tank not drilled...how to add sump?

[Fcamdog]

I have a 36" long 40g tank. Currently it has a CPR BakPak and an Emperor 280 on it. The tank doesn't do too bad, but I would like to toy around with a sump and see how nice I could really get the water. What overflow, pump and plumbing would you recommend? All pictures, diagrams, emails, ect... will be greatly appreciated. This will be the first sump I install on a tank myself so feel free to break down the lingo Barney style, nice and easy. Thanks ahead for the advice/help.

[golfish]

You need an external overflow. I would find a LFS that has one setup and study it. There pretty simple once you see how they work.

[tendar]

To add a sump to a tank that is not drilled takes more effort than one drilled but this is what you will need.

First you will need a hang on over flow box. The box hangs on the back of the tank and pulls water out of the tank and down to the sump. There serveral kinds to get with CPR and Life reef being 2 of the favorites. You can see a pic of a CPR at Premiumaquatics.com.

Next you will need a sump. A sump can be any thing that holds water. Some people have used rubber maid contianers as the cheapest way to go or you can get a second tank standard tank or get a custom made acrylic tank. Which ever way you go try to get the biggest one the will fit in the stand but still leaving room for for an external pump if you go with an external pump.

Next comes the return pump.
The return pump comes in 2 choices either an internal pump that goes into the sump or an external pump that goes out side the sump. Most prefer the external pump because it transfers less heat to the tank but with an external you have to have your sump drilled and extra plumbing. For your set up and size of tank you would be fine with an internal pump like a SEN or Mag Drive. The size is up to you on how much flow you want in your tank.

Finally is returns.
This can be a little tricky unless you wanted to spend $150 for a sea swirl which would be easy to install and better for your tank with the rotating motion but they are pricey and have ben having some problems lately. The other option is to use pvc that hangs over the back of the tank for returns.

[Fcamdog]

Sounds like what I was thinking for equipment, thanks for the replies. I'll be buying the hardware as soon as possible. Once I have the gear I'll be posting a few questions, mostly asking to see some people's diagrams/pictures. But that's for later...

[naser]

well before i had a bult in overflow i allways used a lifereef overlfow box. worked great, never lost its syphon.!!