Make a Freshwater Aquarium Sump (150g Redo pt.1)
Welcome to Part 1 of my 150 Gallon Cube Aquarium redo series. In this session, I reseal the aquarium and deal with filtration. Have you ever wanted to build a sump for freshwater filtration? Well it's quite simple and that's the main focus of this video. As stated, this isn't an all inclusive guide, but it does cover the topic in great detail. Understand also that there are several kinds of sumps (i.e. trickle tower, fluidized, etc.). This is just a simple/traditional sump design. If you are on the fence about building one for yourself it, I highly encourage you to give it a try.
I have several video coming out for this series and the format will be pretty consistent throughout. I'm taking you on the journey of this aquarium's transformation, by explaining it great detail. Most of the concepts aren't ground breaking, but you should know by now that I'm putting my own creative spin on the whole thing.
- - Why should you get or make a sump? - -
The great thing about sumps is that they increase the volume of water in your system. The more water in your system, the easier it is to keep a stable environment for your fish friends. Sumps are also extremely versatile and can be customized to meet your specific requirements. All of your hardware, like heaters and thermometers, can easily be hidden in a sump. Finally if your pump breaks, it generally easier and cheaper to replace a pump instead of some obscure part or an entire filter.
- - How much water will drain out from my overflow? - -
It's extremely important to account for equipment failure or power outage when making a sump. When this occurs, your aquarium will drain down to the overflow and if it's not accounted for in the sump, it will end up on your floor. The easiest way to do this is to measure from the top of your overflow (in my case a street elbow) up to your desired water level, this will be your height. Then measure the length and width of the aquarium. Once you have obtained your measurements, use this link to calculate the volume. www.aquaticcommunity.com/conve...
For example mine is 36” x 36” x 2” which equals roughly 12 gallons. However, my return nozzle also drains a little bit of the water, so my measurement is actually 36” x 36” x 2.5” which is 14 gallons give or take. This method won't be 100% accurate, but it will give you an educated decision on how to scale your sump. Again, the height of your first baffle will dictate the volume of the sump to a large degree.
- - What pump should I chose for my sump? - -
First things first, spend the extra cash and get a reputable pump! Don't try to save a buck and get some cheap off brand pump. Been there and done that, it's no fun. You will end up wasting money long term and it could end up being detrimental in other ways.
How do you determine the right size pump (measured by GPH) for your aquarium? It depends on who you ask, but the general consensus seems to be that a pump should turn over 4-6x the volume of your aquarium per hour. My aquarium is 150 gallons and my sump holds about 25 gallons, so in total I am running a 175 gallon system. The SP4 is rated at 1,800 GPH, but based on the head height, it's actually pushing closer to 1,600 GPH. I tend to lean toward more power because of the way that I stock tanks and I don't completely trust the company ratings because of how many variables can be present. Regardless I need a pump that turns over at least 1,050 GPH (175g x 6). If the pump rating is correct I'm actually turning over around 9x the volume per hour. That's a lot more than what's typically recommended, but that's generally how I roll.
- - Reseal an Aquarium - -
I've been “officially” in the aquarium hobby for over 11 years. Learning how to reseal an aquarium was an early, yet pivotal turning point to my hobby. I started working at 14, but I wasn't making much money. In order to get larger aquariums for cheap I had to learn to repair them. I got most of my larger for pretty cheap It's still going strong to this day. Check out the older video of mine below for an extensive look on how to this. It's amazing to see how much my videos have developed since this upload.
• DIY - How To Reseal An...
You can follow me on INSTAGRAM @SerpaDesign for project sneak peaks, updates and more content like this.
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Check the video description for more details that will help you get started!
@enteaz6613
6 жыл бұрын
How old are u?
@SerpaDesign
6 жыл бұрын
Enteaz - Minecraft 25
@kyledasilva1930
6 жыл бұрын
SerpaDesign would you like to try that idea I gave you on the silkworms in the terrerium?
@kyledasilva1930
6 жыл бұрын
I would really appreciate it if you tested it for me so I know if I can do it or not! Thx😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😄
@BigggRoss
6 жыл бұрын
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.
At the end did you say "that about sumps it up for this video" 😂 because if you did you are my hero
@SerpaDesign
6 жыл бұрын
Amelia Grace Yes I did lol! Good ear.
@NinjaSushi2
2 жыл бұрын
@@SerpaDesign hahaha thought I heard that right!
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!
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
6 жыл бұрын
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
6 жыл бұрын
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
5 жыл бұрын
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.
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 :)
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
6 жыл бұрын
ikr, and inspirational, i take his ideas and modify
@love.wildly.live.fearlessly
2 жыл бұрын
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
Жыл бұрын
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
Nice work, enjoyed the flow of this video.
@SerpaDesign
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks I'm glad that you enjoyed it!
@nicbrant570
3 жыл бұрын
Lol nice pun. But also agreed
A really informative video! Thank you for up loading such a detailed discription.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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!
You killed this one! Cant wait for part 2.
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.
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!
Thanks in part to this channel, I've never bought an aquarium new 😃👍
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!!
Plumber here, thnx man I'm kicking around a sump project
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.
Used this video a while ago for my own sump design. Awesome and extremely informative
I really like how you give details about how to build it. Well done.
I've always struggled to fully understand how a sump works, but your video put an end to that! :)
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
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.
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.
Super Video .. You tinker very well and you are very ingenious. and each time the consistency of your videos improve. Bravo
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.
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.
There are sump things in here that are very useful! Thanks for documenting! Keep it level!
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.
The real king of diy...
Great video! I admire your diligence...I couldn’t imagine having the patience!
Great advice . Returning to fish keeping after a long lay off (first sump tank) and very grateful for your help 👍
One heck of a detail video! GREAT Setup!
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.
Awesome Video very clear well spoken I'm converted to sump now this video was the final push thank you for the confidence
Wow this was very clear and straight forward 💯 looking forward to making this for my aquarium as well. Thank you for this video man!
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
Your vids are super informative and very inspiring. Looking forward for more!
@SerpaDesign
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks I'm glad that you enjoy them. More to come!
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
6 жыл бұрын
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.
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-
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.
This is the most detailed video for a sump setup thankyou
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.
So impressed 👍👍👍👍. Enjoy watching it ...Thank you for showing us in so detail nice work....
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
4 жыл бұрын
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.
Thanks for showing the process. Not many as detailed as yours out there .☺
I get this way too when I run out of aquarium projects lol!!! Good job! Never too much!
Very well explained and documented. Thanks
Awesome video! High quality content, great job yet again!
Extremely informative video, thank you!
Thank you for a really good, simpel and easy to understand video for a fresh water sump. 👍🏻
Great video! Informative and interesting😁can’t wait for it to be stocked
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.
Thanks for another helpful video with lots of good ideas - looking forward to seeing part 2 :-)
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!
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"
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.
This helped me so much. Thank you!!
Man!!! You did an amazing job!!!! Wow!!!!
I'm thinking about a sump. Very informative video!
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 !
A very thorough video showing exactly why I'd never attempt to do this myself.
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..
Amazing informative video! Thanks for making and sharing it!
You’re a genius ! If I tried this myself I think it would be a disaster lol. But thank you! 😀
Great video. Very informative about how a sump works. 👍
dang the framing cut poor serpas head off!!! love these old videos tho. cool to see how much he has improved.
insane filtering system!
Awesome video I was totally amazed by all the work you did it looks grea6.
Dude thank you so much for this vid. It was crazy helpful for a noob like me.
Thanks for the video. Great job !
Excellent tutorial!
Thank you for sharing this was very helpful I will be saving this video to fall back on later
Serpa is Love, Serpa is Life 🐍🐢🐠🐟
Thank you. It was an excellent video 👌well explained step by step and to the point so anybody can make one. 👍
Very nice project , took a lot of time but end up very nice ... Thanks for sharing
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!
very informative 👍 keep it up
and that about sumps it up!
"...sumps it up." nice
@vickyhacker2978
5 жыл бұрын
Nice
@1014p
4 жыл бұрын
felixthecrazy I thought he missed that joke. Apparently not..
Very very good video. Thankyou!
Great video 🤙🏻
Fantastic video! Thank you!
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.
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.
Excellent video!
Super nice! Great great video.
Whenever you add glass to your aquarium - beit to construct a filter such as the one in this video or to make bracing for your actual aquarium, it is crucial to use the same thickness of glass as your aquarium is made of. The reason for this is because anything thinner (be it glass) will break as the glass reshapes during evaporation or water charges as it does not have the same strength as the actual aquarium glass thickness. This also applies in opposite application. Using thicker glass for bracing than what the actual aquarium is made from, could also cause either serious stress and or breakage. Also, as far as the return pump is concerned, one would be wise to use a pond pump enclosure covered with in screen door mosquito mesh material. This is way, the intake of the pump won't get clogged up as easy and saves ALOT of time with messy clean-ups. ....it also helps extend the life of the impeller of the return pump!
Great vid. Well done
Love your presentation 👌 👏 👍
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.
This video deserves more views
Best explanation... thank you so much
Loved the video
Wow thank you so much I'm so doing it the way you did it
Awesome!
Awesome video!