Building A Sump For Freshwater Aquarium
Introduction
If you are a fan of keeping fish in an aquarium, then you know how important it is to maintain the cleanliness of the water. One of the ways to do that is by using a sump. A sump is an additional tank that is connected to your main aquarium. It helps to filter the water, remove debris and provide a safe haven for beneficial bacteria. In this article, we will guide you on how to build a sump for your freshwater aquarium.
What is a Sump?
A sump is a separate tank that is connected to your main aquarium. It is usually placed below the main tank and is used to filter water. The sump tank is equipped with various filtration media and equipment such as heaters, protein skimmers, and pumps. When water is pumped out of the main tank, it flows into the sump where it is filtered and then returns to the main tank through an overflow pipe.
Why do you need a Sump?
A sump provides a lot of benefits to your freshwater aquarium. Firstly, it increases the volume of water in your system which dilutes toxins and waste products. Secondly, it provides a safe haven for beneficial bacteria that help to break down harmful substances. Thirdly, it helps to remove debris and particles from the water. Finally, it allows you to hide equipment such as heaters and protein skimmers, giving your aquarium a clean and professional look.
How to Build a Sump for Freshwater Aquarium?
Building a sump for your freshwater aquarium is not a difficult task. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Choose the Right Size
The size of your sump depends on the size of your main aquarium. As a general rule, your sump tank should be around 20% of your main tank volume. For example, if you have a 100-gallon aquarium, your sump should be around 20 gallons.
Step 2: Gather the Equipment
You will need the following equipment to build your sump:
- Glass tank
- Overflow box
- Return pump
- Filter media (such as filter socks, bio-balls, and foam pads)
- Protein skimmer (optional)
- Heater
- PVC pipes and fittings
- Silicone sealant
Step 3: Install the Overflow Box
The overflow box is used to transport water from your main tank to your sump. It is usually placed on the back of your main tank and is connected to the sump tank through PVC pipes. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the overflow box.
Step 4: Install the Return Pump
The return pump is used to transport water from your sump to your main tank. It is usually placed inside the sump tank and is connected to the main tank through PVC pipes. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the return pump.
Step 5: Install the Filtration Media
There are different types of filtration media that you can use in your sump tank. These include filter socks, bio-balls, and foam pads. The filtration media should be placed in the sump tank in the following order:
- Filter socks - to trap large debris and particles
- Bio-balls - to provide a surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow
- Foam pads - to remove smaller particles and debris
Step 6: Install the Protein Skimmer (Optional)
A protein skimmer helps to remove organic waste from the water. It is usually placed inside the sump tank and is connected to the main tank through PVC pipes. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the protein skimmer.
Step 7: Install the Heater
The heater is used to maintain the temperature of the water in your sump tank. It should be placed inside the sump tank and connected to a thermostat. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the heater.
Step 8: Connect the PVC Pipes
Connect the PVC pipes and fittings to the overflow box, return pump, and other equipment. Make sure that the pipes are securely connected and sealed with silicone sealant.
Step 9: Fill the Sump Tank with Water
Fill the sump tank with freshwater and turn on the equipment. Make sure that the water is flowing properly and that there are no leaks.
Conclusion
A sump is an important addition to your freshwater aquarium. It helps to filter water, remove debris, and provide a safe haven for beneficial bacteria. Building a sump is not a difficult task and can be done with the right equipment and a little bit of patience. Follow the steps outlined in this article to build your own sump for your freshwater aquarium.
