Major DIY project Stand/Sump/etc.....

[john73738]

Hello,

Starting my first DIY project and looking for comments on my initial designs. My project is a Stand for my 75 gallon Cichlid Tank that has a build in sump filter underneath. My goal is to filter 750 +- gph. The project will also include a DIY under gravel filtration system, homemade caves, 3d background with hood. Phew. Here are a couple of pictures of my design done on google sketchit.


Ok here is the method to my madness, Starting on the left of the picture, water is siphoned into a 3 drawer sterlite organizer filled with filter media and pot scrubbers. After that it drops into the first chamber.

The water then overflows into the 2nd chamber that may (most likely) be planted.

Then it finally overflows to the 3rd chamber the return chamber.

Other key features to the project,

The return will have a “T” joint with a ball valve to control the return flow, and send water back to the 2nd chamber to add extra oxygenation.

Heater will be in the second chamber.

I understand that this is serious overkill for a 75 gallon cichlid tank. My reasoning is that I can be on the road a lot for work, and this will help my Wife to be, and her 3 sons be able to better take care of the tanks. Also I am setting up a 55 gallon planted tank as soon as I set up those inhabitants a new home and I heard that this is the way to go for planted tanks. Also SW is in the future.

Any questions please ask, and I would love feedback on my design.

Tanks

Bear

Pictures as follows:

Sump Alone:


Sump in stand (some bracing removed)


_________________
Well, I'm scheduled for execution and if I miss it I could be in a lot of trouble..Buck Rogers

[ben1988]

I too used a drawer organizer for my filter media and i have only problem with it. and thats that the water likes to flow over to the sides and miss the pads all together.
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[john73738]

Saw a remedy for that. cut out the bottom leaving an edge. then add a course mesh instead of drilling holes. figure that will take care of the spill over problem.


Dunno will try different things and use the best.

Love to experiment too

Bear
_________________
Well, I'm scheduled for execution and if I miss it I could be in a lot of trouble..Buck Rogers

[john73738]

New addition, Took the thought odf the drawers leaking over the top, and designed this little baby. It is made of 3" or 4" pvc. It would have a screw on top for access and a cap in the bottom. The intake and exit pipes are drilled glued into the filter. Then filter media is added. Could also be used for bio filtering just fill with pot scrubbers or bio balls.

Thinking of using 2 on my sump design.

Only thought is that the intake may be loud without an elbow in which case I would just put one on without cementing so it can be removed for filter repolacement.

Thoughts???????


Bear


_________________
Well, I'm scheduled for execution and if I miss it I could be in a lot of trouble..Buck Rogers

[john73738]

Hi All,

Got some new ideas on paper, but am tied up getting the last minute details taken care of for my Wedding Monday. Will post when we return from the Honeymoon.

Cheers All

Bear
_________________
Well, I'm scheduled for execution and if I miss it I could be in a lot of trouble..Buck Rogers

[john73738]

Hi,

I am back, and I realized that I found a great lady, she is pushing me to get started on my project. Sump and overflow start this weekend

One question, does an overflow box have to just skim the top, or can it draw from different levels of the tank? I have an idea for a multi chamber skimmer tower that will draw from the top as well as the lower level of the tank. Will post pics as soon as I have put my idea on paper. As all have have read I am bound and determined to make this as complicated as possible while making it elegant

Cheers til later


Bear
_________________
Well, I'm scheduled for execution and if I miss it I could be in a lot of trouble..Buck Rogers

[Guams]

[gtphale]

Finished the skimmerless overflow from the library a month or two ago and I'm loving it. I will probably add a skimmer overflow here soon as I'm not maxxing out my pump yet.

[john73738]

OK, thanks, I will post pics of the design, as well as pics of the construction soon.
_________________
Well, I'm scheduled for execution and if I miss it I could be in a lot of trouble..Buck Rogers