General sump question

[salttanker]

Hello all - I recently setup my 90G FO tank and I think all the equipment that was added: powerheads, skimmer, Fluval systems, heater, etc..takes away from the natural look of the tank. It looks soooooo cluttered. I would like to have this stuff hidden from view. I have read about a lot of people using sumps for underneathe the cabinet for accessories such as these.
Forgive me since I am new to the modern way of doing things, but I was wondering if someone could assist me in determining what I would need to accomplish this. Any info would be great.
This is a FO tank for now, but may turn it into a FOWLR later.

Thanks,

Mike

[patsfan1130]

Hello all - I recently setup my 90G FO tank and I think all the equipment that was added: powerheads, skimmer, Fluval systems, heater, etc..takes away from the natural look of the tank. It looks soooooo cluttered. I would like to have this stuff hidden from view. I have read about a lot of people using sumps for underneathe the cabinet for accessories such as these.
Forgive me since I am new to the modern way of doing things, but I was wondering if someone could assist me in determining what I would need to accomplish this. Any info would be great.
This is a FO tank for now, but may turn it into a FOWLR later.

Thanks,

Mike

Most people simply use a smaller fishtank as their sump. I use a 20L on my 90 and works just fine. You also will need to purchase an overflow box (clear) which hangs on the back of your tank and uses a siphon/gravity to allow tank water to run into the sump. You then need a pump to return the water to your tank. All equipment can then be placed in your sump and the only things visible in the tank would be the overflow box and the return hose. A lot of people use a baffle system to reduce/eliminate bubbles but I've never had a problem. A baffle system is nothing more than sheets of plexiglass (usually 3) siliconed to the inside of the sump which forces the water inside it to run under/over each piece of plexi.


Mark

[Reefland]

I would also add to make sure that your pump is rated just a tab bit higher thatn your overflow is and use a ball valve (or gate valve) on the pump output to reduce it to just slightly lower than the overflow capacity.

Scott Z.