have. I might just buy one from him for around $29.

During power cut do you face overflow ? Will it start automatically start when the power is back ?

@wyvern4588

4 жыл бұрын

It all comes down to having the one way valves on the outlets, and making sure when the pump is shut off, the sump can hold the water drop from the tank.

Nice video. I use a weir on my reef so the sump can never overflow :)

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

Cesca's Reef please tell me more. What is a “weir”?

@erick6102

6 жыл бұрын

An overflow box. Same thing you have. Get joey mullan’s DIY book. He explains sumps in great detail

Just and idea but I think if you fill the shower compartment in the sump with bioballs you will get more benefit of the wet-dry system instead of just submerged. Plust I Think it would be quiter. You can even use plastic pot scrubbers, just make sure they're not scented

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

GREAT tip, thank you Richard. I'm just debating if I should get more of the biohome super biogravel or just go with blue balls or even scrubby pads like you mention. Thanks!

@kinnikuzero

6 жыл бұрын

Ben Ochart np, always happy to help!

Not sure how big it is, but that empty chamber could be used as a hospital/grow out tank

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

Yes! That's one of the advantages of a sump. If my Venustus turns into his "evil twin" again, I'll dump him in there.

Can someone help me. I bought a custom aquarium tank n sump. No help on set up. I got the syphon stopped too. Ugh. There is no info. In that box on back of tank. I have 2 1.5 in hoses it appears that the water is swirling. I dont know..its so loud I cant think. Oh..its a 240 g with 2 pumps. 72x24x30. It's my first tank I bought so I'm a newbies

Ben how many mbuna do you recommend for a overstocked 55 gallon tank .

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

vinny costa Mbuna are not something I know that much about. I stopped keeping them a couple years ago since, after they put on size, they became too aggressive.

Anyone know where I can buy that one way valve? Struck out at lowe's. I have a 3/4" line from my pump

@BenOchart

3 жыл бұрын

Salt water sites like BulkReefSupply and Marine Depot should carry what you need

BEN!! I use a dc pump by jebao with a controller includes a feed feature 10 min shutoff button. I have had very good luck with it and do indeed recommend it from Amazon.com Happy fish keeping my friend

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

Jarret Grimes Aquatic-Life Are the jebao dc pumps quiet? They certainly are less expensive than some of the DC pumps I’m considering.

@AdmiralBlackBeard

6 жыл бұрын

I have a Jebao DCP10000(2641gal/hr) on a 125gal running at 100% with an open stand in the living room there is a slight hum but noting crazy loud. The sound of my shower filter drowns out most of the sound of the pump.

I build a DIY overhead sump system on my fish tanks. It easy me to change mechanical filtration and some automatic fail-safe feature. 🐠🐠🐠

Is your sump is underflow and overflow sump?if it is only overflow will the water in the bottom part of the tank is still filtered?

@BenOchart

3 жыл бұрын

Yes. I have two strong water outputs, the Powerhead (2500gph) and the pump (1900 gph) creating water movement and there’s a filter hidden in the back corner, so no worries.

If you're not sure what size sump to get get one that will hold 30% of you aquariums total water volume with an inch and a half below the sump surface in case of a clogged baffle.

That gravel could be useful to seed new aquariums

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

+Richard James That’s a great point. Most people talk about moving over filter media from established tanks but others assert that the majority of B.B. is in the substrate. Thanks!

@kinnikuzero

6 жыл бұрын

Ben Ochart yeah, everything in the system will have some biofilm on it, let it be sand, gravel, rocks, anything. For some reason people forget or don't realise that and think it only grows in the filter

Where did you get the one way flow valve?

@BenOchart

2 жыл бұрын

BRS (Bulk Reef Supply) and Saltwater Aquarium carry them.

Hey Ben thank you for what you do and all the useful videos you put out. I am setting up 110 gallon tank with a sump. My question is would it hurt or help possibly putting an air stone under the bio balls to get some movement and airate the water? Or is that not necessary? There is a few inch gap between the base of my sump and the bio balls that I have (roughly a 1 ft thick layer) I was also thinking about adding a layer of lava rock in the pump chamber for additional media.

@BenOchart

2 жыл бұрын

Beneficial bacteria, and fish, love oxygen. That being said, if your water is cascading into the sump and there’s already some surface tension break up then there already is plenty oxygen and it would be unnecessary overkill.

@robertsowinski164

2 жыл бұрын

@@BenOchart thank you

My issue sizing ratio. If I have a 40 gallon aquarium, what should the size of the sump tank be? What percentage of the aquarium?

@BenOchart

3 жыл бұрын

Is it a reef tank? Usually one wouldn't use a sump on a smaller tank. Not that it's a bad thing, you just don't see it done too often. That being said, I'd put a 20gal under it and run it at around 1/3 (water level) making it next to impossible to flood. The strength of the pump (water turnover) should take into consideration how heavily stocked and the type of fish you will be keeping.

@anthonymitchell2248

3 жыл бұрын

No it's a freshwater tank. I just have to figure out the gallon per hr rating on the pump. I don't want to get something to powerful and cause a storm in the aquarium a not too small so as to be ineffective. Thanks Ben!

Is it possible to put a sump above the main tank?

@BenOchart

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve seen it done. Pump is in the tank pumping water up to trays filled with media. Water travels down through the media and drains back into the tank.

not sure about somthing, if you do weekly water changes on this tank, why have the sump. I thought sumps were to create more bacteria to eat the nitates so you dont have to do water changes as often, other then to replace minerals. Let me know whats up. Im getting a 265 gal. for my frontosa with 2 Fluval fx6 filters and was thinking about a sump also. I thought I would just fill the sump with media and create more bacteria for the nitrates to have somewhat of a complete cycle. I have learned a lot from your videos as I am new to the fish hobby. I have a 110 tall 48x18x30 with 5 WC mobas in it. The male is about 8 inches and the 4 females are about 6 inches, so I will be getting the 265 soon. Keep the videos comming.

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

You're setting up a great home for those Fronts! Cichlids are ammonia factories. Despite the powerful powerhead pushing waste toward the overflow and SunSun 704b intake, I still find a lot of waste in the substrate. So, being OCD about a clean tank, I still vacuum and change water every week. it reduces hormones, adds minerals (which I supplemant with Malawi lake salt - trace minerals) and at some point I'm going to add some bio media to the last section in the sump that is a bit lower flow and hope to get a full cycle going ... but I'll probably still vacuum every week because I"m crazy that way. Thanks for following the channel!

My issue with my sump is evaporation...every 2 days or so I have to add water to the sump.Any thoughts? We are very inexperienced in sump use as well

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

+Jason Myers Hello Jason. I’m considering an auto top off (“ATO”) which can be put together inexpensively. Also, lids / covers can also help. I’m gonna have some clear acrylic pieces cut at the local hardware store.

@meanfish9698

6 жыл бұрын

Ben Ochart thank you

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

Jason, I just installed the acrylic pieces and it's helping to keep evap down 😀

What is the name of the name / brand of the stop valve? 😁

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Came with the sump. Check here under check valve: www.bulkreefsupply.com/pumps-plumbing/plumbing/valves.html The "WYE Check Valve" is the better quality option.

Ben,You are flirting with disaster my friend. I've kept sumps for 30 years. Unless you're running a Herbie style drain, NEVER valve your drain line. If you want to, put a valve on the return line instead. You don't want to limit your drain.2. Check valves are NOT 100% reliable. Make sure your sump can handle the water volume when the power goes off.That includes the amount of water in your return box in case the sides leak.These things are easily calculated.Thanks for the vids. :)

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

Peter Rossetti Thanks for the input. Very appreciated. I’ve tested the different scenarios (turned off the pump, blocked the drain, etc and my sump or tank fill to the brim but don’t overflow 😉

@BenOchart

6 жыл бұрын

I now understand more why you said what you said. I wasn't getting how the comment related to the amount of water one starts with. I appreciate the input more now that I get it 😉

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

Also, as an update, I never shut it off or limit the water flow, except when the pump is off and I want clean out the flex hose.

@chrishoca2938

3 жыл бұрын

@@BenOchart Peter said, Do not restrict your drain from overflow. It should be free flowing. Do not dial it in.

@BenOchart

3 жыл бұрын

@@chrishoca2938 ??? Not sure what you're referring to. The drain line/overflow is not "dialed in". See above comments or more recent videos. Thanks.

Leaving those heaters exposed is just looking to burn them up

Ben look at this Brand it’s the Jebao DCP-8000 that is what I run on my 300 gallon and 5000 series also I run a Jebao in-line 36 watt UV light If you get time check out my video on my sump have a great day buddy

he said blue balls........

Anoth'rmoron

Good video could be useful but i could never finish your videos because the volume is too low

@DiscusRussell

10 ай бұрын

Turn up your volume that's why you have a control. Man what an @sshole you are