need help with DIY sump...
 

So I've decided that i want to build a sump for my 46g bow. I plan on keeping a DSB in it as well as some chaeto, and possibly extra room for a skimmer upgrade later down the road... I just had a few questions...

I wanted to buy an overflow as I don't trust my my skills at this point. I was looking at getting this one:

[url]http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/store_pages/product-info.php?product_ID=of-cs050[/url]

Is this a good make? Should I get one with more GPH for a 46 g tank? Also, if anyone has any experience with it, please tell me the pros and cons.

With regards to the sump, I was thinking about a 10 g glass tank, unless i can squeeze in a larger one. Because it's a bowfront, the space underneath is very limited.

Also wanted input on what return pump to use that would work well with the overflow. Is it possible to use a powerhead? or are the pumps the best choice??

In the meantime, I'm going to keep reading reading reading :)

When i first started my reef tank i did allot of research into overflow boxes. I found out that allot of people didn't like CPR overflows (like the one you have suggested) because they can loose syphon allot easier if not maintained properly, so a syphon tube overflow was my choice in the end, had heard allot of good reports about them and less likley to loose syphon (had mine running for a year and didn't loose syphon once).

Allot of people have had sucess with both and wouldn't say yes or no to either, just syphon tube overflows are less desaster prone! :-)

This is where i got mine from, good quality too!

[url]http://www.lifereef.com/frame.html[/url]

Ryan

Okay, the Lifereef prefilter box looks like a better choice. Thanks for showing me that, I never came across it when I was searching. Seems most stores just sell the CPR one.

So if I get the standard prefilter box, do you recommend getting the aqua silencer??

[url]http://www.lifereef.com/frame.html[/url]

also, what return pump would work well with this prefilter?