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180 Gallon W/3 hole Sump

14K views 62 replies 9 participants last post by  mollies 
#1 ·
I could use some help and guidance.
I have just acquired a 180 Gallon Tank that had 3 Holes cut in the bottom ( in the middle back )
section of the tank.
I have done some research on this type of tank.. and I have not found a single one yet.
if someone has information about such a set up PLEASE let me know maybe if you have
pictures.. that would help.
I have a 30 gallon tank that I thought I would use for a sump tank, but I am not happy
with the set up that was in it... I really like the idea of these guys using a 3 or 5 gallon buckets
and making a DIY/ filter system... I could see myself doing this and there again these set ups
have used a 2 hole tank were I have a 3 hole tank.
I AM SO NOT SURE...
ANOTHER THING.... I have looked online at the types of Sumps and every one that I have seen
had these notches cut out for the water to fall over. MY set up does not have those notches,
which leads me to believe that I have an older tank.
Here I have enclosed some pics
I would like to have a system like the last one but how would I run the third line?
and another NOTE.
the third hose. is flush with the bottom of the tank. ( I dont think thats RIGHT.)
if the power would go out then all the water in side the tunnel would drain in to the Sump
Tank. I am not sure thas the correct way it should be.
SO PLEASE give me some input on this issue I have
thanks all
Ron
 

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#2 ·
Well>>> ok.......

I guess either no one seen this post.. or they just don't know much about this setup to help
a guy out. So I have taken some things apart and inspected them and come to realize that
I really need to make a complete rebuild of the plumbing..... not knowing why this tank was
drilled for 3 Holes.. I am just winging it... so I have posted some pics of the new plumbing.
AGAIN... if any one knows anything about this or if they have build one themselves...
throw me some pointers...

I have removed all the old plumbing, ( IT WAS FILTHY ) lol
and started to rebuild with all new parts.
So here is the start with pictures, I am going to build my own home built Filtration system.
I will post pics as I complete more things.

Ron
 

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#4 ·
I have it up and running now...

MoneyMitch

Thanks for posting... only one problem with your idea... the box thingy.... is made
out of GLASS just like the tank... this tank was made this way .. I still say this is probably an
older Tank ... you know the newer ones have those notches that you speak of...there is no way
I wanted to attempt that with it being glass....

The build the filter system myself... I will be posting more pics here in a while.... I now have the tank
up and running.. I did have some early issues... when I started the pump... I noticed that I did not have enough water comming into the Filter and holding tank, I noticed that I had alot of Air bubbles comming out of the return nozzels... it took some thinking and checking of all the lines to come to realize that all I needed
to do was add more water to the Holding Tank.. ( LOL ) learning lesson... and hour or so wasted..
( LOL ). I went on line and retrieved ideas from others when they bult there Filter..
I used there process but just added my own twist to them to make it mine..

I started out with new plumbing in the Over Flow Box, I ended up driving all over the place to come
up with the right size holding tank. I found a GREAT calculator for what size of holding tank to use
for the filter system. I ( But I forgot to Book mark it ) so now I have to go look for it again so
I can share with everyone...
The calculator came out with me using a 18 gallons of holding water.. I am currently using 22 gallon
it only cost $8.00
 

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#5 ·
Building the Filter

Here I have included some pictures of the construction of the Filter,
I am using a 2 gallon bucket at this time... ( Might go bigger ) or use another
bucket for the another filter.
I cut the bottom off of another 2 gallon bucket to make a Tray, which will hold
POLY Bio Material, from there I drilled holes in the tray for the water to pass through
to the Pot Scrubbers which will act like ( Bio Balls ) I used pvc piping to hold up the tray
as of right now I have not introduced the Crushed Coral that I have ... testing the
water to see if the SHELLS will act as a PH buffer, if it starts to drop I will make a bag
of Crushed Coral to go into the Sump container.
Now that I have the tank running I am very pleased as to how Quite the DOWN FLOW
Sump filter is I have heard alot of people talk about how loud they are.. but I have to say
Mine is VERY QUITE.
More to come...

Ron
 

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#6 ·
More Work on the Sump Filter

Here are some pics of the Filter Running at first I just had the water coming straight in to the
filter... but it was not enough Water flow... so I opened up the second valve and that was
just the right amount of water flow...
I will be still testing out the second Bucket as another filter maybe with another type of
Filter Media, just have not thought to much about that just yet....
Enjoying the way the Tank is looking ALL NEW.... lol.....

Ron
 

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#7 ·
Second Valve open

After I realized that the second valve being opened all the way actually reduced the
water flow going to the filer I think the filter is working more effectively.
HERE IS A QUESTION...... does the water flow rate effect the productivity of the
filter doing its job colonizing the bacteria that is needed?

Ron
 

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#8 ·
Heaters installed

I have installed a 300 watt Heater located on the tunnel of the Sump,
and another much smaller one in the Sump Container tie strapped were
it is loose and not touching any plastic. So far the temp is steady at
81 degrees.
I am not so sure I really need the one in the Sump Container but I
feel that the added heat there will not allow the water to become
much cooler while transferring back to the tank.
Here is also pics of the Crushed Shells I think its a nice look ...
At this point I am updating this build thread and watching the temp
and check the PH levels.... I really dont want the PH to drop...
this tank will be a Chiclid tank... I have been leaning towards
FRONTOSA'S I really think those are nice looking fish.....

Ron
 

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#10 ·
first thing that came to mind with the 3 holes drilled in your tank was a closed loop which is pretty common on saltwater tanks. after looking more at the pictures the original tank owner prob. did what you did or something similiar with 2 drains and 1 return or 1 drain, 1 return, and one emergency drain ( sitting alittle higher then the drain )
 
#11 ·
Thanks.... guys

MONEY MITCH.. thanks for the Kind Words.... I we really like our 120 gallon Cichlid tank
those guys have alot of character.... not to mention we now have 3 new brudes in the tank
and are enjoying the babies and watching them grow.......

FISH1FISH2.. I am not so sure.. but I think at one time this tank might have been
salt water....I will have to take some pictures of the Lights they run off of a ballast
and one is BLUE and the other is white... for each side.. which makes me think those
type of lights are whats in a salt water tank.... I Personally have never had a Salt water
tank... ( But would try it ) when the time is right...

I have got to come up with some idea, ( panty hose ) or something to cover the inlet of the
Over Flow.... its very powerful.... I was even thinking maybe some kind of plastic screen.

Hope everyone likes the ideas I have already came up with.. and enjoys this thread.....

Ron
 
#12 ·
<<<<< ph >>>>>

Its been 2 days now..... and the Ph is still steady at 8.0 so all is well there....
I have been making some phone calls around town here and trying to come up
with some one that has some FRONTOSA'S.... I know the tank will not be ready
for some time still but If I could find someone maybe we can work something out.

I just got in from work less than a hour ago.. going to eat... then search some
more online for some different MEDIA for the filter ( I have been thinking about
a second filter to go inside the Container.

if anyone has some ideas or input I am willing to listen and learn...

thanks

Ron
 
#14 ·
1Fish2Fish

You and I have been thinking alot alike..... here ia a picture of the
light diffuser that I bought at Lowes..... lucky for me this piece was already
damaged..... it normally cost $11.96 each... I got this piece by talking to the
manager on duty at the time for only $5.00....
I actually thought about using it as a grate over top of the overflow.. but before
I actually put it on I was going to wrap it with PANTY hose to act like a filter
I am not so sure that this idea will prove to be a good one or not....

I also think that my return is very strong.. ( Might be to strong )
so I have been thinking about revamping the return style.
possibly were the nozzles hang down more so into the tank by
adding some 90 degree elbows. to try to slow the return water down.
Right now its a straight shot UP and only 1 90 degree elbow on each
side then OUT........
I was not able to work on the tank at all yesterday had family stop in to Visit...
I was bummed I kept starring in to my work room ( were the tank is ) lol
looking at it..... wanting to work on it.. LOL.....
I also have a 210 gallon tank in there BEGGING ME for attension as well.....
but that one will have to wait till after the NEW YEAR... have bigger plans for it...
Going to try my luck at raising Discus in that one.

Thanks again for the idea......thats the kinda stuff I have been asking for
from others. seems that no one really knows that this thread is going on ...
or maybe its not just interesting to them to post.

thanks again
Ron
 

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#15 ·
Heaters

I just checked the temp.. ( something told me to ) and it was at 77 degrees...
I cant believe I did not check it yesterday... I want it at 81 degrees....
so I turned up the heater and will check it again once I return this evening from
work.
gotta stay on top of these things until its stable..... ( I KNEW THAT TO )
just forgot.. see what family does. lmao...
I have more ideas... I will share once I get going on them....
write more soon...

Ron
 
#16 ·
Dang Ron!!! What a awesome job!!! I wouldn't even know where to start there...so if I ever get my big wish-tank you're hired to send some days in TN :) That's plain awesome and the "diary" style step by steps here with pictures, excellent for anyone who'd wanna learn and built one too, thumbs up on all this!!!
 
#17 ·
ANGEL079

Thanks so much for all the kind words....
Glad you are enjoying this thread.. this is how I will be doing
my build on my 210 gallon sometime after the new year.
I have just met a guy.. crazy as this sounds off of Craigs list here
in my town.... HE makes Tanks.... so I have asked him what he would
charge me to do a Sump tank 30 gallon and place the glass in it as
per my instructions... I am even thinking about haveing a small
quarrentine section for fish.. the way I want to contruct this one
it will even have a live rock bed maybe even some plants too...
if he comes through for me I could really make it look PROFESSIONAL .
LOL...

I am No way close to being done with this tank and I am already
thinking about my 210 gallon tank lol.....

My son and his New Wife... are in a small apartment and they have been
talking to ( Me and My wife ) about wanting a fish tank..... so I have been
looking on craigslist for a GOOD DEAL ( there out there ) possibly something
thats already to assemble .... might do this for them for X-mas... if I do
this I will take lots of pics... and make another thread on his tank as well..

IF you have any ideas... or thougts... Throw them at me......

Thanks
Ron
 
#19 ·
Glass Top

I have three Glass tops that came with the Tank... they had alot of Calcium build up on them
from being used ( who knows how long ) but I know things look older ( alot older ) when they
are not taking care of ... but I think they cleaned up rather good.....
I used a chemical called CLR yeah the one that is on the infomercial Removes Calcium
they were so bad that I actually had to use a Razor blade along with the CLR.
I rinsed the glass off with water.. and dried really good before installing them.

I will be doing more tomorrow....

Ron
 

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#20 ·
Fish

I got some plants this evening nothing special, just some that would help out in the cycling of
the tank... and when I was there I couldnt resist these little Cats....
I have been laughing since I put them in the tank.. for some reason they love
the water flow to the over flow.. I have sat here numerous a times already watching
them ALMOST get sucked into the over flow ( LOL )
it will happen I am sure of it.. if they keep playing around it..... so I guess if I have time tomorrow
I will work on the screen for the overflow....
If I have time.... I have to go to a birthday part tomorrow night.. but I will post some pics
when I start to contruct the screen for the overflow.

check out these pics...... of the cats and the plants.

Ron
 

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#21 ·
NOT Much done today.

As I was telling you all that I had a birthday part thing to go to tonight..
well I did find time to make it by LPS and pick up some more plants.
check them out... they look so lonely in that BIG TANK lol....
 

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#22 ·
Digital Thermometer

I guess I got the pics a little out of sequence..
SORRY.... but I almost for got the awsome digital Thermometer.....
this thing is So accurate... I have been using my hand held
temp Gun... Not any more.. for the tanks... I am buying one
of these for each tank I own.... its awsome... I am always
thinking that bad things will happen to the heaters.. and I will
not be able to catch it in time... Well with this bad boy. all I have
to do is walk up to the tank and read it I can check on the temp
much more easier.
I hope you all try this product out.. or already have one..
at a meer cost of $12.00 it sure is nice to have..

Thanks
Ron.
 

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#23 ·
You're quicker posting updates then me checking back lol sorry for this!
You said "I am even thinking about haveing a small quarrentine section for fish" are you wanting to built this within your filter system or existing tank? It should def be separate , own tank own filter etc - Otherwise a QT makes no sense, if the filter's are connected you'll just transfer sick bacteria from the QT tank to your normal....hope I just misunderstood what you had in mind there.

And look at THAT Mr. Crabbs - He looks just like my old one, what a cutie!!! I demand more pictures of him pls :)

On the glass top: Easily happens if the tank was used for saltwater. If the CRL doesn't cut it for you use some good strong
vinegar, put cotton balls on the tough spots & poor the vinegar on it, let sit over night or so, works wonders :)

Oh yea you need WAY more plants!!! Like many many many more lol I'm sure you already took care of it, but just in case someone else uses this thread for guidance as well: remove the lil pots from the plants and the foamy stuff around the roots and then plant them in ya'll tanks :)
 
#25 ·
Angel079

Please tell me more about this removal of the pots and sponge....

I have had several plants in all my tanks and they still have the pots

Am I hendering the growth of my plants? Fill me in Please.......

and as far as the QT tank it will be seperate but under the tank next

to the over flow filter system.. I have a 30 gallon tank and a brand new

hang on the side filter for it.. thats what I intended to use and I am sorry if

I really didnt make myself clear. I have been so anxious in talking about this

180 gallon ... setup.....

The ( Lobster ) / ( Cray fish ) Blue in color he is a trip..... very personal..

HE comes up to the front of the glass when I approach him.. like I had

him trained or something.. lol... and I dont feed him that way either...

I actually feed him after the lights go out.... they are scavengers so I figured

it would be in his best interests... if you have already had one PLEASE share with

me and others your experience's with yours.

Thanks
Ron
 
#27 ·
Angel079

Please tell me more about this removal of the pots and sponge....

I have had several plants in all my tanks and they still have the pots

Am I hendering the growth of my plants? Fill me in Please.......
Angel's outside rinsing sand, freezing her you-know-what off.

You remove your plants from the pots so their roots can grow. If you leave them in the pots they will become rootbound and fail to grow nicely. Their roots need room to grow and spread out. Any "foamy" stuff should gently be pulled away from the root balls before you plant them back into your gravel. HTH
 
#26 ·
Mean Harri

THANKS ALOT....... for your kind words.... I have to say it has been a

challenge.... I have researched alot online before making the plunge.

but so far it has turned out Very Well....

The Tank is VERY NEW.... not through its first Cycle Yet....

The plants should help in this process..and speed up the Cycle.

It has proven very affective for me in the past...

Do you have a tank right now? if so what size and what type of fish?


Ron
 
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