sump cost

[Darth]

so I am in the process of setting up another reef, been out of the hobby for a bit am about to come back into. Never had a sump before but may get a good deal on a 75 gal tank that is drilled already. Question is how hard is it to build a sump, does it need baffles, or can I just put some rock and a skimmer in it, and what not. Any advice, or if you know someone that can make one for me cheap (I don't know how much work is involved in making one) please let me know. As far building my own, I guess I could if I could get the right tools. I have seen some and it seems you would need pretty delicate hands, not the clubs attached to the end of my arms. So any suggestions please

[dan2x38]

I would recommend a sump. I would also recommend baffles. They remove the micro bubbles created by a skimmer retrun.

Hey it takes no special skills and no real major tools. If I can use these ham hocks to do any one can... LOL I learned a lot on building too and tons of research before doing either. The 2nd was an improvement over teh 1st and if I made a 3rd it would different again.

If you needed help LMK new to salty side but always willing to help folks. I work cheap too I have a Diet Pepsi addiction... OH like to chase it down with pizza... LMAO I only ever ask anyone I help to help the ne 8)xt character if you can.

I picked up my glass from old windows thrown out by my neighbour. Then used a glass cutter to size it. Lost no fingers but pi&&ed by wife off.

[Darth]

so I don't need special glass or anything do u know where I can get glass as my neighbors windows are still attached LOL

[dan2x38]

Geese maybe a ardent rock? LOL teasin'

I buy glass if I need special cuts at The Glass Shop on Clyde. Quick turn over and fair prices. if they have to cut from a new sheet it is full cost but if they cut from scraps it is cheaper.

Could always post if any one hase old glass or old windows to sell or give away?

[Darth]

LOL the rock idea has crossed my mind?
so did you build your own sump? what about puumps and stuff? know any good links that give step by step on plumbing and what not?

[Hookup]

darth,
The sump is a pretty nice thing to have on a system.  The benifits list include;
1) surface skimming of the display
2) de-cluttering of the display
3) increased water-volume
4) increased LR w/o impact on the display

There are two main concepts with sumps.  Low flow and High flow.  I'm a huge fan of low-flow sumps.  The idea there is that you take the dirty water from the surface of your reef and throw it down to your sump where it is "cleaned" and returned... the slow-flow gives a long reaction time in the sump and the associated "scrubbing" devices.

Low flow for me is 400gph or so...

The skimmer would make micro-bubbles, but that can be overcome with a filter-sock on the output side of *most* skimmers, or baffles.... filter sock is easier if your not DIY handy.. IMO, but requries changing/attention every few days to be changed out.

As a return pump, you'll want to consider head-pressure loss... I like a MAG pump mainly because the stupid pump runs hot, and acts as a heater... so for your power consumption you'll not be running a heater (have it, but it likely will not come on)....

One last FYI... FWIW, silicone leaches ammonia as it cures.  Give it 3 days, 72hours, to cure.... or you'll introduce ammonia into your system... which, for the record is bad... haha (experience talking here...)

Best of luck.

[Darth]

thanks for all the advice guys, main reason I love this place