DIY ecosystem filter

[crrichey]

I don't feel like paying around $300 bucks for the 40-60 gallon model, so I thought I would build one myself. Here is a diagram with measurments, tell me if anything is off or needs to me tweeked (besides anyone who doesn't like the filter and says to just make something different):

The original picture was from 4coral.com (the miracles of the paint program )

[crrichey]

Sry the picture is so small:
Material: Acrylic
Cut list:
Bottom: 24�x10�
Front: 24�x11 ¾�
Back: 24�x11 ¾�
2 sides: 11 ¾�x9 ½�
9� baffle: 9�x9 ½�
2 pair baffles: 11 ½’x9 ½�
Lid: 23 ½�x9 ½�

The lid will have 2 holes drilled into it for the drain and the return.

[crrichey]

Found a way to save myself some time. Instead of making a brand new sump, I am going to use a 15 gallon aga. So the baffles and lid will need to be reajusted to correctly fit.

[Alfalfameister]

If that's your plan, then try to get the biggest sump that you can [practically] fit in the location you're going to put it.

Good luck!

[crrichey]

Hopfully it is going under a 30 gallon, so that is the biggest I can get, reasonably.

[yousuredo]

your baffle for the return should be lowered or you will constantly have to stay on top of your evaperation loss....i have a 29gl. i did the same way later i cut the baffle in half and replace the upper half with egg crate to keep the algea in the fuge area....and now insted of every 1.5 gallon's of evaperation my pump pulling air i have about a 6 gallon evaperation period before it pumps air....


beside that i dont use bio balls either...

[rsteagall]

You need another baffle on your input, otherwise you will disturb your refugium.

You should really look at some other designs. What you are trying to do has been done, redone, and done over again. This is pretty much a standard refugium/sump.

[Shockdude]

Dude check this out:
http://melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

man im going insane trying to get a custom made sump here in syd. Both of my local aquarium shops here say that i need a trickle filter, and that im going to have serious trouble setting up a plenum or the berlin system only sump. =(

The only thing i bought so far is a aqua medic 150+ ocean light $$$ but worth every penny. Now all i need is a freaking tank and sump =(

Tank 3x2x2 ft 80gl hoping for a 30gl sump with Aquac ev120....stand will be specially built tasmanian oak.

[Stile2]

I did the same thing under a 29 gallon with a 5 gallon ecosystem style sump.

Just a couple of acrylic baffles and done!

If I had to do it again I would use glass baffles, less chance of them breaking loose.

Good luck

Keith

[jaden1]

I just made one from a 125 gallon perfecto tank. I too cut the baffles the same size and was hard pressed to keep evap and water level constant. So I cut the glass panes out and cut each one down 1" more than the last. So now I have a 3" differential from one side to the other of the sump. It works perfectly. Water flow through the fuge is good and my water level at the pump is the only one that changes. Will post a pic of it tomorrow.
Jason

[Shockdude]

Thanks Keith, can't wait to see your pics jaden.... Im meeting up with marine tank specialist monday (he builds and looks after reef tanks pretty much all over Syd), finally... this guy is hard to get in touch. =)

[Shockdude]

Keith, do you think ecosystem is pretty much the way to go? nitrate levels low?
love to hear more.

Regards,

Walter

[Stile2]

Out of my 5 gallon sump about 3 gallons is the ecosystem (where actual mud and plants are). It has been set up and running since last November. After the initial cycle, nitrates, nitrites and amonia has all been 0 ppm.

I love it. Very low maintainance. Although lately I have been battling a red hair algae problem in it. I must have gotten some with the algae I got from the LFS.

I am in process of upgrading from my 29 to a 77 gallon custom built tank. It will also have a fuge with the ecosystem style workings.

Keep us posted as to your progress.

Keith

[Shockdude]

Thanks Keith, this week end i'll probably post some pics of my aquamedic light, the build and look is A++++++ ..also placed an order for Aquac EV120 imported from LA ill be dammed if it cracks, usually fedex take great care.

Have a great weekend ya all